Turkey
MANAGEMENT GUIDE
A Complete Guide To Profitable Performance
www.newlifemills.com
Feeding Your Future
Founded in 1964, New-Life Mills delivers proven nutrition
for profitable livestock performance.
About Us
Since 1964 New-Life Mills has been proud to be a Canadian owned
developer and manufacturer of proven livestock nutrition. As a division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited, New-Life Mills is committed
to the future of agriculture in Canada. For over 100 years P&H has
been operating as part of the Canadian agriculture industry, with
interests in grain handling, trading operations, flour milling, poultry
farming and New-Life Mills animal feed division.
Proven Nutrition
New-Life Mills is committed to providing the best possible feed
and services to the producers of chicken, eggs, turkey, beef, dairy,
swine, goat and sheep. Company owned farms facilitate monitored
commercial testing of new and innovative feeds and ingredients to
ensure our nutrition programs perform and our customers profit.
New-Life Mills is feeding the future through proven nutrition which
supports profitable livestock performance.
Profitable Performance
New-Life Mill's nutrition programs promote animal health, optimize genetic potential and aspire to increase producer profitability. Feeding programs are designed to deliver efficient feed conversions and healthy livestock through premium feed and optimal
management practices.
Proven nutrition starts with the right inputs. Sourced locally when
possible, our own nutrition team continuously delivers proven nutrition programs for broiler chickens, laying chickens, turkeys, beef
cattle, sheep, goat and dairy cows. Working closely with breeders,
producers and nutrition experts, feeding programs are continuously
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
monitored to improve desired results and respond to genetic
changes.
Through encouraging modern barn management practices and
the strict implementation of Feed Assure™ (HACCP) programs
throughout the manufacturing process, New-Life Mills delivers
proven nutrition and profitable performance to livestock farmers
across Canada.
Knowledgeable People
New-Life Mills takes “Feeding Your Future” very seriously. Our
knowledgeable team of agriculture industry professionals is passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience to support
the success of Canadian farmers. We develop our people through
continuous education, supporting organizations which promote
Canadian farming and its future, and partner with our customers
to provide training opportunities designed to deliver the information needed to understand the application of animal nutrition and
achieve profitable results.
The Turkey Management Guide
The management guide you hold in your hands has the ability to
help enhance your production performance, managerial operations and profitability. New-Life Mill's poultry nutritionists and
poultry specialists are pleased to have this opportunity to share
with you what we have learned through the relationships we have
built with you our customers, the ongoing research we conduct
and our combined experience. We’re looking forward to feeding
your future, one flock at a time.
Turkey Management Guide | 1
Feed Safety... a priority
Table of Contents
FeedAssure™ is a comprehensive feed safety management
and certification program developed for the Canadian feed
industry through the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada
(ANAC) in 1999. FeedAssure™ is a feed industry-customized
HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) program of
processes and controls which sets the highest safety standards for the production of animal feed.
Feeding Your Future.......................................................1
Each person in the production chain at New-Life Mills plays
an important role in the overall success of the program. Order desk staff must make sure that orders are detailed and
correct. Batchers and pellet mill operators double-check sequencing and flush equipment to prevent medication carry
over. Receivers conduct inspections and testing of incoming
ingredients for quality and reject any that do not meet our
criteria. Drivers deliver feed to the correct farms and bins,
taking care that medications make it to the prescribed flocks
or livestock. With each role, comes a responsibility to stop
and question any situation that poses a risk to the HACCP
program at New-Life Mills - our employees' dedication to
these high standards is what makes this program succeed.
New-LIfe Mills Turkey Feeding Program.................5
All New-Life Mills feed processing facilities in Canada are
FeedAssure™ HACCP certified by ANAC (Animal Nutrition Association of Canada) through third-party auditors SGS Canada. This certificate demonstrates our commitment to the
highest standards of feed production and quality.
Brooding Turkeys..........................................................14
Feed Safety........................................................................2
Weights & Feed................................................................3
Impact of Nutrition.........................................................4
Feed Texture Guidelines...............................................6
Breed Standards - Turkey Body Weights.................7
Hens on MM2................................................................8,9
Toms on TR...............................................................10,11
Raising Turkeys without Antibiotics (RWA).........12
Barn Management.......................................................13
Brooding Temperatures for Turkeys.......................15
Lighting Programs........................................................16
Barn Ventilation.............................................................17
Cold, Humid Air is Lighter than Cold, Dry Air.....18
Bird Health......................................................................19
Water Quality Standards for Turkeys.....................20
Water Soluble Products for Turkeys.................21,22
Feed Medication Guidelines.....................................23
Common Turkey Diseases...................................24,25
Biosecurity.......................................................................26
Industry Contacts.........................................................27
The information in this manual should be used as a guideline
only, and does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of performance in any way. Results will be affected by feeding program,
water quality, environmental conditions, flock health and growing density. Please monitor your birds closely and make management decisions based on the observations in your barn and
as mandated by law.
2 | Turkey Management Guide Notes.................................................................................28
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Weights & Feed
• Impact of Nutrition
• Feed Program
• Feed Texture Guidelines
• Body Weights- Breed Standards
• Hens on MM2
• Toms on TR
• Raised without Antibiotics
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Management Guide | 3
Impact of Nutrition
on Commercial Turkeys
There have been significant advances made in regards to the genetic selection and growth potential of commercial turkeys over the last
several years. Today, we are growing a very efficient bird in a variety of different scenarios. Nutrient requirements for growth and maintenance are influenced by factors such as: sex, age, health, genetics and the environment they are raised in. For optimal performance a
high standard of care, health, biosecurity and nutrition is needed to realize the benefits of:
•
•
•
•
Improved weight for age
Improved feed conversion
Increased growth rate
Increased lean tissue accretion
A practical feeding challenge exists in trying to satisfy all of the nutritional needs of the turkey since they have a very high requirement
for energy, protein and amino acids.
Energy
Energy is supplied primarily by carbohydrates from grain sources, fats and oils. It is required for the growth of tissue and the maintenance
of normal body functions. Dietary energy requirements will increase continuously throughout the lifecycle of the turkey. Turkeys are
very efficient at using added fat to meet their high energy requirement.
Protein
Protein is supplied primarily from grains, oilseed meals and animal by-product meals. It is broken down into amino acids as a result of
digestive processes - protein quality is determined by its balance of amino acids.
Macro Minerals
Macro minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are required for bone development and nervous and immune system function. Sodium,
potassium and chloride are essential for a number of metabolic systems. Deficiencies can affect feed intake and growth, while in excess
will encourage water intake and consequently wet litter.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and trace minerals are needed for all metabolic functions. They are supplied in trace amounts and are essential to maximize
turkey growth.
The Role of the Nutritionist
Nutritionists must constantly re-evaluate nutrient requirements in order to determine the most profitable approach to feeding turkeys
since the genetic potential is improving constantly. In addition, they must decide on the number and type of diets to be used in a feeding
program in order to meet the needs of the growing turkey, while maximizing profitability. In turkey starter and early grower diets, protein
and amino acids are often the most expensive nutrients in the formulation. In the late grower and finisher diets it is the high levels of
added fat that drive the cost of the ration. The trick is to use the range of possible nutrient densities over the life of the flock to determine
the most efficient and profitable way to maximize performance.
Factors that Influence Performance
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Brooding conditions
Stocking density
Feeder space
Feed availability
Lighting programs
Lighting intensity
Air quality
Temperature and humidity
4 | Turkey Management Guide •
•
•
•
•
•
•
Heat/cold stress
Health status & gut health
Water quality
Water availability
Breeder flock age, health and nutrition
Age, sex, breed
Medications
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Hens
5.0 kg
Broiler Hen
6.2 kg
Hen
LATE-LAY
MID-LAY
8.5 kg
Heavy Hen
Toms
12.5 kg
Light Tom
16 kg
Tom
Feed Type
Kg/Bird
Cumulative
Kg/Bird
MM2 Turkey Starter 1 Ration
1.55
1.55
MM2 Turkey Starter 2 Ration
1.90
3.45
MM2 Turkey Grower 1 Ration
3.00
6.45
MM2 Turkey Grower 2 Ration
2.80
9.25
Targeted FCR
-
1.85
MM2 Turkey Starter 1 Ration
1.55
1.55
MM2 Turkey Starter 2 Ration
1.90
3.45
MM2 Turkey Grower 1 Ration
3.00
6.45
MM2 Turkey Grower 2 Ration
3.90
10.35
MM2 Turkey Finisher 1
2.15
12.50
Targeted FCR
-
2.02
MM2 Turkey Starter 1 Ration
1.55
1.55
MM2 Turkey Starter 2 Ration
1.90
3.45
MM2 Turkey Grower 1 Ration
3.00
6.45
MM2 Turkey Grower 2 Ration
3.90
10.35
MM2 Turkey Finisher 1
4.35
14.70
MM2 Turkey Finisher 2
3.90
18.60
Targeted FCR
-
2.19
Feed Type
Kg/Bird
Cumulative
Kg/Bird
TR Turkey Starter 1 Ration
1.60
1.60
TR Turkey Starter 2 Ration
2.15
3.75
TR Turkey Grower 1 Ration
3.32
7.07
TR Turkey Grower 2 Ration
4.60
11.67
TR Turkey Grower 3 Ration
5.60
17.27
TR Turkey Finisher 1
7.60
24.87
Targeted FCR
-
1.99
TR Turkey Starter 1 Ration
1.60
1.60
TR Turkey Starter 2 Ration
2.15
3.75
TR Turkey Grower 1 Ration
3.32
7.07
TR Turkey Grower 2 Ration
4.60
11.67
TR Turkey Grower 3 Ration
5.60
17.27
TR Turkey Finisher 1
6.90
24.17
TR Turkey Finisher 2
11.00
35.17
Targeted FCR
-
2.20
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Management Guide | 5
Weights & Feed
Turkey Feeding Program
Feed Texture Guidelines
Feed Texture Guide
Diet Phase
Load
Approx. Age*
Feed Form
Starter 1
1st Load
0-19 days
Medium Crumb
Starter 1
2nd Load
19-28 days
Coarse Crumb
Starter 2
1st load
26-36 days
Short Pellet
Starter 2
2nd load
36 days +
Pellet
Grower 1
All Loads
-
Pellet
Grower 2
All Loads
-
Pellet
To Market
All Loads
-
Pellet
*Below photos are not to scale.
0-19 days
19-28 days
26-36 days
36 + days
Medium Crumb
Coarse Crumb
Short Pellet
Pellet
6 | Turkey Management Guide Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Body Weights
Breed Standards
Hens
Toms
Body Weight Guidelines (kgs)
Body Weight Guidelines (kgs)
Age (wks)
Hybrid
Nicholas
Age (wks)
Hybrid
Nicholas
1
0.15
0.15
1
0.16
0.16
2
0.38
0.34
2
0.38
0.34
3
0.71
0.63
3
0.74
0.69
4
1.16
1.02
4
1.28
1.25
5
1.70
1.51
5
1.95
1.98
6
2.36
2.11
6
2.79
2.85
7
3.16
2.83
7
3.76
3.84
8
4.05
3.62
8
4.84
4.94
9
4.98
4.46
9
6.04
6.16
10
5.94
5.36
10
7.37
7.51
11
6.88
6.29
11
8.75
8.92
12
7.80
7.23
12
10.12
10.35
13
8.66
8.13
13
11.55
11.78
14
9.45
8.99
14
13.05
13.20
15
10.16
9.80
15
14.50
14.61
16
10.82
10.50
16
15.99
15.98
17
11.40
11.11
17
17.40
17.31
18
11.91
11.66
18
18.70
18.60
19
12.37
12.15
19
19.91
19.85
20
12.75
12.62
20
21.09
21.05
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Management Guide | 7
Hens on MM2 Program
Feed
Intake (kg/bird)
Days
of Age
Body
Weight
(kg)
Water
Intake
(ml/bird)
Daily
Total
0
0.06
0.025
0.025
1
0.08
0.034
0.059
2
0.09
0.037
0.096
33
3
0.11
0.041
0.137
4
0.12
0.045
5
0.14
6
Feed
Intake (kg/bird)
Days
of Age
Body
Weight
(kg)
Daily
Total
Water
Intake
(ml/bird)
34
1.71
0.156
3.247
283
35
1.80
0.160
3.406
293
36
1.88
0.163
3.569
299
39
37
1.98
0.167
3.736
305
0.182
46
38
2.04
0.171
3.907
311
0.049
0.231
53
39
2.15
0.174
4.081
318
0.15
0.052
0.283
60
40
2.24
0.178
4.259
324
7
0.17
0.056
0.339
67
41
2.33
0.182
4.441
330
8
0.19
0.060
0.398
74
42
2.41
0.185
4.626
337
9
0.22
0.063
0.462
80
43
2.50
0.189
4.815
345
10
0.24
0.067
0.529
87
44
2.62
0.193
5.008
353
11
0.27
0.071
0.599
93
45
2.71
0.197
5.205
361
12
0.30
0.074
0.674
99
46
2.82
0.200
5.405
369
13
0.34
0.078
0.752
106
47
2.93
0.204
5.609
377
14
0.38
0.082
0.834
112
48
3.07
0.208
5.816
385
15
0.41
0.086
0.919
120
49
3.17
0.211
6.028
392
16
0.46
0.089
1.008
129
50
3.27
0.215
6.243
396
17
0.50
0.093
1.101
137
51
3.37
0.219
6.461
400
18
0.54
0.097
1.198
146
52
3.47
0.222
6.684
404
19
0.59
0.100
1.298
155
53
3.56
0.226
6.910
408
20
0.67
0.104
1.402
163
54
3.69
0.230
7.140
412
21
0.74
0.108
1.510
172
55
3.81
0.234
7.373
416
22
0.80
0.111
1.621
179
56
3.93
0.237
7.610
420
23
0.87
0.115
1.736
186
57
4.04
0.241
7.851
429
24
0.93
0.119
1.855
192
58
4.16
0.245
8.096
438
25
1.00
0.123
1.978
199
59
4.25
0.248
8.344
448
26
1.08
0.126
2.104
206
60
4.40
0.252
8.596
457
27
1.15
0.130
2.234
213
61
4.54
0.256
8.852
467
28
1.22
0.134
2.367
219
62
4.67
0.259
9.111
476
29
1.30
0.137
2.505
230
63
4.80
0.263
9.374
486
30
1.38
0.141
2.646
240
64
4.93
0.267
9.641
488
31
1.46
0.145
2.790
251
65
5.06
0.271
9.912
491
32
1.54
0.148
2.939
262
66
5.20
0.274
10.186
493
33
1.63
0.152
3.091
272
67
5.33
0.278
10.464
496
8 | Turkey Management Guide Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Age/ Weight
Feed & Water Intake
Feed
Intake (kg/bird)
Days
of Age
Body
Weight
(kg)
Daily
Total
Water
Intake
(ml/bird)
68
5.46
0.282
10.745
498
69
5.59
0.285
11.031
500
70
5.72
0.289
11.320
503
71
5.85
0.293
11.612
509
72
5.98
0.296
11.909
516
73
6.12
0.300
12.209
523
74
6.25
0.304
12.513
530
75
6.37
0.308
12.820
537
76
6.50
0.311
13.131
544
77
6.62
0.315
13.446
551
78
6.75
0.319
13.765
570
79
6.87
0.322
14.087
590
80
7.00
0.326
14.413
610
81
7.12
0.330
14.743
629
82
7.25
0.333
15.076
649
83
7.37
0.337
15.413
669
84
7.50
0.341
15.754
689
85
7.63
0.345
16.099
692
86
7.75
0.348
16.447
694
87
7.87
0.352
16.799
697
88
8.00
0.356
17.154
700
89
8.12
0.359
17.514
703
90
8.24
0.363
17.877
705
91
8.36
0.367
18.243
708
92
8.49
0.370
18.614
712
93
8.61
0.374
18.988
716
94
8.73
0.378
19.366
720
95
8.86
0.382
19.747
724
96
8.98
0.385
20.132
729
97
9.10
0.389
20.521
733
98
9.22
0.393
20.914
737
99
9.35
0.396
21.310
738
100
9.47
0.400
21.710
740
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Management Guide | 9
Toms on TR Program
Days
of Age
Body
Weight
(kg)
Feed
Intake (kg/bird)
Daily
Total
Feed
Intake (kg/bird)
Water
Intake
(ml/bird)
Days
of Age
Body
Weight
(kg)
Daily
Total
Water
Intake
(ml/bird)
0
0.06
30
43
2.74
0.207
3.835
353
1
0.07
0.021
0.021
33
44
2.86
0.207
4.042
361
2
0.09
0.024
0.045
39
45
2.99
0.207
4.249
369
3
0.10
0.024
0.069
46
46
3.12
0.207
4.456
377
4
0.11
0.024
0.093
53
47
3.25
0.207
4.663
385
5
0.12
0.024
0.117
60
48
3.37
0.207
4.870
392
6
0.14
0.024
0.141
67
49
3.50
0.205
5.075
396
7
0.15
0.024
0.165
74
50
3.64
0.250
5.325
400
8
0.18
0.041
0.206
80
51
3.78
0.250
5.575
404
9
0.22
0.041
0.246
87
52
3.92
0.250
5.825
408
10
0.25
0.041
0.287
93
53
4.06
0.250
6.075
412
11
0.29
0.041
0.328
99
54
4.21
0.250
6.325
416
12
0.32
0.041
0.369
106
55
4.35
0.250
6.575
420
13
0.35
0.041
0.409
112
56
4.49
0.250
6.825
429
14
0.39
0.041
0.450
120
57
4.67
0.322
7.147
438
15
0.44
0.061
0.511
129
58
4.84
0.322
7.469
448
16
0.48
0.061
0.571
137
59
5.02
0.322
7.791
457
17
0.53
0.061
0.632
146
60
5.19
0.322
8.113
467
18
0.58
0.061
0.693
155
61
5.37
0.322
8.435
476
19
0.63
0.061
0.754
163
62
5.54
0.322
8.757
486
20
0.68
0.061
0.814
172
63
5.71
0.325
9.082
488
21
0.72
0.061
0.875
179
64
5.89
0.359
9.441
491
22
0.80
0.098
0.973
186
65
6.06
0.359
9.800
493
192
66
6.24
0.359
10.159
496
23
0.87
0.098
1.071
24
0.94
0.098
1.169
199
67
6.42
0.359
10.518
498
25
1.01
0.098
1.268
206
68
6.59
0.359
10.877
500
26
1.08
0.098
1.366
213
69
6.77
0.359
11.236
503
27
1.16
0.098
1.464
219
70
6.94
0.358
11.594
509
7.15
0.632
12.226
516
28
1.23
0.098
1.562
230
71
29
1.32
0.132
1.694
240
72
7.35
0.632
12.858
523
30
1.41
0.132
1.826
251
73
7.55
0.632
13.490
530
31
1.50
0.132
1.958
262
74
7.75
0.632
14.122
537
32
1.59
0.132
2.090
272
75
7.95
0.632
14.754
544
8.16
0.632
15.386
551
33
1.68
0.132
2.222
283
76
34
1.77
0.132
2.354
293
77
8.36
0.632
16.018
570
35
1.87
0.133
2.487
299
78
8.56
0.632
16.650
590
36
1.98
0.163
2.650
305
79
8.76
0.632
17.282
610
37
2.08
0.163
2.813
311
80
8.97
0.632
17.914
629
9.17
0.632
18.546
649
38
2.19
0.163
2.976
318
81
39
2.29
0.163
3.139
324
82
9.38
0.632
19.178
669
40
2.40
0.163
3.302
330
83
9.58
0.632
19.810
689
41
2.51
0.163
3.465
337
84
9.78
0.632
20.442
692
42
2.61
0.163
3.628
345
85
10.18
0.632
21.074
694
10 | Turkey Management Guide Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Age/ Weight
Feed & Water Intake
Days
of Age
Feed
Intake (kg/bird)
Body
Weight
(kg)
Daily
Total
Water
Intake
(ml/bird)
86
10.57
0.632
21.706
697
87
10.96
0.632
22.338
700
88
11.35
0.632
22.970
703
89
11.74
0.632
23.602
705
90
12.14
0.632
24.234
708
91
12.53
0.641
24.875
712
92
12.71
0.539
25.414
716
93
12.89
0.539
25.953
720
724
94
13.07
0.539
26.492
95
13.25
0.539
27.031
729
96
13.43
0.539
27.570
733
97
13.60
0.539
28.109
737
98
13.78
0.539
28.648
738
99
13.95
0.539
29.187
740
100
14.12
0.539
29.726
741
101
14.29
0.539
30.265
743
102
14.46
0.539
30.804
744
103
14.64
0.539
31.343
745
104
14.81
0.539
31.882
747
105
14.98
0.539
32.421
748
106
15.14
0.539
32.960
748
107
15.31
0.539
33.499
749
108
15.47
0.539
34.038
750
109
15.64
0.539
34.577
751
110
15.80
0.539
35.116
751
111
15.96
0.539
35.655
752
112
16.13
0.539
36.194
752
113
16.27
0.539
36.733
753
114
16.42
0.539
37.272
753
115
16.56
0.539
37.811
754
116
16.70
0.539
38.350
754
117
16.85
0.539
38.889
755
118
16.99
0.539
39.428
755
119
17.13
0.539
39.967
756
120
17.27
0.539
40.506
756
121
17.42
0.539
41.045
757
122
17.56
0.539
41.584
757
123
17.70
0.539
42.123
758
124
17.85
0.539
42.662
758
125
17.99
0.539
43.201
759
126
18.13
0.539
43.740
760
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Management Guide | 11
Raising Turkeys
Without Antibiotics (RWA)
Without Antibiotics
The use of antibiotics in agriculture and its impact on antibiotic resistance in humans has received a lot of media attention over the last few years. Currently, the poultry industry
manages/controls antibiotic use and feels these medications
are used responsibly while the government maintains strict
control on antibiotic approvals and their use in turkey barns.
The poultry industry is actively researching the availability
and efficacy of alternative ingredients and there are programs in place for turkeys raised and marketed without the
use of antibiotics (RWA).
New-Life Mills does offer a RWA (raised without antibiotics)
program that is specifically designed to maximize the performance of turkeys grown without the use of medications.
The feeding program is designed to use a very specific ingredient matrix as well as research proven additives designed to
promote and enhance the health and well-being of turkeys
in conjunction with vaccination programs.
Ask your New-Life Feed Consultant how to get started on an
RWA program.
In order to grow turkeys successfully without the use of antibiotics many factors need to be considered. These include:
stress, barn environment, health status, management and
nutrition. With close monitoring and management of these
parameters, it is possible to achieve a successful antibiotic-free turkey program.
12 | Turkey Management Guide Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Barn Management
• Brooding
• Lighting
• Ventilation
• Humidity
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Management Guide | 13
Brooding Turkeys
A Good Start
To ensure a good start for your turkeys, you must pay particular attention during the brooding period as careful management of lighting, water, feed, and air is critical for successful brooding.
Constantly observing your birds and making the necessary
environmental adjustments will help you to keep them free
from stresses, which will allow the birds to thrive and perform at their optimal potential.
Lighting
Temperature
Light intensity during the brooding period should be between 60 to 80 lux. The brighter the light, the better the reflection or sparkle there is on the water and grit in the feed.
This will help attract the poults to the water and the feed.
The sooner they start on feed and water, the lower the incidence of starve out and dehydration. Early access to feed
and water will also stimulate the development of the gut
and promote the absorption of the yolk sac, helping to get
poults off to a great start.
Water
Poults should be provided with clean, fresh water that is
free from pathogens at all times. It is very important to
clean and disinfect water lines and drinkers between crops
to ensure there is no bacterial buildup. The addition of satellite drinkers for the first 5 to 7 days helps to provide the
poults with easy access to additional water sources. Water
lines should be flushed 24 hours prior to placement to ensure water is at room temperature. This will help prevent the
poults from becoming chilled.
Feed
Poults should be provided with easy access to a generous
supply of feed. Filling feed lines and hand feeding the pans
to keep them full for the first 5 to 7 days allows easier feed
access and reduces the chances that poults won’t be able
to find the feed. One tray or box full of supplemental feed
per 100 poults is recommended. The feed trays should be
topped up with fresh feed daily for the first 7 to 10 days.
Providing poults with additional grit on the top of the feed
will act as an attractant, as it sparkles under the bright lights
in the barn.
Brooding
Whether you are heating the barn with radiant tube heaters
or stove brooders, it is important to pre-heat the barn sufficiently in order to bring the concrete floor temperature up
to the desired temperature of 89⁰F to 92⁰F. This will help to
create a comfort zone for the poults of 102⁰F to 104⁰F on the
bedding. If the concrete floor is too cold, the birds will become chilled. The cooler concrete will also force the heater
to cycle more often, thereby increasing the intensity of the
heat. The increased intensity can lead to dehydration of
the poults and will raise the C02 level in the barn.
All barns are different when it comes to set point. Probe
placement and height will greatly affect the temperature
that the poults will feel from the heaters. The probe height
should be at bird level to ensure the heaters and fans are
running to create the appropriate temperature at the bird
level, as this is the environment the birds are in.
The other factor that needs to be considered during the
brooding period is the differential and offset on the control
for the heaters. If the heater is set with an offset and differential that is too wide, it will cause the heaters to run for an
extended period of time, dehydrating the poults, as well as
raising C02 levels, and potentially increasing the number of
flips. This will also increase stress levels of the birds and will
hinder the start up.
Establishing the set point while brooding should be done
by tracking floor temperatures and recording information
daily, as well as observing bird behaviour. This will make it
easier to choose a start temperature for future flocks. High
C02 levels will hinder poult performance and therefore
should be kept below 2800ppm for an optimum start.
Brooding for most operations will consist of cardboard
rings around the stoves or tube heaters. By doing this type
of brooding, smaller groups of birds are created thereby allowing them to thrive in an area where we have created the
perfect environmental conditions. By using these smaller
groupings, a low stress environment is created with perfect
floor and air temperature close to feed and water. When
these rings are created, be sure to count the number of
feeders and nipples in each area to ensure there is a suitable
supply for the number of birds in each ring.
14 | Turkey Management Guide Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Brooding Temperatures
Ring Brooding
Whole Room Brooding
Temperature Guidelines
Temperature Guidelines
Females
Day
1-7
8-11
12-16
17-19
20-23
24-26
27-28
29
30-31
32-33
34
35-37
38-39
40-41
42-43
44-45
46-47
48
49-51
52-53
54-56
57
58-59
60-61
62
63-83
84-88
89-91
92-94
95-98
⁰F
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
77
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
68
68
68
68
68
67
66
65
65
64
64
64
64
⁰C
28.9
28.3
27.8
27.2
26.7
26.1
25.6
25.0
24.4
23.9
23.3
22.8
22.2
21.7
21.1
20.6
20.0
20.0
20.0
20.0
20.0
20.0
19.4
18.9
18.3
18.3
17.8
17.8
17.8
17.8
Females
Males
⁰F
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
77
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
67
66
65
64
63
63
63
63
62
62
60
59
58
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Days
1
2
3
4
5
6
7-9
10-12
13-14
15-16
17
18-19
20-22
23
24-25
26-27
28-30
31
32-33
34
35-37
38-40
41-42
43-45
46-47
48-49
50-62
63-66
67-87
88-90
⁰C
28.9
28.3
27.8
27.2
26.7
26.1
25.6
25.0
24.4
23.9
23.3
22.8
22.2
21.7
21.1
20.6
20.0
19.4
18.9
18.3
17.8
17.2
17.2
17.2
17.2
16.7
16.7
15.6
15.0
14.4
⁰F
91
90
89
88
87
86
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
77
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
67
66
66
66
65
65
64
⁰C
32.8
32.2
31.7
31.1
30.6
30.0
28.9
28.3
27.8
27.2
26.7
26.1
25.6
25.0
24.4
23.9
23.3
22.8
22.2
21.7
21.1
20.6
20.0
19.4
18.9
18.9
18.9
18.3
18.3
17.8
Males
⁰F
91
90
89
88
87
86
84
83
82
81
80
79
78
77
76
75
74
73
72
71
70
69
68
67
66
65
64
63
62
61
⁰C
32.8
32.2
31.7
31.1
30.6
30.0
28.9
28.3
27.8
27.2
26.7
26.1
25.6
25.0
24.4
23.9
23.3
22.8
22.2
21.7
21.1
20.6
20.0
19.4
18.9
18.3
17.8
17.2
16.7
16.1
Turkey Management Guide | 15
Lighting Programs
for Commercial Turkeys
Lighting programs used to grow commercial turkeys can have a significant impact on overall performance and growth.
Ultimately, it is difficult to recommend one lighting program for all types of turkey production however; in the tables below
we have outlined examples of suitable lighting programs for both hens and toms grown in commercial settings.
Confinement Growing Lighting Program
TOMS
Age in Days
Hours of Light/
Day
Time of Lighting
Midnight Snack
1
24
-
2
23
3-5
Light Intensity
Foot Candles
Lux
-
10
100
-
-
10
100
20
2 am - 10 pm
-
10
100
6-9
18
3 am - 9 pm
-
8 - 10
80 - 100
9-105
16
5 am - 7 pm
11 pm - 1 am
6 - 10
60 - 100
106-126
16-18
4 am - 8 pm
11 pm - 1 am
6 -10
60 - 100
(2hrs)
HENS
Age in Days
Hours of Light/
Day
Time of Lighting
Midnight Snack
1
24
-
2
23
3-5
Light Intensity
Foot Candles
Lux
-
10
100
-
-
10
100
20
2 am - 10 pm
-
10
100
6-9
18
3 am - 9 pm
-
8 - 10
80 - 100
9-91
16
5 am - 8 pm
11 pm - 1 am
6 - 10
60 - 100
91-112
16-18
4 am - 8 pm
11 pm - 1 am
6 -10
60 - 100
16 | Turkey Management Guide (2hrs)
(2hrs)
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Barn Ventilation
for Commercial Turkeys
The purpose of ventilation in a turkey barn is to optimize the
barn environment and bird health, thereby maximizing production. This is done through removal of C02, as well as the
control of humidity levels and temperatures.
When we consider temperature, we must understand what the
controller is trying to do. If the ambient temperature is below
our set point, we are in minimum ventilation mode and the
heaters will most likely be cycling on and off.
Controlling C02 starts before the birds even get to the barn. Pre
heating and bringing the concrete temperature up in the barn
reduces the cycling time of the heaters. By doing this, we will
be able to exhaust the highest levels of C02 before the birds
arrive. If the concrete on the floor is not heated enough, cold
will radiate from the concrete reducing temperature, forcing
heaters to cycle more often and increasing C02 levels. This will
result in more fan power required to exhaust C02, causing temperature to decrease, and forcing the heaters to cycle more frequently, which may cause stress to the birds. Achieving a concrete temperature of 87°F to 92°F and a litter temperature of
98°F to 115°F before birds are placed will reduce heater cycling
and reduce C02. C02 levels should be kept below 2500 ppm for
optimum starts for turkeys.
Minimum ventilation fans will be running at a slow speed or on
a timer cycling on and off to remove C02 and humidity. If the
ambient temperature is above the set point, additional fans will
come on and speed up to try to lower the ambient temperature
down to the set point. As the temperature of the barn continues to rise, the fan stages will continue to come on. We want
maximum ventilation to be achieved by 7°F-9°F above our set
point. This will depend on the bird age and density.
Humidity in the barn must be controlled to reduce wet litter
and caking on the barn floor. If wet litter and caking occurs,
there will be an increase in the ammonia level in the barn. If
moisture is allowed to be absorbed in the litter, this will provide a place for bacteria to grow, increasing disease pressure
and compromising the birds’ immune system. Ventilation fans,
circulation fans and inlets are most commonly used to reduce
humidity and temperature.
The air speed entering the barn from the inlet is dependent on
the static pressure within the barn. The fans running creates a
negative pressure in the barn. Different barn designs and fan
stages require different static pressures, which will change
the air path in the barn. We want a low enough static pressure
that the air comes in the barn and remains at the ceiling to mix
with the warm air, then flows across the floor removing and
suspending moisture in the air for the exhaust fans to remove
from the barn. If there is not enough static pressure, cool air will
fall and will not preheat or have enough air speed to lift and
suspend moisture.
Misting, sprinkling and cool cells all may be used to reduce
temperature - cooling by evaporation. When the air comes in
contact with the water molecules, the warm air evaporates the
water molecules, resulting in a decrease in air temperature due
to the loss of heat during evaporation. The smaller the water
droplet or more surface area of the water exposed to the air, the
more air contact and evaporative cooling. On days with higher
levels of humidity, we can see a reduction in evaporation and
a reduction in cooling of the air. It is important to note that all
evaporative cooling will raise the humidity.
All temperature charts, fan speed and cfm charts are guidelines for operating your barn. Measuring as much data as possible in your barn will give you the information that you need to
ventilate your barn efficiently and adequately.
Pay close attention to your bird's
behaviour. This will be an indicator
of potential problems which need
to be addressed.
Fan Diameter
(inches)
Average Airflow
Capacity (CFM)
Today’s controls will adjust inlets and fan speeds based on
humidity to maintain a desired humidity level. A good rule of
thumb to follow is: at 50% RH, humidity is decreasing and at
70% RH, it is increasing. Keeping a lower humidity when the
birds are younger will reduce caking and preserve your litter
throughout the rest of the crop.
12"
1200
14"
1900
16"
2600
18"
3500
20"
4200
24"
6000
Circulation fans also play a part in our ventilation as they are
used to mix air, balancing the temperature throughout the
barn when we are in minimum ventilation, as well as to lift
moisture from the litter and suspend that moisture in the air
until the exhaust fans remove it.
36"
11000
48"
21000
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Note: All temperature, fan speed, and CFM charts are guidelines for operating your barn.
Collecting as much data as possible in your barn will give you the information that you
need to ventilate your barn efficiently and adequately.
Turkey Management Guide | 17
Cold, Humid Air Is Lighter
than Cold, Dry Air
University of Georgia: College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences,
Cooperative Extension, Poultry Housing Tips, November 2009
Probably the vast majority of people on the street, if you
asked them, would say that humid air is heavier than dry
air. After all, humid air has more moisture in it and therefore
should weigh more than air that contains less moisture. In
actuality, dry air weighs more than humid air. (Figure 2) This
is because moist air contains more water molecules, which
tends to displace oxygen and nitrogen molecules (actual
oxygen levels in air are not significantly affected by humidity).
Since a water molecule (H2O) weighs approximately 36%
and 44% less than those of Nitrogen (N2) or Oxygen (O2),
respectively, the air becomes lighter as the percentage of
water molecules contained in the air increase - though the
density of air does decrease as humidity increases, the effect is actually quite small. For instance, the density of 40°F
air decreases less than one percent as the relative humidly
increases from 20% to 100%.
Though it is true that the density of warmer air changes
more with humidity (due to the fact warm air can hold more
moisture than drier air), the differences are still very minimal (less than 1%) at temperatures typically seen in poultry
houses.
Though relative humidity doesn’t significantly affect the
density of air, temperature in contract does. As we have all
learned in grade school, warmer air is lighter than cooler air.
As a general rule, increasing the temperature of air by 50°F
decreases its density by approximately 10%. As a result,
the hotter the air, the lighter it becomes, the faster it will
move towards the ceiling in a poultry house. Air emanating from a brooder or from a furnace is much hotter than
that produced by the birds, as a result rises to the ceiling
much faster than the heat produced by the birds. So, as
you might expect, temperature stratification can be a much
greater problem during brooding than it is during the last
few weeks of a flock.
Cold entering through an inlet tends to fall to the floor due
to the simple fact that it is heavier than the air in the house.
The colder the air, the heavier it is, the more likely it will fall
to the floor, causing problems with chilled birds and wet litter. This is why during cold weather producers should try
to operate their inlet systems at a slightly greater negative
pressure when it is very cold outside than they typically do
during mild times of the year. A great negative pressure will
increase the speed at which the cold air enters the house.
The faster the air enters the house the further it tends to
be thrown in towards the center of the house, increasing
the likelihood that it is thoroughly mixed with the hot air
collecting at the ceiling before it moves down to bird/floor
level.
So, though it is true that air on a cold, rainy day will tend to
fall to the floor more quickly than on a warm dry day making it more of a challenge to properly ventilate a house, the
reason it is falling to the floor has nothing to do with the
high relative humidity of the air and everything to do with
its temperature. Hot air rises and cold air, regardless of
humidity falls.
Figure 2 Density of air Vs. Relative Humidity
18 | Turkey Management Guide Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Bird Health
• Water Quality Standards
• Water Soluble Products
• Water Soluble Medications
• Feed Medications
• Common Diseases
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Management Guide | 19
Water Quality Standards
for Turkeys
Criteria
Concentration
Comments
(ppm)
0-1000
Good
1000-2000
Satisfactory: Possible laxative effect
Over 3000
Unacceptable: Mortality, laxative effect, wet droppings,
reduced water intake, poor growth
Less than 100 (soft)
Good
Over 100 (hard)
Satisfactory: Possible interference with effectiveness of
disinfectants and medications
6.5-8.5
Acceptable range. May require acid/base treatment outside of this range
Less than 300
Usually no problem, but levels over 50ppm may have a laxative
effect if magnesium and chloride are high
Over 300
Laxative effect
Over 500
Laxative effect. May interfere with copper absorption,
additive laxative effect with high chloride
Less than 300
Not a problem but may exacerbate laxative effect of sodium or sulfate
500
Maximum desired level
Over 500
Laxative effect, wet droppings, reduced feed intake,
increased water consumption
50-300
Acceptable range. May cause loose droppings if sulfates are
over 50ppm and chloride is over 14ppm.
Less than 500
Generally not a problem, but laxative effect may
be additive with sodium level
Over 500
Laxative effect
Less than 200
Generally not a problem, but if sulfates are higher than
500 ppm there may be a laxative effect
Over 200
Laxative effect
600
Maximum desired level
Less than 0.3
Acceptable
Over 0.3
Unacceptable. Bad taste and smell. Encourages bacterial growth
Fluoride
Over 40
Unacceptable. Causes soft bones.
Nitrate Nitrogen
10
Maximum acceptable level.
Nitrite Nitrogen
Trace (less than 1ppm)
Greater than 1ppm indicates fecal runoff contamination
Bacterial Coliforms
0
Levels above 0 indicate fecal contamination
Total Disolved Solids
Hardness
pH
Sulfates
Chloride
Sodium
Potassium
Magnesium
Calcium
Iron
20 | Turkey Management Guide Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Water Soluble Products
for Turkeys*
Product
Supplier
Reason for Use
Rate
Vet
Script
Withdrawal
Electrolytes Plus
Vetoquinol
Stimulates appetite during stress caused
by disease, moving, crowding or hot
weather
400g per
750L
5 days
no
none
Poly-Tonine
A Complex
Vetoquinol
Aid in the prevention of vitamin
deficiencies
100g per
225L
no
none
Neo-Chlor
Vetoquinol
Aid in the treatment of infectious disease
caused by microorganisms sensitive to
tetracycline and neomycin
100g per
225L
yes
10 days
Pot-Pen
Vetoquinol
Reduces the symptoms associated with
Necrotic Enteritis caused by penicillin
susceptible Clostridium Perfringens
1 Jar per
1682L for
5 - 7 days
yes
1 day
Chlortetracycline
Hydrochloide
Citadel
Aids in the treatment of
Coccidiosis in turkeys
2.2g per
4.25L
yes
5 days
Amprol 9.6%
BAM
Aids in the treatment of Caecal
Coccidiosis in turkeys
500ml per
200L
5 to 7 days
no
7 days
Vital
Jefo
A,D+E vitamin supplement-used when
birds are off feed due to stress
100ml per
1000L
no
none
Jefacid
Jefo
Liquid acidifier for drinking water.
lowers pH to enhance the effectiveness
of other water treatments
varies
no
none
Vetoquinol
As an aid in the prevention
of Coccidiosis
20ml per
20L for 2
days out of
5 repeat if
necessary
yes
4 days
Vetoquinol
Aid to starting chicks. Stimulates weight
gain, helps overcome stress, maintains
weight gain through mild cases of
Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD)
400g per
720L
4 days
yes
5 days
Quinnoxine-S
Super Booster
* Not all products are compatable with all water types, read the label and consult the supplier if you have questions or concerns
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Management Guide | 21
Water Soluble Medications
for Turkeys
Step 1:
To determine the amount of water-soluble medication required you need to take the number of birds you placed and
divide it by 1000. In the table provided, water consumption is
expressed in liters per thousand turkeys. To determine the estimated water consumption in a specific flock, look up the age
of the bird and the temperature in the house. This will give you
your water consumption. Multiply this number by the number
of birds in your flock divided by 1000.
Example;
10,000 birds placed/1000 =10
If the birds are five weeks old and the temperature in the house
is 25⁰C, they are estimated to be consuming 243 liters per
thousand.
243 liters (per 1000 turkeys) x 10 = 2430 liters per day
Step: 2
Look up the usage rate of the medication you are going to use,
and divide the liters the turkeys are estimated to consume by
the liters on the package.
Example;
Poly-Tonine A Complex states that each package medicates
180 liters of drinking water
2430/180=13.5 packages per day
A withdrawal period is required on some medications before
birds can be slaughtered for human consumption. Always remember to read the label on the package.
Medication used in water must be indicated on HACCP forms.
An ample supply of clean, fresh water is essential to the success of your flock. If the turkey cannot get an adequate supply
of water, normal growth can be hindered. Water consumption
should be monitored daily with the use of a reliable water meter. By keeping records of water consumption, the farm manager can be satisfied that the birds are receiving the proper
amount of water. Water requirements depend on age, body
weight and ambient temperature.
Typically, birds consume by weight about twice as much water
as feed. Anything which restricts water intake will also cause
a reduction in feed intake. Both mineral content and quality
must be considered.
22 | Turkey Management Guide Water provided to livestock and poultry should meet human
drinking water standards. Water samples should be taken at
least twice per year and analyzed by a reputable laboratory. E.
coli and fecal coliforms should be checked along with mineral
content. Pressure and use rate should be monitored daily and a
regular routine of flushing should be implemented.
A number of water treatments are available today. These include chlorination, hydrogen peroxide, ozone, acidification
and filtration, ultraviolet and electrical descales. No one treatment is suitable for all applications; consult a water treatment
expert to ensure the best quality for your flock.
While chlorination (or use of peroxide, etc.) may help to improve the bacteriological characteristics of the water, it will do
little to change the mineral content. Softened water is not recommended for poultry as the resulting sodium content may
be excessive.
Daily Water Consumption
Liters per 1,000 Turkeys
Age
(weeks)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
50-70 °F 70-80 °F 80-95 °F 95 °F +
10-21°C
21-27°C
27-35°C
35°C +
38
85
123
170
208
270
327
403
499
538
597
689
708
737
747
752
757
767
774
782
795
38
102
141
204
243
321
379
490
586
625
737
792
915
943
955
962
968
981
990
1000
1011
38
102
158
221
312
388
448
508
654
747
842
947
1002
1063
1077
1084
1091
1106
1117
1127
1139
38
102
176
238
381
489
500
630
741
920
1018
1067
1157
1235
1251
1259
1267
1284
1297
1309
1332
Water consumption can be affected by a variety of
factors including but not limited to; temperature, diet,
health and sex.
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Feed Medication Guidelines
for Turkeys
Product
Brand Name
Active
Ingredient
Purpose
Kg / tonne of
Product
mg/kg
in Feed
Amprol Feed Premix
Amprolium
Anticoccidial
0.50
125
Avatec 20 Lasalocid
Sodium Premix1
Lasalocid Sodium
Anticoccidial
0.50
100
0
(Hens up to 14 weeks)
(Toms up to 16 weeks)
Coban Premix1
Monensin Sodium
Anticoccidial
0.50
100
0
Clinacox 0.5% Premix
Diclazuril
Anticoccidial
0.20
1
0
(up to 14 weeks)
Cygro 1% Premix
Maduramicin
Ammonium
Anticoccidial
0.50
5
5
Robenz Medicated
Premix
Robenidine
Hydrochloride
Anticoccidial
0.50
33
6
(up to 8 weeks)
Zoamix Medicated
Premix
Zoaline
Anticoccidial
0.748
187
0
(up to 7 weeks)
(3, 5 dinitro-O-toluamide)
Withdrawal
(in days)
0
(Up to 16 weeks)
Albac 110 Zinc
Bacitracin Premix1
Zinc Bacitracin2
Necrotic Enteritis
Control
0.502
552
Vet Script Required
BMD 110 G
Medicated Premix
Bacitracin Methylene
Disalicylate2
Necrotic Enteritis
Control
0.502
552
Vet Script Required
Stafac 44
Virginiamycin
Necrotic Enteritis
Control
0.502
222
Vet Script Required
Oxytetracycline 100
Premix1
Oxytetracycline
Hydrochloride
Non specific Enteritis
Control
0.50
110
7
1Multiple brand names are available for this product. 2Not approved for use at the level in turkey feed – must be vet scripted.
Measurements: A mg/kg (milligram per kilogram) is the same as a ppm (part per million).
Veterinary Prescriptions: Any combinations or inclusion rates may require a veterinary prescription. For veterinary scripted medication options refer to the veterinary prescriptions for specified withdrawal times. Products may have additional claims than those listed. For more
information see the Compendium of Medicating Brochures on the CFIA website: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/feeds/medicating-ingredients/eng/1300212600464/1320602461227
Rotation and Shuttle Programs: A rotation program refers to changing coccidiostats in subsequent flocks. If coccidiostats are changing within
the same flock it is called a shuttle program.
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Management Guide | 23
Common Turkey Diseases
Air Sacculitis
Air sacculitis is a bacterial infection in the air sacs, caused by E. coli usually, but may also
result from aspergillosis, avian cholera, mycoplasmosis, ornithobacteriosis and other
disease conditions. E. coli infection may affect other body systems in a more generalized infection, termed colibacillosis. Inflammation of the air sacs results in thickening,
opacity, increased vasculature, and/or accumulation of caseous or purulent material. An
active infection of the air sacs at processing will result in condemnation.
Avian Influenza
Avian influenza is known informally as avian flu or bird flu. Avian flu refers to an illness caused by any of many different strains of influenza viruses that have adapted to
the specific host. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is of the greatest concern
to commercial turkey growers. Symptoms include sudden high mortality, decreased
feed consumption, excessive thirst, coughing, sneezing, depression and ruffled feathers.
Consult your veterinarian immediately if you are concerned about this disease. It is a
reportable disease and strict biosecurity protocols must be followed.
Breast Blisters
Abscesses are usually found in the breast. They often result from the infection of keel or
breast cyst. If the abscess is localized and in the chronic phase, the affected parts are removed. If there are generalized systemic effects or evidence of septicemia, the bird will
be condemned. It will also be condemned if the abscess is too widespread and affects
the greater part of the breast, since trimming will then be too risky because of possible
cross contamination.
Cannibalism/Pecking
Cannibalism/Pecking is a general term used to describe aggressive behavior in turkeys.
Most often times, turkeys become extremely aggressive and will attack and peck at other birds to the point of drawing blood and causing a life threatening injury. This condition is a complex problem that can be caused by a variety of factors including: density,
lighting, ventilation, floor space, gender, age and nutrition. All causative factors associated with this condition should be investigated immediately once the behavior has
been detected. Early detection of this behavior is critical in solving and preventing the
problem from enduring throughout the life of the flock.
Foot Pad Dermatitis (FPD)
Foot Pad Dermatitis (FPD) is characterized by lesions on the foot pad of turkeys, which,
when severe, lead to the erosion of the skin layers and causes pain when weight is put
on the foot. The severity of these lesions can be used as an indication of welfare, due to
the pain associated with the lesions. Pain caused by these lesions may lead to reduced
mobility, which may lead to a reduction in feed and water consumption. The most common cause of FPD is the litter moisture being too high.
Lesions caused by FPD can be reversed during the life of the flock if attention is paid
to barn management. Any management tools that will reduce litter moisture will have
a positive impact on FPD lesions. Using fans to reduce humidity in the barn, regularly
checking water lines for leaks and making sure they are set to the correct pressure and
height, and monitoring the flock to watch for any sign of flushing and disease will all
contribute to the reduction of FPD.
24 | Turkey Management Guide Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Common Turkey Diseases
Pendulous Crop/Drop Crop
A Pendulous crop can occur in chickens and turkeys. The crop is distended and impacted with food, pieces of litter and liquid. There is loss of muscle tone. The birds
may be in good flesh or emaciated. The carcass is condemned only if there are signs of
emaciation.
Poult Enteritis/Flushing
Flushing is a general term used to a gastric upset leading to what can be described as
diarrhea in turkeys. This condition can happen at any time in a turkey’s life and can
lead to poor feed intake, reduced growth rate and is often to blame for wet litter. One
of the first signs that poults are about to “flush” is an increase in vocalization and pacing
behavour near the feed lines. This is a sign of discomfort and should be noted in your
flock as you can expect flushing to begin within a day or two.
While the exact cause of flushing is unknown, there are steps that can be taken to
reduce this condition in your barn. Birds should always have access to feed and clean
fresh water. An extended period of time without feed can lead to flushing. Ensure that
the particle size/texture is appropriate for the age of the turkey in the barn at any given
time so that birds continue to consume feed regularly. Ensure biosecurity practices are
in place to prevent the spread of pathogens and disease as enteric diseases are also
know to upset the gut and can lead to flushing.
Rickets
Rickets, a condition of young growing poults, may occur within the first 28 days. A
deficiency or imbalance of calcium, phosphorus and/or vitamin D, often as a result
of mal-absorption of nutrients due to enteritis (bacterial or viral) can initiate rickets.
Low feed intake at placement retards gut maturation and impairs nutrient absorption,
which may also result in rickets. Early signs are stiff gait, sitting on hocks, reluctant to
move and use of wings for support. Post-mortem indications include rubbery beaks,
beaded ribs, soft flexible long bones, and thickened growth plates.
Worms
Worms are a category of parasite known to infect all types of poultry. Turkeys become
infected with worms by picking up worm eggs from litter, soil, or droppings. Once infected, worms can have a negative effect on gut health and overall performance. The
degree of worm infection is dependent on the amount of infective eggs that a bird picks
up. Some symptoms of a worm infection include unthriftiness, weakness, poor growth
and possibly death. The best way to control worm infection is to adhere to a strict biosecurity protocol. However, if birds need to be treated for a severe infection a veterinarian
will be involved as a veterinary prescription is required to treat a worm infection.
Yolk Sac Infection
Yolk Sac Infection is due to bacterial infection of the navel and yolk sac of newly
hatched poults. The infection may occur as a result of contamination before healing
of the navel. Various types of bacteria may be involved in causing the infection. Some
of the symptoms include huddling, poor appetite, slow growth, pasty vents, swollen
abdomen and dehydration. Mortality may continue for up to 14 days post hatch.
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Management Guide | 25
Disease Prevention Meets Biosecurity
Good biosecurity protocols are essential to reducing the risk of poultry disease on your farm. Having good biosecurity
protocols in place will help prevent the financial and emotional toll that happens during a disease outbreak. The time and
economic impact a disease has on a farm can be substantial and recovering from such an event is a slow process.
It is important that all producers establish and maintain their own biosecurity protocols and ensure all visitors are aware of
and follow these procedures. Producers need to communicate these protocols with their industry representatives and any
visitors. Understanding and maintaining good biosecurity protocols throughout the entire industry will help prevent the
spread of poultry disease and ensure everyone can do their jobs effectively. For advice on effective disinfectants, please
contact your New-Life Mills Feed Specialist.
Points to Remember
• Have a gate in the farm entrance
• Disinfect vehicle tires before entering
the driveway
• Have a biosecurity area in the entrance
of the farm
• Have spare coveralls, hairnets, boots,
and gloves available for visitors
• Wear a different pair of boots and
clothes and/or coveralls in the barn
• Have a foot bath station
• Limit/minimize visitors
• Be sure to have visitors sign the
“Visitor's Log”
• Have visitors leave disposable coveralls
on farm for you to dispose of
• Disinfect vehicle tires when leaving the
driveway
Emergency Disease Response Plan
To minimize the threat of infectious diseases to poultry and livestock producers and to agri-business, New-Life Mills has
taken a leadership role in developing emergency disease response plans to minimize the risk and spread of infectious diseases. Components of this plan involve procedures for feed personnel visiting farms, a communication module, and clearly
defined procedures for when a disease outbreak is suspected or confirmed.
26 | Turkey Management Guide Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Industry Contacts
Poultry Veterinarians
Saskatchewan & Western
Canada
Dr. Jenny Fricke
Poultry Extension Veterinarian
University of Saskatchewan
Dept. of Veterinary Pathology
52 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4
Email: [email protected]
Poultry Health Services Ltd.
97 East Lake Ramp Rd. NE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C3
Phone: 404-948-8577
Fax: 403-948-0520
Email: [email protected]
www.poultryhealth.ca
Ontario
Animal Health Laboratory
Laboratory Services
University of Guelph
General Inquiries
Phone: 519-767-6299
Dr. Elizabeth Black
Elfrida Poultry Diagnostic Services
1354 Regional Road #66
Caledonia, ON N3W 1R2
Phone: 905-765-2177
Dr. Mike Joyce, D.V.M. Dip Path.,
Diplomate A.C.P.V.
R.R. #1
Hillsburgh, ON N0B 1Z0
Phone: 519-855-4606
Kemptville Lab
79 Shearer Street
Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
Phone: 613-258-8320
Lakeside Poultry Veterinary Services:
Shahbaz Haq M.Sc. (Vet Pathology),
D.V.M., Dip A.C.P.V.
Unit A, 240 Graff Ave.
Stratford, ON N5A 6Y2
Phone: 519-273-9090
Dr. Mike Petrik
Box 1900
St Marys, ON N4X 1C2
Phone: 519-275-1238
Dr. Joanne B. Rafuse, D.V.M.
Zorra Veterinary Services
R.R. #2 Thamesford, ON N0M 2M0
Phone: 519-283-6081
Smith & Weisz Poultry Veterinary Services
Professional Corp
519 Maltby Road West
Guelph, ON N1L 1G3
Phone: 519-829-1656
Dr. Lloyd J. Weber, D.V.M.A.C.P.V.
Poultry Heath Consultant
519 Maltby Road West
Guelph, ON N1L 1G3
Phone: 519-821-5963
Saskatchewan
Turkey Farmers of Saskatchewan
1438 Fletcher Road.
Saskatoon, SK S7M 5T2
Phone: 306-931-1050
Email: [email protected]
Ontario
The Ontario Agri Business Association
104-160 Research Lane
Guelph, ON N1G 5B2
Phone: 519-822-3004
www.oaba.on.ca
Turkey Farmers of Ontario
1120 – 100 Conestoga College Boulevard
Kitchener, ON N2P 2N6
Phone: 519-748-9636
Dr. Michel Desroches
260 rue Principale
St.Cleophas-de-Brandon, QC J0K 2A0
Phone: 450-889-1725
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food
& Rural Affairs
1 Stone Road West
Guelph, ON N1G 4Y2
Phone: 1-888-466-2372
Email: [email protected]
www.omafra.gov.on.ca
Industry Contacts
Québec
Québec
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
1341 Baseline Road
Ottawa, ON K1A 0C5
Phone: 613-773-1000
Toll Free: 1-855-773-0241
Email: [email protected]
www.agr.gc.ca
Les Éleveurs de volailles du Québec
555, boul. Roland-Therrien, bur. 250
Longueuil (Québec) J4H 4G1
Tél : 450 679-0530
Poultry Industry Council
483 Arkell Road
Guelph, ON N1H 6H8
Phone: 519-837-0284
Email: [email protected]
www.poultryindustrycouncil.ca
Turkey Farmers of Canada
7145 West Credit Avenue
Building 1, Suite 202
Mississauga, ON L5N 6J7
Phone: 905-812-3140
[email protected]
Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Turkey Management Guide | 27
Notes
28 | Turkey Management Guide Copyright 2016 New-Life Mills, A division of Parrish & Heimbecker, Limited
Clavet Mill & Saskatchewan Sales
306064 Twp Road 30
Box 419
Clavet, SK S0K 0Y0
Phone: 306-244-5192
Toll Free: 1-800-667-4693
Fax: 306-665-2021
Ontario Sales & National Nutrition Office
1060 Fountain Street North
Cambridge, ON N3E 0A1
Phone: 519-650-6732
Toll Free: 1-800-463-1196
Fax: 519-650-6733
Email: [email protected]
Denfield Mill
24162 Denfield Road
R.R. #2
Denfield, ON N0M 1P0
Phone: 519-666-1400
Toll Free: 1-800-265-7040
Fax: 519-666-0929
Corporate Head Office
Box 219
252 14th Street
Hanover, ON, N4N 3C5
Phone: 519-364-3263
Toll Free: 1-800-663-4305
Fax: 519-364-5732
www.newlifemills.com
Inkerman Mill
Box 26
11489 Queen Street
Inkerman, ON K0E 1J0
Phone: 613-989-2003
Toll Free: 1-800-565-5175
Fax: 613-989-2965
0116-MAR-2016-CDN-EN
Wyoming Mill
Box 70
520 Main Street
Wyoming, ON N0N 1T0
Phone: 519-845-3318
Toll Free: 1-800-265-7507
Fax: 519-845-0652
For more information contact a
New-Life Mills Poultry Specialist or
email: [email protected]
www.newlifemills.com