The elimination of the β-Mannan fiber by Hemicell^® primarily improves energy utilization. To a lesser extent, it also improves protein utilization. The matrix shown in Table 1 summarizes the nutrient values added by Hemicell^®:

When Hemicell^® is formulated into a diet, about 2.5% of added fat is removed and replaced with corn. Therefore, prior to Hemicell^®'s inclusion in the diet, the diet needs to contain more than 3% added fat to realize the full economic value of Hemicell^®. This corresponds to an ME/kg of about 3,100. Almost all turkey feeds exceed this minimum dietary energy content.

Several large field trials have been conducted using this matrix. Figure 1 shows the body weight with age from a U.S. paired-house field trial in tom flocks with two replicates. Scales were placed in the barns and weights were determined on large numbers of birds on a daily basis. Growth rate was virtually identical between the treatments. Flocks were marketed at slightly different ages and results are given in Table 2. Whereas there was virtually no difference in the feed conversion, Hemicell^® formulated into the diets resulted in lower mortality and a 4.5% reduction in net feed cost per lb of live weight marketed.

Figure 1 - Growth Response of Tom Turkeys with and without Hemicell^® Formulated into Diets: