Feeding turkeys in phase 3: an important point that many do not know

Industrial breeding of turkeys is considered profitable, primarily due to the demand for meat. Turkeys are productive and gain weight quickly. On average, a turkey can reach a weight of 17-20 kilograms in just 14-16 weeks.

High feed conversion rates are also important. Turkeys have a high nutrient utilization efficiency, which means they make the most of the feed they receive to gain weight. This allows you to reduce feed costs and increase the economic efficiency of industrial breeding.

Stable demand for turkey guarantees sales, in addition, turkey meat is often sold at a higher price than, for example, chicken meat due to its dietary and flavor profile. 

Today, modern adjustments are being made to the turkey feeding system and digitalization is being introduced. Thus, GIG Geflugel GmbH has developed a digital turkey feeding map based onresearchthat is a bit of a game-changer. 

“Current research in the turkey industry indicates that it is important to look not only at weeks of life but also at body weight when feeding. The usual standard is to select feed based on the bird's developmental phase and weeks of life. This standard can be found in many feeding guidelines as well as breeding companies.

However, it is important not to simply hope for compensatory gains at the end of fattening, relying on simplistic recommendations, but to actively manage feeding in the critical phase 3. 

Feeding standards by week of life should be questioned as soon as body weight in phase 3 (6-9 weeks of life) deviates from the target by more than 25%. In many of our own feeding evaluations, we have found that the greatest deviations from target live weight occur during the third phase. Ultimately, this finding is also consistent with field reports and feedback from farmers.

So, at the 7th week of life, the deviation from the target should not be more than 1 kilogram of live weight, and at the 9th week of life - no more than 1.5 kilograms. Anything more always leads to too low slaughter weight. If you observe deviations of more than 25% at this time, take urgent measures: change the feeding plan with the involvement of a specialist, introduce food with an increased profile of digestible amino acids, check your health poultry and the quality of hygiene, well-being during maintenance.”