Optimum duration of feed and water removal prior to processing in order to reduce the potential for fecal contamination in turkeys

Abstract

Feed and water withdrawal (FWW) prior to processing of poultry is an efficient and commonly employed method to attempt to reduce contamination of carcasses by contents of the gastrointestinal tract during processing. This study indicated that 4 h of FWW is as good as 8 or 12 h in reducing both water and dry matter content of the tract of market age turkeys of both sexes. This duration of FWW also minimizes shrinkage of the carcass.