Research Note: The Use of Popcorn in Diets for Growing Turkeys

A variety of popcorn (Zea mays everta) grown in Ohio was analyzed for CP and amino acids and subsequently used in diets for growing turkeys. The objective of the experiment was to evaluate popcorn as a substitute for standard, Number 2 yellow dent corn in conventional diets for starting and growing turkeys. In comparison with Number 2 yellow dent corn, popcorn was higher in CP and methionine but similar in lysine. There were no effects due to corn type on BW at 4 or 18 wk, feed conversion from 7 to 14 days, or fecal dry matter from 7 to 14 days. Popcorn can be an effective partial or full substitute for Number 2 yellow dent corn in diets for turkeys, and cost makes it an attractive alternative.