THE USE OF POPCORN IN DIETS FOR GROWING TURKEYS

A variety of popcorn (Zea mays everta) grown in Ohio was analyzed for CP and amino acids and subsequently used in diets for growing turkeys. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate popcorn as a substitu te for standard, Number 2 yellow dent com in conventional diets for st arting and growing turkeys. In comparison with Number 2 yellow dent co m, popcorn was higher in CP and methionine but similar in lysine. Ther e were no effects due to com type on BW at 4 or 18 wk, feed conversion from 7 to 14 days, or fecal dry matter from 7 to 14 days. Popcorn can be an effective partial or full substitute for Number 2 yellow dent c om in diets for turkeys, and cost makes it an attractive alternative.