ABSTRACT

The effect of dietary methionine supplementation at varying levels on the productive efficiency, carcass characteristics, organoleptic properties and economy of growing Local turkeys was investigated. Four isocaloric and is nitrogenous diets were formulated, with 0.05,0.10 and 0.15% methionine supplementation respectively. Eighty (80) local poults, aged 12 weeks, were randomly allotted to four dietary groups of 20 birds each, subdivided into 2 replicates having 10 poults each in a completely randomized design experiment. The trial lasted 8 weeks. The 'feed- to- gain ratio showed no significant (p >0.05) difference, though diet 2 proved to be the best. Birds fed diet 2 also had a higher weight value than the others. The values of parameters such as dressed weight (g), carcass yield (%BW), meat (PDW), bone (PDW), abdominal fat and meat- to-bone ratio showed no significant difference (P>0.05) The Mean Total feed intake (g) were 8775.00, 8725.00, 8700.00 and 9700.00 for diets 1,2,3 and 4 respectively. The Mean weight gain was numerically higher in birds fed diet 2 (1757.50) and lower in those fed diet 1 (1557.00). Furthermore, birds fed diet 2 gave the highest meat (PDW) and meat — to — bone ratio The taste, colour, flavour and general acceptance di!1red significantly (P< 0. 05) while the overall relative cost per kg gain that is most beneficial was obtained by feeding diet 2. The results indicate that supplementing growing turkey feed containing 1 8.40°io CP and 2800 kcal / kg ME with 0.05% methionine enhances productive performance, good carcass yield, general acceptance and economy of production.