Impact of Oasis® Supplement and Lysozyme on Incidence of Early Mortality, Digestive System Development, Growth Performance and Behaviour of Turkey Poults with Delayed Access to Feed and Water

Abstract

Dietary supplements were provided during 24 hour transport from hatchery and growth of turkeys in two trials. Female poults (768 and 825 respectively) were used in two 3 x 4 factorial analyses (transportation supplement x post placement supplement) with treatment provided during transport (no supplement, Oasis® and Oasis® + lysozyme (0.01%)) and as dietary supplements post-placement (no supplement, Bacitracin Methylene Disalicylate (BMD)(ANTI), lysozyme (LYS), BMD + lysozyme (AL)) as the main effects. Growth, incidence of mortality, gastrointestinal size, strength and histology and behavioural data was collected. Transport supplementation of poults did not improve growth or reduce mortality, but influenced early feeding and drinking behaviour at placement. Body weight and feed consumption increased and percent mortality decreased for birds fed AL. Gizzard and proventriculus weight increased when birds consumed ANTI and jejunal breaking strength was highest for birds consuming LYS. Villi morphology and bird behaviour were not affected by dietary supplementation.