[Requirements of turkeys kept on the ground with respect to energy and crude protein content of mixed feeds].

In four experiments with 9,500 turkeys assorted according to sex, three energy levels (500, 550 and 600 EFh (energetic feed units for hens = 14,6 kJ net energy body fat of hens)/kg feed) were combined with three levels of crude protein (250, 300 and 350 g/kg feed) in the mixed feed (9 rations) and tested under conditions of keeping the turkeys on the ground from hatching to their 42nd day of life. The feed consumption of the turkeys did not correlate with the energy content of the mixed feed. The energy consumption of the groups whose mixed feed had a high energy content (550 and 600 EFh) was significantly higher than that of groups whose feed had a low energy content. With the increasing content of crude protein in the mixed feed the consumption of crude protein per turkey and test period rose significantly. Due to the increase of the content of energy and crude protein, the live weight gain increased after a 28- and 42-day test period; the growth-stimulating effect was more distinct with male animals. Mortality had no connections with nutrition. For the starting-off feed for turkeys an energy content of < 580 EFh with 300 g crude protein per kg mixed feed up to the 4th/5th week of life is recommended.