Dietary Phosphorus Levels and Calcium: Phosphorus Ratios Needed by Growing Turkeys

THE low requirements of developing turkeys for calcium and phosphorus as indicated by the data obtained by Nelson et al. (1961) prompted the test reported in this paper. These workers reported that dietary levels of 0.5% phosphorus and 0.5% calcium were adequate for growth and feed utilization of turkeys (8–24 wks.), a ratio of calcium: phosphorus (Ca:P) of 1:1. When the Ca:P ratio deviated from 1:1, a minimum requirement of 0.6% calcium and 0.6% phosphorus was required for optimum growth and feed utilization. However, higher levels of calcium and phosphorus were needed for maximum toe ash. Sullivan (1960) reported that for late growth (8–20 wks.), the total phosphorus requirements of female and male turkeys were 0.75% and 0.85%, respectively, where the ration contained 1.55% calcium. Maximum tarsometatarsus ash, growth and feed utilization were the criteria used to establish requirements. Using an all-vegetable ration containing 0.43% organic phosphorus and …