Amino Acid Digestibilities of Soybean Meal and Meat Meal in Male and Female Turkeys of Different Ages

Abstract

Amino acid digestibilities of two protein feedstuffs (soybean meal and meat meal with bone) were compared in male and femal turkeys of different ages using a standard digestibility assay. Data were also compared to values found in cockerels. Soybean meal digestibilities did not differ overall between age, sex or species. Meat meal values did not differ between species, age or sex, but toms had lower digestibilities for some amino acids compared to turkey hens. The data indicate that amino acid digestibilities of the feedstuffs examined are similar in a variety of turkey models as well as the standard rooster model.