Research from Dr. Michael Lilburn of Ohio State University has shown that body weight in turkey breeder hens can be controlled through intake of lower nutrient content diets without using physical feed restriction. The research project also examined body composition and its effects on egg production, showing that the lighter weight hens had higher hen-day production, and the heavier hens produced significantly heavier eggs.
The research project, which was recently completed, is part of U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY) comprehensive research program, which encompasses all phases all poultry and egg production and processing.
A complete report on Lilburn’s research on turkey hens can be found on the USPOULTRY website.
