Effect of a Direct-Fed Microbial on Reproductive Performance in Late Lay Turkey Breeder Hens

When depopulation is required to end bird suffering and prevent disease transmission, turkey producers must find ways to replace flocks lost. Current production practices are being investigated to prolong the production cycle of turkey breeders. The use of direct fed microbials in poultry diets has demonstrated improvements in immune health, increases in egg quality parameters, and improvement in feed conversion. The overall objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of a direct-fed microbial (PrimaLac©) on reproductive performance in late-lay turkey breeder hens. Large White turkey breeder hens (n=288) were randomly assigned to receive either control or PrimaLac© diets for 15 weeks. Eggs were collected twice daily. Total and hen-day egg production was calculated. Eggs were monitored for components (whole egg, yolk, albumen, shell weight) and quality (shell thickness and strength, vitelline membrane strength and deformation) as well as fertility at 54, 58, and 62 weeks of age. Feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion, and feed efficiency were determined. A randomized complete block design was used with 4 blocks of 12 pens (6 hens/pen). Differences among feed conversion, egg quality and components, and fertility were examined using a linear mixed model. Treatment and sampling period means were separated using least square means. Mean hen-day egg production was at 32.8% for control and 29.5% for PrimaLac© at 65 weeks. No significant difference was found between treatments for egg quality and component measurements as well as fertility; differences were demonstrated between sampling periods. Feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion, and feed efficiency were not significantly different. The PrimaLac© hens consumed average of 1.2 kg less per bird than control hens. While the addition of PrimaLac© demonstrated no significant effect on reproductive performance, the study establishes that egg production and fertility can persist in non-molted, single-cycle turkey breeder hens through 65 weeks of age.