The Broad Breasted White Turkey is a popular commercial turkey breed known for its large size, fast growth rate, and high-quality meat production. This breed has been developed through selective breeding to emphasize traits such as rapid growth, large breast muscle, and white feathers, which are desirable in the commercial poultry industry. The Broad Breasted White Turkey is one of the most widely raised turkey breeds globally, with millions of birds produced annually for the meat market.
History and Development
The Broad Breasted White Turkey was developed in the United States in the early 20th century through a process of crossbreeding between existing turkey breeds, including the White Holland and the Broad Breasted Bronze. The goal of this breeding program was to create a turkey with improved growth rates, larger breast muscles, and a more efficient feed conversion ratio. The resulting breed, the Broad Breasted White Turkey, has become a staple of the commercial poultry industry due to its exceptional growth characteristics and high-quality meat production.
Physical Characteristics
The Broad Breasted White Turkey is a large bird, with toms (males) weighing up to 25 kg (55 lbs) and hens (females) weighing up to 15 kg (33 lbs). The breed has a distinctive white plumage, with a broad, muscular breast and a large, well-developed keel bone. The Broad Breasted White Turkey also has a relatively short, compact body, which makes it well-suited for intensive farming systems. The breed’s white feathers and pinkish-white skin make it an attractive option for producers looking to minimize the visibility of pin feathers and other imperfections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tom weight (kg) | 20-25 |
| Hen weight (kg) | 12-15 |
| Growth rate (days to 5 kg) | 60-70 |
| Feed conversion ratio | 1.8-2.0 |
Production and Management
The Broad Breasted White Turkey is typically raised in intensive farming systems, where birds are housed in large groups and fed a nutritionally balanced diet. The breed is well-suited to this type of production system, as it is able to thrive in a variety of environmental conditions and can tolerate the stresses associated with intensive farming. Producers typically use a combination of artificial lighting and temperature control to optimize growth rates and minimize mortality.
In terms of management, the Broad Breasted White Turkey requires regular monitoring of feed intake, water quality, and health status to ensure optimal growth and well-being. Producers must also implement effective biosecurity measures to minimize the risk of disease transmission and protect the health of their flocks. The use of vaccination programs and medication can also help to control the spread of disease and promote healthy growth.
Nutrition and Health
The Broad Breasted White Turkey has a high nutritional requirement, particularly in terms of protein and energy. Producers typically feed the breed a diet rich in proteins and energy sources, such as grains and soybean meal. The breed is also susceptible to a range of health issues, including respiratory diseases and leg problems, which can be managed through the use of ventilation systems and flooring materials that promote bird comfort and reduce stress.
- Nutritional requirements: high protein and energy intake
- Health issues: respiratory diseases, leg problems, and heat stress
- Management strategies: biosecurity, vaccination programs, and medication
What is the average growth rate of the Broad Breasted White Turkey?
+The average growth rate of the Broad Breasted White Turkey is 60-70 days to reach 5 kg (11 lbs) of body weight.
What are the main health issues affecting the Broad Breasted White Turkey?
+The main health issues affecting the Broad Breasted White Turkey include respiratory diseases, leg problems, and heat stress. Producers can manage these issues through the use of biosecurity measures, vaccination programs, and medication.
