Interrelationship Between Vitamin E and Phosphorus in Preventing Perosis in Turkeys

Abstract

Groups of turkeys were fed mashes containing all combinations of 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7% inorganic phosphorus and 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 I.U. of vitamin E per pound from hatching through 24 weeks of age. Grain was fed with the mash for the 8- through 24-week period. Based upon the growth data, there appeared to be little or no interrelationship between vitamin E and phosphorus. Levels of 0.5% inorganic phosphorus and 2.5 I.U. of vitamin E per pound of feed appeared adequate for optimum growth but were not sufficient for perosis prevention. Both vitamin E and phosphorus aided in reducing the incidence and severity of perosis, with complete prevention being achieved when the diets contained 0.7% inorganic phosphorus and 5.0 I.U. of supplementary vitamin E per pound of feed.