The effect of altering feed and water location and of activity on growth, performance, behavior, and walking ability of hens from two strains of commercial turkeys

An experiment was designed to determine the influence of changing feed and water location and of increased activity on growth, performance, and behavior of turkey hens from commercial strains. The three treatment regimens consisted of locating feed and water at opposite ends of the pen with additional exercise (birds were walked around the pen approximately 10 min 5 d/wk); locating feed and;water at opposite ends of the pen with no additional exercise imposed; and locating feed and water in dose proximity to one another with no additional exercise imposed. Treatment generally had no effects on performance traits, walking ability scores, or behaviors. Body weight was influenced by a strain by treatment interaction at all ages measured. Strain B hens gained more weight in pens with increased exercise, whereas Strain A hens tended to gain more weight in pens without additional exercise.