Effect of strain and finisher diet non-phytate phosphorus level on performance and litter composition in large tom production

Abstract

Sustainable practices relative to manure nutrient content are essential to commercial turkey production due to the perception that land application of poultry manure is a primary contributor to watershed eutrophication. The objective of our research was to determine the effect of finisher diet non-phytate phosphorus (nPP) levels on large tom performance and litter composition. Two experiments of similar concept were conducted and each experiment was a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments utilizing two commercial strains and two levels of dietary nPP (normal and low). In Experiment 1, dietary nPP was reduced during the last finisher diet [Normal (0.37) and Low (0.31)]. In Experiment 2, dietary nPP was reduced in the last 2 finisher diets [Normal (0.58) and Low (0.55) in the Finisher 1 diet and Normal (0.40) and Low (0.38) in the Finisher 2 diet]. Performance measurements were recorded from d 1-136 and d 1-126 in Exp 1 and 2, respectively and litter phosphorus (P) levels were determined. In Exp 1, both strains had similar ending weight (EW) and Strain B had an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). There were no differences in performance or litter P due to nPP level, indicating the potential to decrease feed cost but not environmental impact. In Exp 2, Strain A had greater EW but increased FCR compared to Strain B. Regression equations that standardized strain EW predicted a decreased time of production and FCR for Strain A. The lower nPP level applied in both finisher diets decreased total litter P (p<0.065). © Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2014.