EFFECT OF PROTEIN RESTRICTION DURING BROODING ON SPONTANEOUS TURKEY CARDIOMYOPATHY

The effect of early protein restriction on poult performance and morta lity due to spontaneous turkey cardiomyopathy were examined in a facil ity that historically had a high incidence of the condition. Two thous and male turkey poults were divided into two equal subgroups for the f irst 4 weeks of life: one received standard commercial rations for the first 4 weeks (high-protein subgroup), and the other received rations with a protein content approximately 70% of the first subgroup (low-p rotein subgroup). Rations were the same after 4 weeks of age (standard commercial rations). At 16 weeks of age, turkeys in the low-protein s ubgroup weighed an average of 12.32 kilograms (27.1 pounds), whereas t urkeys in the high-protein subgroup weighed an average of 12.73 kilogr ams (28.0 pounds). Total mortality for the low-protein subgroup was 10 .1%, whereas total mortality for the high-protein subgroup was 15.7%. Total mortality due to spontaneous turkey cardiomyopathy in the high-p rotein subgroup was greater than twice that in the low-protein subgrou p (10.4% versus 4.6%). These results show that lowering the protein co ntent of the feed in the first 4 weeks significantly reduces mortality due to spontaneous turkey cardiomyopathy, but body weight gain is als o reduced.