Effects of nutrition on wild turkey reproduction in South Texas

Abstract

The nutritional quality of the diet of Rio Grande turkeys (Meleagris gallopave intermedia) and its possible effect on the reproductive success of turkeys in South Texas was investigated January through August 1974-1976. Two approximately 5,000 ha areas of similar habitat were established on the Encino Division of the King Ranch in Brooks and Kenedy counties, Texas. Data were collected for 3 years on herbaceous standing crop, plant density, plant composition, turkey reproductive success, and nutrient content of selected plant species. Four hens were collected every 22 days from 16 February to 16 May in 1975 and 1976 (40 total) to determine reproductive development and food habits. Supplemental feeding to improve the nutritional plane of breeding hens was investigated as a possible management practice to curtail fluctuations in net reproductive success. Feeding with a commercial turkey breeder ration (17.5 percent protein 2.25 percent calcium, and 0.75 percent phosphorus) began 7 February 1975 and 1 February 1976 at a rate of 45.4 kg per day and continued for 100 days both years. Areas were switched between years. Interarea movements were determined by trapping and marking 236 hens with color-coded Saflag patagium tags. Herbaceous standing crop was not significantly (P >0.5) different between areas or years. Differences in temperature, rainfall, plant density, and plant composition did not appear to affect turkey reproductive success, except for May 1975, when heavy rain and cool temperatures apparently adversely affected poult survival. Plant material comprised 41 to 99 percent of the diet, however, insects became increasingly important as the season progressed.