Protein and energy self‐selection by turkey hens: Reproductive performance

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Abstract
1. The influence of protein and energy self-selection on the reproductive performance of turkey hens was investigated. Large White turkey hens were fed on either a complete diet (185 g CP/kg, 11.30 MJ ME/kg) or were provided with a choice between a high protein-low energy diet (348 g CP/kg, 7.74 MJ ME/kg) and a high energy-low protein diet (81 g CP/kg, 13.39 MJ ME/kg). 2. Egg production, egg weight, and the fertility and hatchability of eggs produced were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). 3. While energy intake was not significantly different between groups, protein consumption decreased by approximately 40% (P .ltoreq. 0.001) among self-selecting hens compared to hens fed on the complete diet. This resulted in a 10% (P .ltoreq. 0.05) reduction in the food intake in the self-selecting birds.