ABSTRACT
In 1970, a male turkey averaged only 16.9 pounds and required 3.10 pounds of feed for every pound of gain at 18 weeks of age. Today, genetic and nutritional improvements have increased growth such that the average male turkey at 18 weeks of age is 33.4 pounds and only requires 2.52 pounds of feed for every pound of gain (Fig. 1).[1] This phenomenal increase in growth has not come without its share of health, metabolic, structural, and nutritional issues. Primary issues in the area of nutrition for modern turkey production include: transition diets at the start of life; feeding to maximize gastrointestinal tract (GIT) health; bone integrity; minimizing environmental impact; and maximizing muscle mass and meat quality.
