Key Technical Points for Feeding and Management of Turkeys During Brooding, Growing, and Laying Periods
Brooding Stage
After hatching, poults are moved to a brooder box 24 hours later for rearing. They are encouraged and trained to start eating, and given clean warm boiled water at about 20°C. Newly hatched poults should be fed high-protein feed, with crude protein in the diet reaching about 25%. At the same time, various vitamins and minerals and green feed should also be supplemented. In the first week after birth, feed 5 to 6 times a day, and after 4 weeks change to 4 times. The heating standard for newly hatched poults is higher than for ordinary domestic chicks, with the temperature required to reach 35 to 38°C, then decreasing by 3°C each week until heating is no longer needed. Poults like spicy flavors, so when mixing feed, an appropriate amount of scallions, garlic, and chives can be added to increase the poults' appetite, inhibit bacteria, and promote digestion.
Growing Stage
Female turkeys enter the growing period at 8 weeks of age, and male turkeys at 10 weeks of age. During this period, feed should be appropriately controlled and the rate of increase slowed, which is beneficial for future egg production. Generally, the crude protein level in the diet can be reduced to 15% to 18%. Where conditions permit, grazing can be carried out during the day, with appropriate supplementation in the morning and evening of bran, grains, chopped sweet potato, and so on.
Laying Stage
Female turkeys begin their first laying period from 30 weeks of age. During the laying period, a complete formula feed should be provided, maintaining the protein level at 18% to 20%. Generally, after each 10 to 15 eggs laid, the female turkey begins to brood and incubate the eggs. In order to make female turkeys lay more eggs, common methods of breaking broodiness can be adopted to prompt them to stop brooding as soon as possible. Turkeys mostly mate naturally, with a male-to-female turkey ratio of 1:10. Breeding male turkeys are required to be healthy, lively, with glossy feathers and thick, straight legs; breeding female turkeys are required to have a flat back, straight tail, broad chest, large body, and brightly colored feathers and caruncles. To avoid inbreeding and breed degeneration, breeding male turkeys should be introduced or exchanged from other places.