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Feeding behavior and growth of turkey poults fed larvae of the darkling beetle, Alphitobius diaperinus.

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of feeding larvae of the darkling beetle (lesser mealworm), Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) [Coleoptera:Tenebrionidae], to turkey poults on poult growth and of beak trimming on poult feeding on the larvae. Young turkey poults readily fed on the larvae and exhibited reduced growth in the absence of other feed. Poults 3 to 5 d old restricted to a diet of only larvae consumed 259 +/- 99 (+/- SD) larvae per poult per day and their body weights were significantly lower (mean = 30 g) at the end of the 3 d than for poults on starter feed during the same time. After return to starter feed for 16 d after feeding on larvae for 3 d, the poults did not compensate for the weight loss although weight gains were normal. Poults from 2 through 10 d of age were given a choice between starter turkey feed and darkling beetle larvae. The numbers of larvae consumed per poult per day were: 174 +/- 8 for Days 2 to 4, 221 +/- 3 for Days 5 to 7, and 189 +/- 80 for Days 8 to 10. There was no significant difference between the body weight of poults feeding on larvae and starter feed compared with that of poults consuming feed only. In the presence of larvae, the mean feed consumption per poult was lower than for poults provided with only starter feed. The beetle larvae were 68% crude protein and 21% fat (DM basis) and had higher amounts of 18 amino acids than the starter feed. Poults that were beak trimmed consumed only about one-third as many larvae as poults with intact beaks. Poults (1 to 3 d old) with intact beaks consumed 169 +/- 20 larvae per poult per day; poults with trimmed beaks consumed 58 +/- 23 larvae per poult per day.

Animal Feed↗

Liver and blood glutathione in male broiler chickens, turkeys, and quail.

The objective of the present study was to establish age relationships for hepatic and whole blood glutathione (GSH) in male broiler chickens, quail, and turkeys utilizing lines within each poultry species with different rates of growth. Liver and blood samples were obtained from three quail lines (light, medium, and heavy) at 3 and 6 wk of age, from two turkey lines (light and heavy) at 10 and 20 wk of age, and two broiler lines (medium and heavy) at 3, 5, and 7 wk of age. With the exception of the heavy turkey line, older birds generally exhibited higher hepatic GSH concentrations than younger birds. There was no apparent age-related difference in whole blood GSH, nor was whole blood GSH correlated with hepatic GSH in any poultry species.

Age Factors↗

Ontogeny of pituitary and serum growth hormone in growing turkeys as measured by radioimmunoassay and radioreceptor assay.

Some mammalian studies have revealed a wide discrepancy in pituitary and circulating growth hormone (GH) measurements determined by immunological and biological assay methods. Recent studies demonstrating that avian GH exists in numerous isoforms raise concerns that immunological measurement of GH may not accurately reflect the amount of biologically active hormone present. We sampled eight different male turkeys of a commercial strain weekly until 6 wk of age, and then biweekly until 20 wk. Total pituitary GH content and serum GH concentration were measured by avian GH RIA and radioreceptor assay (RRA). The highest mean serum GH concentration occurred at 3 wk, and the ontogeny of serum GH content from 1 to 8 wk was similar whether measured by RIA or RRA. Pituitary GH content was highest at 6 wk, but RIA and RRA estimates differed markedly throughout the study. Pituitary content of biologically active GH, as estimated by RRA, exceeded that of immunologically active GH from 2 to 10 wk, whereas the reverse was true at 14, 18, and 20 wk. We conclude that this avian GH RIA accurately measures bioactive circulating turkey GH, but that the pituitary of the young turkey may contain bioactive GH isoforms that have poor immunological activity in our RIA.

Age Factors↗

The efficacy of an enzymic cocktail and a fungal mycelium in dephosphorylating corn-soybean meal-based feeds fed to growing turkeys.

A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of phytase, an enzymic cocktail, and a waste Aspergillus niger mycelium to hydrolyze phytate present in corn-soybean meal diets. One hundred turkey poults were assigned to dietary treatments for 2 wk (days 7 to 21). Dietary treatments included: 1) NRC (1994) diet (NRC), with recommended concentration of 0.6% available P (aP) and 1.2% Ca; 2) Phytase diet (PHYT), 1,000 units phytase/kg diet, 0.16% aP, and 0.84% Ca; 3) cocktail diet (COC), 1,000 units of phytase/kg diet plus acid phosphatase (100 units/g of diet), acid protease (42 units/g of diet), pectinase (2.94%), 0.16% aP, and 0.84% Ca; 4) Fungal mycelium diet (MYC), 5% mycelium, 0.16% aP, and 0.84% Ca; and 5) a positive control diet (CTRL+), 0.42% aP, and 0.84% Ca. Turkeys fed the PHYT diet consumed less feed and gained less weight but retained more P than poults fed the CTRL+ or NRC diets. Poults fed the COC diet performed as well as poults fed CTRL+ or NRC diets but retained more P (77%) and Ca (68%). Poults fed the MYC diet retained 79% P, gained the most weight, and were more efficient than poults fed any other dietary treatment. In vitro P release from experimental diets correlated well (R = 0.906) with P retention as observed in the feeding trial. Compared with the diet containing phytase as the sole supplemental enzyme, both the enzymic cocktail and fungal mycelium enhanced performance, bone mineralization, and retention of P and Ca in growing turkeys.

6-Phytase↗

A new method for rapid determination of sperm concentration in turkey semen.

The routine determination of sperm concentration not only provides a measure of semen quality but also supplies a means of delivering precise sperm numbers in modern artificial insemination (AI) programs. Methods for estimating sperm numbers in laboratory settings (e.g., hemacytometer) are not practical for use in breeding facilities. A microprocessor-controlled semen analyzer (Densimeter, Model 534-B-Mod1, Animal Reproductive Systems) is commercially available for evaluating stallion semen. We calibrated and modified the semen analyzer to determine sperm concentration in turkey semen and to provide information on the required dilution for a constant AI dose. To calibrate the semen analyzer for turkeys, six samples of pooled semen (10 toms per sample) were collected by abdominal massage. A dilution curve of undiluted and 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:1.5, 1:2, 1:3, 1:5, and 1:10 diluted semen was established using Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender. Sperm concentration in diluted samples was determined by hemacytometer counts. The hemacytometer counts were used to develop an equation for estimating sperm concentration from the semen analyzer's absorbance readings and the equation programmed into the instrument. The newly developed program on the semen analyzer was subsequently validated by comparing instrument values for sperm concentrations with concurrent hemacytometer counts, which compared well to concentrations determined by a previously calibrated photoelectric colorimeter (Klett). Correlation coefficients between the semen analyzer and hemacytometer counts and the Klett and hemacytometer counts were r = 0.996 and r = 0.992, respectively (P < 0.001). The semen analyzer method was accurate and precise and could be beneficial to commercial turkey AI programs because it is easy to use, requires limited technological skills, and provides results for determining sperm concentration and AI dose in approximately 1 min.

Animals↗

Effect of dietary fat, fiber, and monensin on cecal activity in turkeys.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the physical, chemical, and microbial properties of turkey cecal droppings and relate them to intake of common dietary components, namely fat, fiber, and the anticoccidial, monensin. Experiment 1 involved collection and analysis of physical and chemical properties of cecal and regular droppings from commercial turkey flocks. Experiment 2 tested the effect of dietary fat, fiber, and monensin on growth performance and cecal activity in male turkeys. Compared to regular excreta, cecal droppings analyzed in Experiment 1 were higher in viscosity and fat content, and lower in dry matter, nitrogen, and fiber content (P < 0.05). High dietary fiber and fat significantly (P < 0.05) improved growth performance in Experiment 2. Prolonged feeding of monensin significantly (P < 0.05) reduced cecal evacuation. Results of chemical composition showed that higher dietary fat and fiber significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the fat percentage of cecal contents, whereas prolonged feeding of monensin increased the fat in both cecal contents and droppings. There was no significant effect of any of the treatments on pH, viscosity, and microbial counts of cecal contents. There is the need to identify and characterize the compound responsible for the high viscosity of cecal droppings.

Animals↗

Effect of high levels of dietary iron, iron injection, and dietary vitamin E on the oxidative stability of turkey meat during storage.

A study was carried out to evaluate the combined effect of excess Fe, supplied either in the diets (Experiments 1, 2, and 3) or by injection (Experiment 4), and various levels of dietary vitamin E on the oxidative stability of the thigh muscle of turkeys stored at -18 C for various periods. Iron was added to a commercial diet that already contained 20 mg/kg supplemental Fe, at concentrations of 0, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg as ferrous sulfate or injected as Fe-dextran to the left drumstick muscle (total amount of 1.2 g per turkey). Vitamin E was added to the experimental diets not already supplemented with this vitamin, at levels of 0, 28, and 150 mg/kg. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values of the meat gradually increased as its storage duration increased from about 15 to 120 d. Increasing dietary Fe supplementation from 0 to 500 mg/kg tended to decrease TBARS values in one experiment only; otherwise, this variable was not affected by dietary Fe level. Injection of Fe significantly (P < 0.05) increased TBARS values, only in meat from the injected side. The TBARS values of the meat up to about 30 d of storage were significantly lower due to the supplementation of the diet with vitamin E at a level of 28 mg/kg in one out of three experiments and at a level of 150 mg/kg in two out of two experiments. The protective effect of the higher level of vitamin E remained evident after about 108 d of storage. No interaction was observed between Fe and vitamin E treatments in their effect on TBARS values. Blood hemoglobin concentrations were significantly increased by the supplementation of the diet with the high levels of Fe, in one experiment only. This variable was consistently and significantly increased from about 10 to 23 wk of age. The results show that high levels of dietary Fe do not adversely affect the oxidative stability of thigh meat of turkey; however, stability might be reduced by injected Fe. Dietary vitamin E, at a level of 150 mg/kg, consistently increased this stability.

Aging↗

Effect of altering the early dietary protein level on males from two strains of commercial turkeys.

Two trials were conducted in which male turkeys from commercial Strains A and B were fed diets calculated to contain 80, 100, or 120% of recommended levels of protein from 1 to 8 wk of age and recommended levels of protein at other ages. Feeding reduced protein diets decreased 8-wk BW of both strains. No difference in BW, however, was evident at 17 wk in either strain. Dietary protein level generally did not influence overall feed to gain ratios, feed intake, or behaviors of male turkeys from these two strains. Effects of dietary protein level on walking ability were inconclusive. The results of the present study indicate that it may be possible to reduce early dietary protein levels with savings in feed cost for male turkeys with no adverse effects on growth or feed conversion at market age.

Aging↗

Developmental stages of primary oocytes in turkeys.

Little is known about the growth and differentiation of the primary oocyte in the sexually mature chicken or turkey hen. In this study, primary oocytes from turkey hens in egg production were examined by light and electron microscopy. Based on oocyte and germinal vesicle (GV) diameters and organelle morphology and distribution, the sequential development of the primary oocyte was divided into five stages. No Balbiani body was observed in Stage I oocytes (< 80 microns in diameter). Pleomorphic mitochondria were localized around the GV and multivesicular bodies were scattered in the ooplasm. By Stage II (81 to 150 microns), the Balbiani body was observed adjacent to the GV. Pleomorphic mitochondria, macrobodies, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) were associated with the Balbiani body. Lipid droplets were predominantly localized to the periphery of the oocyte. The Balbiani body was partially dispersed by Stage III (151 to 350 microns) and associated organelles appeared in clusters in the ooplasm. Golgi and SER were observed immediately subjacent to the oolemma. Stage IV oocytes (351 to 500 microns) were characterized by the absence of the Balbiani body, a more centrally located GV, and the redistribution of the mitochondria to the periphery of the oocyte. Throughout the ooplasm was vesicular SER. By Stage V (501 to 800 microns), zonation of the organelles was completed with the mitochondrial ring immediately subjacent to the oolemma and a concentric layer of lipid droplets subjacent to the mitochondrial ring. The GV was in the periphery of the oocyte. Organelle and inclusion redistribution and organelle pleomorphism were presumed to be reflective of increasing metabolic and transport requirements of the growing oocyte in the mature turkey hen.

Animals↗

Diphtheria seroprevalence in children living in the eastern Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the seroprevalence of diphtheria in 767 children aged 0-6 years and to identify the relationship between diphtheria seroprevalence and several sociodemographic characteristics of the study subjects in the Erzurum, Erzincan and Kars cities situated in Eastern Turkey. DESIGN: A cross sectional study. SETTING: The subjects were recruited from three cities (Erzurum, Erzincan, Kars). The sampling method of 30 clusters recommended for field studies was used for a predetermined number of selecting subjects in the rural and urban areas in each city. SUBJECTS: Of the 767 children included in this study, 423 were from Erzurum, 187 from Kars and 157 from Erzincan. Diphtheria serology was used to examine the blood samples by ELISA method. RESULTS: Positive diphtheria seroprevalence was detected in 77.9% of 767 subjects in Eastern Turkey. Seroprevalence was 74.5% in children younger than one year of age, increased to 84% at the age of 3-4 years, and reduced to 80% at the age of 4-5 years and 69.8% at the age of 5-6 years. The seroprevalence rates were similar in sex and number of siblings. Seroprevalence of diphtheria increased with educational level of parents in the rural area. CONCLUSION: Positive seroprevalence against diphtheria in eastern Turkey is disturbingly low.

Age Distribution↗

Nonproteolytic Clostridium botulinum toxigenesis in cooked turkey stored under modified atmospheres.

The ability of nonproteolytic Clostridium botulinum type B spores to grow and produce toxin in cooked, uncured turkey packaged under modified atmospheres was investigated at refrigeration and mild to moderate abuse temperatures. Cook-in-bag turkey breast was carved into small chunks, surface-inoculated with a mixture of nonproteolytic C. botulinum type B spores, packaged in O2-impermeable bags under two modified atmospheres (100% N2 and 30% CO2:70% N2), and stored at 4, 10, and 15 degrees C. Samples were analyzed for botulinal toxin and indigenous microorganisms, as well as subjected to sensory evaluation, on days 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, and 60. Given sufficient incubation time, nonproteolytic C. botulinum type B grew and produced toxin in all temperature and modified atmosphere treatment combinations. At moderate temperature abuse (15 degrees C), toxin was detected by day 7, independent of packaging atmosphere. At mild temperature abuse (10 degrees C), toxin was detected by day 14, also independent of packaging atmosphere. At refrigeration temperature (4 degrees C), toxin was detected by day 14 in product packaged under 100% N2 and by day 28 in product packaged under 30% CO2:70% N2. Reduced storage temperature significantly delayed toxin production and extended the period of sensory acceptability of cooked turkey, but even strict refrigeration did not prevent growth and toxigenesis by nonproteolytic C. botulinum. At all three storage temperatures, toxin detection preceded or coincided with development of sensory characteristics of spoilage, demonstrating the potential for consumption of toxic product when spoilage-signaling sensory cues are absent.

Animals↗

Prevalence of Salmonella serovars in chickens in Turkey.

In this study, 151 (18.6%) of 814 ceca obtained during in-line processing of 28 broiler (Hybro G, Avian, Arbor acres, and Cobb breeds) and 5 layer (Ross, Tetra SL, Isa Brown, and Brown Nick breeds) flocks in Turkey were found to be contaminated with four different Salmonella serovars. Only Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Enteritidis (Salmonella Enteritidis) was recovered from layer birds, whereas Salmonella Enteritidis (81.5%). Salmonella Agona (7.6%), Salmonella Thompson (10.1%), and Salmonella Sarajane (0.8%) were isolated from broiler birds. Isolations of Salmonella Agona and Salmonella Thompson from poultry are reported for the first time in Turkey. The isolation of Salmonella Sarajane from chickens is the first report in the world. The standard method of National Poultry Improvement Plan, U.S. Department of Agriculture, was used to detect Salmonella from chicken cecal samples. Primary and delayed secondary enrichments (PE and DSE) were done in tetrathionate-Hajna broth (TTHB). Two different agar media, xylose lysine tergitol 4 (XLT4) and brilliant green with novobiocin (BGN) were used to observe, and compared for their isolation and selective differentiation of, Salmonella-suspected colonies. Isolated salmonellae were then biotyped and serotyped. Ninety-one and 151 salmonellae were isolated with XLT4 agar after PE and DSE, respectively. From the same samples, BGN agar was able to detect only 50 and 131 Salmonella after PE and DSE, respectively. The isolation rate with XLT4 was 11.2% (P < 0.01) with PE, and this rate increased to 18.6% after DSE. Also, the PE isolation rate (11.2%) with XLT4 agar was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than PE with BGN agar (6.1%). Salmonella was isolated from 39.3% (11 of 28) of the broiler flocks and from 60.0% (3 of 5) of the layers. The detection sensitivity of the isolation method was determined as 1 CFU g(-1) experimentally. These data demonstrate the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Thompson, Salmonella Agona, and Salmonella Sarajane in chicken flocks in Turkey.

Animals↗

Detection of seven virulence and toxin genes of Campylobacter jejuni isolates from Danish turkeys by PCR and cytolethal distending toxin production of the isolates.

A total of 117 Campylobacter jejuni isolates from Danish turkeys were tested for the presence of seven virulence and toxin genes by PCR. One hundred seventeen (100%) isolates were positive for flaA, cadF, and ceuE gene primers. One hundred three (88%) isolates were positive for cdt gene cluster PCR detection (cdt gene cluster-PCR), whereas 101 (86.3%), 102 (87.2%), and 110 (94%) isolates were positive for cdtA-, cdtB-, and cdtC-PCR, respectively. Only 39 (33.3%) isolates were positive for virB11. Of 117 isolates, 114 (97.4%) produced cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) in Vero cell assays, 105 (89.7%) in Colon 205 assays, and 109 (93.2%) in chicken embryo cell assays. The CDT titers were determined in Vero cell assays. Of 117 isolates, 50 (42.7%) produced a CDT titer of 1:100, 29 (24.8%) of 1:50, and 27 (23%) of 1:5 to 1:10; 8 (6.8%) produced a CDT titer at undiluted supernatants and 3 (2.6%) produced no toxin. Twenty-nine C. jejuni isolates that were PCR negative for one or more individual cdt toxin genes also produced low or no CDT toxin. The high prevalence of the seven virulence and toxin genes demonstrates that these putative pathogenic determinants are widespread among Campylobacter isolates from turkeys and calls for further investigation for the elimination of Campylobacter infection in industrial turkey production and in industrial food chains.

Animals↗

An evaluation of sampling methods for the detection of Escherichia coli and Salmonella on Turkey carcasses.

The efficacy of rinse, excision, and swab methods for the microbiological analysis of prechill turkey carcasses was investigated. Aerobic plate counts from a 50-cm2 area of the breast sampled by excision and by swabbing were compared. Escherichia coli and Salmonella recoveries were determined from turkeys sampled by a carcass rinse (CR), a modified rinse with the carcass supported in a swing (MCR), a two-site swab of 50 cm2 at the back and thigh (2S), a one-site swab of 50 cm2 beneath the wing (1S), a whole-carcass swab of the inner and outer carcass surface (WS), and excision of 25 g of neck skin tissue (NE). The effect of diluent volume (25, 50, and 100 ml) on E. coli counts from swab samples was also assessed. The aerobic plate count from breast tissue sampled by excision was greater than that by swabbing (P < 0.05). E. coli recoveries by the MCR method were similar to those by CR. E. coli counts from IS and WS samples were higher when swabs were stomached in 50 rather than 25 ml of diluent (P < 0.05). For swabs stomached in 50 ml of diluent, E. coli recoveries by the MCR, 2S, 1S, and WS methods were similar. For swabs stomached in 50 ml of diluent, Salmonella recoveries by the WS and MCR methods were higher than those by the 2S and 1S methods. Excision was more effective than swabbing for obtaining total bacterial counts from reduced turkey carcass areas. Whole-carcass sampling by rinsing or swabbing is necessary for optimum Salmonella recovery. Sampling a reduced area of the carcass is sufficient for E. coli analysis.

Animals↗

Influence of dietary vitamin E on behavior of Listeria monocytogenes and color stability in ground turkey meat following electron beam irradiation.

There is growing concern that the free radical scavenging effect of antioxidants added to meats might reduce the antimicrobial effectiveness of ionizing radiation. A study was conducted to determine the effect of vitamin E on the behavior (growth) of Listeria monocytogenes and color stability in turkey meat following electron beam irradiation. Raw ground turkey breast meat from birds fed diets containing 0 (control), 50, 100, and 200 IU/kg of vitamin E was inoculated with a five-strain mixture of L. monocytogenes to give approximately 10(7) CFU/g. Inoculated samples were irradiated at 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 kGy and stored aerobically (12 days) or under vacuum (42 days) at 4 degrees C. L. monocytogenes survivors were determined by plating samples on modified Oxford medium and counting colonies on modified Oxford medium plates after 48 h at 35 degrees C. Meat color was measured using a colorimeter. Irradiation at 2.0 kGy resulted in an approximately 3.5-log reduction of initial numbers of L. monocytogenes. There were no significant differences in D-values (decimal reduction times) for L. monocytogenes in meat irrespective of vitamin E treatment (P > 0.05). Also, vitamin E treatments did not affect growth of the pathogen in aerobic or vacuum-packaged samples following irradiation (P > 0.05). Compared with controls, irradiated meat from birds fed 100 or 200 IU/kg of vitamin E demonstrated significant improvement in color stability (lightness and redness values) during aerobic storage (P < 0.05). Dietary vitamin E (100 to 200 IU/kg) has good potential for improving the color stability of turkey meat without compromising the microbial safety of the irradiated product.

Animals↗

Influence of four retail food service cooling methods on the behavior of Clostridium perfringens ATCC 10388 in turkey roasts following heating to an internal temperature of 74 degrees C.

The influence of four food service cooling methods (CM) on growth of Clostridium perfringens ATCC 10388 in cooked turkey roasts was evaluated. Raw whole turkey roasts were inoculated with C. perfringens spores (approximately 4.23 log CFU per roast), vacuum packaged, and heated to an internal temperature of 74 degrees C. The cooked roasts were cooled as follows: whole roast cut into four quarters and held at 4 degrees C (CM1); whole roast held in a blast chiller (CM2); whole roast loosely wrapped and held at 4 degrees C (CM3); and whole roasts (three per bag) held at 4 degrees C (CM4). The roasts were analyzed for C. perfringens using Shahidi-Ferguson perfringens agar and anaerobic incubation (37 degrees C, 24 h). None of the cooling methods met the amended 2001 U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Code guidelines for safe cooling of potentially hazardous foods. Times taken for roasts to cool from 57 to 21 degrees C using CM1, CM2, CM3, and CM4 were 2.27, 3.11, 6.22, and 8.71 h, respectively. Times taken for roasts (21 degrees C) to reach 5 degrees C ranged from 6.33 (CM1) to 19.45 h (CM4). Based on initial numbers of C. perfringens, no growth occurred in roasts cooled by CM1 or CM2, whereas numbers increased by 1.5 and 4.0 log in whole roasts cooled via CM3 and CM4, respectively. These findings indicate that certain food service cooling methods for whole cooked turkey roasts may result in proliferation of C. perfringens and increase the risk of foodborne illness by this pathogen.

Animals↗

Prevalence and molecular profiles of Salmonella collected at a commercial turkey processing plant.

In this study, whole carcasses were sampled at eight stages on a turkey-processing line and Salmonella prevalence was determined using enrichment techniques. Recovered Salmonella was further characterized using serotyping and the molecular profiles were determined using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Prevalence data showed that contamination rates varied along the line and were greatest after defeathering and after chilling. Analysis of contamination in relation to serotypes and PFGE profiles found that on some visits the same serotype was present all along the processing line while on other days, additional serotypes were recovered that were not detected earlier on the line, suggesting that the birds harbored more than one serotype of Salmonella or there was cross-contamination occurring during processing. Overall, this study found fluctuations in Salmonella prevalence along a turkey-processing line. Following washing, Salmonella prevalence was significantly reduced, suggesting that washing is critical for Salmonella control in turkey processing and has significant application for controlling Salmonella at the postdefeathering and prechill stages where prevalence increased.

Animals↗

A scholarship project for the children of leprosy patients in Turkey.

Most of the leprosy patients in Turkey live in the rural areas of Eastern and South-Eastern Anatolia. Those living in the suburbs of the big cities of the Western parts of the country have come there by immigration. Nearly all patients are very poor; they have no land, or only a small amount of soil for cultivation. The incidence of deformities in our patients is high, excluding them from regular employment and a source of income. In Turkey, it is obligatory to attend primary school, but after that education has to be paid for, and the poor families of leprosy patients find it difficult to continue the education of their children. As the 'Society for the Struggle Against Leprosy', based in the Istanbul Leprosy Hospital at Bakirköy, we have developed a project to enable patients to continue sending their children to school, whilst at the same time asking the mothers to seek advice and guidance on family planning. The outset objective of this project was to enable children and young people, who otherwise have almost no chance of continuing education, to pursue education at secondary, high school and university levels. It was envisaged that in the long term educated children would be able to find a job and provide effective care and support for parents and other members of the family. This paper describes the administrative and other measures adopted and the results of the project from 1995 to 1998, during which a total of 545 children have been supported at an overall cost of US$107,378. The scholarship project has so far been remarkably successful in Turkey and it is hoped that it may provide a model for similar approaches in other countries. An unexpected and extremely encouraging finding has been that females now exceed males in this project and are increasing at all levels, including university entrance.

Adolescent↗