Turkey breeder hen performance by strain during consecutive lay periods.

Abstract

The results of this study provide information about reproductive performance among commercially available strains of Large White Turkey breeder hens, Nicholas (N), British United (B), and Hybrid (H). The hens were managed identically through two consecutive lay periods, summer-fall (1st-yr) followed by winter-spring (recycled). Effects of the intensity (351 vs 24 lx) of supplemental light were evaluated during the 1st-yr lay period. Data were collected for onset of oviposition, egg production, BW, feed consumption, livability, egg weight, and egg components. Light intensity had similar effects on all variables measured. There were neither strain differences nor genetic interactions with light intensity treatment. There was no difference in livability among strains (P = .20) or between year of lay (P = .08), and there was no strain by year interaction. Body weight differed by strains and year and there was a significant strain by year interaction. In general, N were heavier than H or B in the 1st-yr and early recycle lay period, whereas H and B were similar in BW in both lay periods. Recycled hens of all strains were heavier than 1st-yr hens. The onset of lay was earlier in H than B or N in both lay periods and all three strains had a delay in onset of lay after recycling. Through 23 wk photostimulation the B hens produced more eggs per hen than N or H hens (B > N > H) and recycled hens produced more eggs per hen than 1st-yr hens. Strain, year, and strain by year interaction effects were significant for egg weight. The first eggs laid, as well as subsequent eggs in both lay periods, were heaviest in N hens. In all strains, percentage yolk increased and albumen decreased with time in lay. However, N hens had a smaller percentage yolk and greater albumen than H or B hens. The mean percentage shell was greatest in H hens.