Increasingly popular and widespread in Lately such a poultry industry as breeding turkeys. In households and individual land plots this bird is bred in order to obtain tasty, vitamin-rich dietary meat.
Bronze broad-breasted turkeys: Photos
The breed was bred by American scientists and is currently the largest among domestic birds. The maximum weight of a turkey is about 30 kilograms, so this breed of bird is most widely used for breeding in production conditions. Their egg production is 120 pieces per year.
Moscow white turkeys: Photos
They represent the achievement of domestic breeders. They have a remarkable ability to adapt to climatic conditions. weather changes as well as high productivity. The mass of an adult male is 13 kilograms, the female is half as much. Their egg production exceeds 100 pieces per year.
North Caucasian bronze turkeys: Photos
They differ from other breeds in good appetite and a high degree of activity. In addition, they tolerate acclimatization and changing conditions well. The mass of an adult male is 15 kilograms, the female is 8 kilograms. Their egg production is at least 100 pieces per year.
White dutch turkeys
An extremely rare breed bred by Dutch scientists. It is characterized by excellent parameters and characteristics of meat. The average weight of a bird is 14 kilograms for a male and 9 kilograms for a turkey. Their productivity is low and amounts to 80 eggs per year.
Turkey Care
Keeping these breeds of birds in your farm and caring for them consists in proper feeding, systematic cleaning, inspection of birds and monitoring their growth dynamics. The condition and mood of small turkeys must be constantly monitored, and in the event of the appearance of weak individuals, they should be settled in a separate room and given the best supplementary food. When signs of the onset of the disease appear, the chicks are also separated from the general herd and the process of additional restorative feeding is carried out.
Turkeys are fed with complete and nutritious feeds that contain low-fat cottage cheese, boiled eggs, uncooked fish, dairy products and fresh juicy greens. As needed, the chicks are supplemented with mineral feed.
Turkey care
Caring for this breed of birds includes a complete and fortified feeding appropriate for the age of the bird. Males should be fed a diet enriched with animal proteins, and turkeys should receive a variety of healthy vitamin supplements along with the feed. The taste characteristics and properties of their meat, productivity and health depend on the correct content and quality of bird feed.
From other types of birds kept in the homestead, turkeys are distinguished by a high instinct for hatching their eggs. But in conditions of home breeding, this quality is very disturbing, since it reduces their productivity, leads to a decrease in the appetite of the individual and loss of body weight. To prevent possible troubles and reduce this instinct, it is recommended to set a lower temperature in the room, direct bright light at the birds, put an active male to the females and walk them.
Video: Turkey farm
Growing broiler turkeys
Broiler turkeys (see also Growing Broilers Step by Step) are young chicks raised using a unique, specialized technique. Due to special nutrition with a high fiber content and careful care, the meat of such birds acquires a juicy taste and softness.
For full-fledged growing and rapid weight gain, broilers are fed with special mineral and high-vitamin feeds. In the first week of life, they are fed up to nine times a day, until they reach adulthood - six times. Young chicks during rearing are protected from hypothermia and drafts, set high temperature indoor air and install a good ventilation system.
The best breeds of turkeys
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Our article today will be devoted to the best breeds of turkeys.
Let's start, perhaps, with the homeland of turkeys. America is considered the birthplace of this bird. The turkey came to European countries thanks to the Spaniards, who brought the turkey from America and successfully bred it for several centuries. In our time best breeds turkeys are distributed throughout the world and successfully bred.
More and more novice farmers are interested in breeding turkeys. The best breeds of turkeys are quite whimsical and require great attention, however, this does not frighten poultry farmers. And this is not surprising, because this bird gives very tasty, dietary meat (expensive meat), thanks to which, breeding turkeys is quite a profitable business.
The best breeds of turkeys are bred not only for high-quality meat, but also for eggs. There are also so-called. decorative breeds of turkeys that are bred for exhibitions. We will consider the most popular breeds of turkeys for breeding for meat.
The best breeds of turkeys
Conditionally the best breeds of turkeys can be divided into 3 types:
- light (the weight of the female is about 5 kg, the male is 9 kg)
- medium (female weight about 7 kg, male - 16 kg)
- heavy (the weight of the female is about 10 kg, the male is 23 kg)
The most "bright" representative of the "light" turkeys is the black Tikhoretskaya breed of turkeys.
Black Tikhoretskaya breed
Black Tikhoretskaya was bred in Krasnodar Territory(Tikhoretsky district) in the 50s. Birds have black shiny plumage with some bronze tint near the tail. Birds are distinguished by a wide, deep body and chest, and a medium-sized head. The weight of an adult turkey is 5 kg, a turkey - 9 kg.
Birds of the black Tikhoretskaya breed have an average egg production (hatchability of eggs is 85%. The slaughter yield is 93%. Turkeys are distinguished by good productivity. Birds are very mobile, adapted to pasture conditions.
Bronze breed of turkeys
The bronze breed of turkeys also belongs to the light type. Birds have a fairly dense body constitution. black plumage with a greenish tint in the chest, and on the femoral plumage smoothly turns into bronze. The weight of an adult turkey is 6 kg, a turkey - 8 kg.
Birds are distinguished by good egg production (about 100 per year) and excellent quality meat. Birds have high fecundity and high survival rate of turkey poults. Birds are unpretentious in maintenance and feeding.
If we talk about the "medium" breeds of turkeys, then this can include the Moscow white and Uzbek fawn breed.
Moscow white breed of turkeys
The Moscow white breed of turkeys is considered the pride of domestic selection. For its breeding, only the best breeds of turkeys were crossed. thanks to which they received the Moscow breed, which is distinguished by high egg production and high quality meat.
The birds are of medium size, dense body, convex chest and snow-white plumage. The weight of an adult turkey is 7-8 kg, a turkey - 13 kg, and turkey poults will weigh about 5 kg by the age of 17 weeks. Egg production is average (110 eggs per year).
Moscow Whites are considered to be a rather productive breed, they easily acclimatize in different latitudes, which makes them in demand in different countries.
Uzbek fawn breed of turkeys
The Uzbek fawn breed also belongs to the "medium" type. It was bred in Uzbekistan. Widely distributed in Asian countries. Birds have a medium body, a narrow head of medium size, a long, elongated neck. Plumage color - red-brown (fawn). The weight of an adult turkey is 5-6 kg, a turkey - 10 kg, and turkey poults can weigh about 4 kg by the 16th week of life.
Birds do not differ in particularly high egg production (hatchability is 68%). A distinctive feature of these birds is their ability to fly well. These birds are unpretentious to the conditions, place of keeping and feeding.
The “heavy type” includes white broad-chested turkeys, as well as crosses (Big-6, Big-9, BYuT-8).
White broad-breasted breed of turkeys
White broad-breasted breed of turkeys is one of the most sought after and most common. It is divided into 3 productive varieties (heavy, medium, light).
Pros and cons of growing turkeys at home
The difference lies in the level of fertility, precocity and meat productivity. We will consider a heavy variety of this bird.
White broad-breasted have a white plumage color, a wide, convex chest, a wide body and a dense body constitution. The weight of an adult "heavy" type turkey is 12 kg, a turkey - about 25 kg. These birds are characterized by a fairly high egg production (120 eggs per year), good fertility and early maturity.
By 100 days of life, white broad-chested grow to their maximum size, at this age they can be slaughtered. Birds are quite capricious about the conditions of keeping and feeding, but these qualities do not affect their demand.
Heavy Cross Big-6
Big-6 belongs to the "heavy" type and is one of the most popular breeds of turkeys. Big-6 was bred in England (like Big-9 and BYuT-8). Birds are distinguished by high fecundity and meat precocity.
Big-6 birds have white plumage (and a small black tuft on the chest), a convex and wide chest. It is the chest part of the carcass that makes up 30% of the total weight of the bird. The weight of an adult turkey is 11-12 kg, a turkey is 25 kg. Birds are characterized by high growth rates: for example, at 3 months, a turkey weighs about 4 kg, and at 5 - already about 12 kg. Birds are slaughtered at 100 days of age.
So, today we have reviewed the most popular - the best breeds of turkeys. As it turned out, these birds are quite capricious and whimsical in the conditions of detention. If you still decide to start breeding turkeys, I recommend that you first “work out” and start breeding chickens, because. In many ways, their breeding and maintenance are similar.
Tatyana Kuzmenko, member of the editorial board of the Sobcorrespondent of the Internet publication “AtmAgro. Agroindustrial Bulletin»
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Home >> Livestock >> Poultry >> Breeding turkeys
Breeds of turkeys
What breed to choose?
The solution of this issue by the poultry farmer depends on the assessment of the conditions and opportunities that he has, the amount of time that he can devote to turkeys.
If a poultry farmer has a large enough range to provide most of the feed from grazing, and he has little time, then he can keep a bronze or Grelvite breed of turkeys.
If he is only interested in obtaining meat, and pure breeding does not matter to him, he may contain breeds adapted to local climatic conditions and outbred hybrids.
For higher-demand poultry farmers, the Virginia, Beltsville, and Bronze Broad-breasted turkeys are recommended. Many poultry farmers have gained experience in breeding Ivan turkeys of small and medium lines. Sports-oriented turkey breeders whose main goal is to show their results at shows should recommend all named "pure" breeds, as well as breeds grown in neighboring countries.
Breeds of turkeys suitable for breeding by amateurs
Previously bred breeds of turkeys (Norfolk, Cambridge, Suffolk, Narragansett, etc.) in the conditions of modern turkey breeding have given way to highly productive industrial breeds and crosses (white broad-breasted, Beltsville, large white, North Caucasian white, North Caucasian bronze, Moscow white, etc.) .
Bronze standard turkey
This is a bird of medium breed, in shape, size and plumage color is most similar to its wild ancestor. It is hardy, has good productive qualities and is therefore most common among poultry farmers. Her incubation instinct is preserved and she can be used as a mother hen for breeding not only turkeys, but also other species. poultry whom she takes good care of. When fattening after grazing, the initial weight of this turkey can be increased by 50%.
Productive qualities: turkey weight 8-9, turkey - 5-6 kg; egg production - 60 eggs, weighing 80 g, with a dark brown finely speckled shell. The main color of the plumage is brown-black.
Beltsville turkey
This is a small breed bird, characterized by a small but strong skeleton, good muscle and ease of fattening. When selecting offspring, consideration should be given to the form given in the standard, which in the Beltsville turkey is intermediate between the form of the Virginia turkey and broad-breasted breeds. The incubation instinct is preserved.
Productive qualities: weight of a turkey - 6.5, turkeys - 3.5-4 kg; egg production - 60 eggs, average weight 75 g, white shell with brownish mottling. The plumage is white.
virgin turkey
Sometimes it is also called Dutch or white turkey. It is of medium size, in size and body shape resembles a bronze standard turkey. Turkeys kept in semi-natural homestead conditions retain the instinct of incubation.
Productive qualities: turkey weight - 9, turkey - 6 kg, egg production - 60-70 eggs, weighing 80 g, the shell is white with brownish fine mottling. The plumage is pure white.
Grelvite turkey
This is a medium breed, bred and distributed mainly in Germany. The shape of the body is similar to a bronze standard turkey. The incubation instinct is preserved. The main source of feeding for her is pasture.
Productive qualities: turkey weight - 7-8, turkey 5.5 kg, egg production - 60 eggs, weighing 75 g, white shell with brown-red fine mottling. The main color of the plumage is white with a pattern in the form of a regular black border.
Small Ivanskaya broad-breasted turkey
This breed was bred in the fifties. Unlike the Beltsville turkey, it has a more developed chest. For breeding, natural mating is used. Turkeys in semi-natural conditions of detention retain the instinct of incubation.
Productive qualities: turkey weight - 7-8, turkey - 4.5 kg, egg production - 80 eggs (under conditions large-scale production- 120), weighing 75 g, the shell is white with brownish fine mottling. The plumage is white.
Medium Ivan white broad-breasted turkey
A line of medium-sized broad-breasted turkeys, bred in the same place as the previous breed. For breeding, natural mating can also be used (in conditions of large-scale production, artificial insemination is used).
The most popular breeds of turkeys
Under semi-natural conditions, incubation resumes.
Productive qualities: turkey weight - 13, turkey - 6.5 kg, egg production - 80 eggs, white shell with brownish mottling. The plumage is white.
Large Ivanskaya broad-breasted turkey. The breed was bred in the same place where the previous one. Natural mating of a turkey is difficult due to the large difference in the mass of males and females, so artificial insemination is used. In turkeys reared in semi-natural conditions, the brooding instinct can be renewed. The content of this line is related to big expense fodder.
Productive qualities: turkey weight - 18-20, turkeys 8 - 9 kg, egg production - 60-70 eggs. The shell is white with light brown mottling. The plumage is white.
Bronze Broad-breasted Turkey
This is a breed of large turkeys with a well-developed chest area. The mass of muscles of the chest part of the carcass reaches 30%. When fertilizing these turkeys, artificial insemination is used. The instinct of incubation in them resumes over time. As hens, these turkeys are not very suitable due to their large mass and the relatively high mortality of turkeys due to crushing.
Productive qualities: turkey weight - 18, turkey - 9 kg, egg production - 70 eggs, average weight 80 g, shell with brown mottling. The coloring and plumage pattern are the same as those of the bronze standard turkey.
White broad-breasted turkey
The plumage is white, a wide and convex chest, a bunch of black feathers on the chest. In the 60s of the 20th century, this breed was bred in the USA by crossing a white Dutch turkey with a bronze broad-breasted turkey. In 1961, the breed was brought to Russia.
The white wide-breasted turkey has excellent meat qualities, high early maturity and excellent egg production, excellent presentation of the carcass.
Wide-breasted turkeys are widely used in breeding, with their help many valuable highly productive lines have been created. There are three main varieties of white broad-breasted turkeys: heavy, medium and light.
Productive qualities: The live weight of adult males of heavy lines and crosses is 22-25 kg, females - 10-11 kg; Turkey poults of heavy crosses reach slaughter conditions at 18-25 weeks of age (live weight of males is 11-14 kg, females - 7-8 kg).
The live weight of adult males of middle lines and crosses is 17-15 kg and 6-7 kg in females;
The live weight of adult males of light lines and crosses is 8-9 kg and 4.5-5.5 kg in females. Light cross turkeys are slaughtered at 8-9 weeks of age (live weight 2-2.3 kg). Light cross turkeys are perfectly adapted to cell culture.
The peculiarities of this breed include the fact that by the age of 90-100 days the growth of turkeys almost stops, however, they are well-feathered, and when slaughtered, the carcasses have a beautiful presentation.
North Caucasian bronze turkey
The turkey was bred in 1946 in the Stavropol Territory and became widespread in the south of Russia, in the northern part of the Caucasus and Central Asia. Also, the North Caucasian bronze turkey was exported to Germany, and then to Bulgaria.
title like separate species approved in 1956. Outwardly, it is slightly different from other turkeys, as it has a small size, a growth above the beak, a long and wide body, a small but deep chest and long legs.
The breed is well accustomed to the grazing regime. Females of this species have an average egg production, and eighty-gram eggs produce an average of eighty pieces per year. For comparison, it can be noted that the highest egg production is observed in the white North Caucasian turkey, which was obtained as a result of crossing the white broad-breasted and bronze turkey. Such a hybrid produces an average of 150 eggs per year, sometimes more. Females of the North Caucasian bronze turkey begin to lay eggs when they reach the age of nine months. The eggs of the North Caucasian bronze turkey are light fawn in color, with a brown speck. At the same time, the eggs are fertilized at least 90%, more than 70% of the eggs hatch and survive. At the same time, chicks, like adult birds, are very active and mobile. It will not be superfluous to note that this is a fairly high figure among turkeys.
One way or another, the bronze turkey has a fairly high vitality and takes root well in a temperate and harsh hot climate. Unpretentious and well fertilized, they are often used to modify local breeds of turkeys.
But with all this, there is one small drawback - this is an unsightly presentation of the carcass of a bird of an early age, due to the fact that the skin of a bronze turkey has a blue tint. The head of the bird and the top of its neck are covered with wart growths. The plumage has a bronze color with a reflection of green with gold. On the tail, the feathers of the bird are matte, black with dark brown stripes.
The common, or wild, turkey is smaller and brighter than its domesticated relatives. In the forests of Central Europe, experiments are being carried out to acclimatize this species. Bird report with video and photo
Detachment — Galliformes
Family — Turkey
Genus/Species — Meleagris gallopavo.
Breeds of turkeys for breeding at home
common turkey
Basic data:
DIMENSIONS
Length: male up to 1.2 m, female less.
Weight: male 4.5-15.8 kg, female 2.7-6.3 kg.
BREEDING
Nesting period: spring.
Number of eggs: 8-15 smoky yellow mottled eggs.
Incubation: 28 days.
The chicks are on the wing: at 2 weeks; at three months they become independent.
LIFESTYLE
Habits: turkeys (see photo of a turkey) are flocking birds.
Food: fruits, roots, bulbs, seeds, insects, wood lice, snails and amphibians.
RELATED SPECIES
There are 7 subspecies of the common, or wild, turkey. Its closest relative is the spotted turkey, which lives on the Yucatan Peninsula.
The common turkey is the largest hen in North America. Birds have beautiful plumage with a metallic sheen. Males flaunt outgrowths on the throat and forehead, which give them a formidable appearance.
WHAT DOES IT FEED
Turkeys look for food in fallen leaves and pluck low plants. They feed on beans, beans, and similar plants, as well as fruits, grass, buds, acorns, nuts, roots, seeds, and bulbs. The diet of the turkey also includes animal food - locusts, centipedes, snails and amphibians. The bird swallows the food whole - it is crushed in the muscular stomach. Digestion is facilitated by small pebbles in the bird's stomach. Digestive system turkey is able to digest even pieces of metal. When birds drink, they rhythmically raise and lower their heads. There are times when they, swinging like pendulums, sometimes fall into a trance, fall into the water and drown.
TURKEY AND MAN
People have hunted turkeys for centuries. Roast turkey is a traditional American dish served during the holidays. F. Fernandez brought the turkey to Europe in 1519, stealing it from the garden of the Aztec leader Montezuma. From Spain, the turkey came to Turkey, and from there the bird migrated to the coast of Foggy Albion.
Tender, low-fat turkey is considered a gourmet dietary product in many countries.
LIFESTYLE
Wild turkeys live in mountain forests, in light lowland forests and swamps. During the entire time, with the exception of the mating season, males and females are kept in separate flocks.
The turkey has a lot of natural enemies - these include, for example, foxes, wolves, lynxes, skunks, coyotes, raccoons, minks, eagles and other large predator birds, in particular owls. Turkeys have to constantly be on their guard, so they spend the night on hard-to-reach trees that grow in the water. Heavy turkeys fly little and reluctantly, and before takeoff they need a long acceleration. Young birds meet with even greater difficulties. Inexperienced young, which do not fly well, overcome the distance in several stages: from the ground to the stump, from there to the branch, and so on, until the bird reaches a safe place to sleep.
BREEDING
During mating, the turkey steps importantly from one foot to the other, unfolds its tail like a fan and cackles loudly - this behavior is characteristic of both wild and domestic birds. In the outgrowth on the throat of the male during the spring mating season, fat accumulates, which acts as an energy store, since during the display the turkey eats practically nothing and loses a lot of weight. Each male seeks to fertilize as many females as possible. The female digs a shallow hole in the ground, lines it with dry leaves and lays in it from 8 to 15 smoky-yellow eggs with reddish spots.
Chicks are born covered with gray down, which soon gives way to feathers. In August, they still wear a "youth outfit", and by the end of the year they are already covered with adult plumage. The first day the chicks spend under the wings of their mother, and, having dried, they leave the nest the very next day. Chicks are under maternal care for three months, then they begin an independent life.
- The Indians began raising turkeys for their meat over 1000 years ago.
- B. Franklin, famous statesman, suggested using the image of a turkey as a US emblem, instead of a bald eagle. Speaking of the turkey, he argued that "this is the most American bird, no animal in the formation of the nation has played such a role."
- The British call the turkey "Turkish bird" because it was first brought to them from Turkey. The Danes and Swedes believed that the turkey came to Turkey from India.
CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF THE TURKEY. DESCRIPTION
Plumage: greenish brown with golden and copper sheen. Feathers on the neck, chest and back with a black border.
"Tie": on the chest of males, a characteristic brush of feathers grows, which in old turkeys can reach the ground.
Legs: gray, with a lilac-pink tint, in males - with short thick spurs.
- Habitat of the common turkey
WHERE THE TURKEY LIVES
Initially, the common turkey was distributed in the eastern United States and Mexico, from Washington State to New Mexico and Texas.
PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION
In some areas of New England, common turkeys have been killed by hunters, but in 21 US states they are still very numerous. In some states, turkey hunting requires a license.
Turkey. Video (00:00:58)
The turkey is one of the common types of poultry from the order of chickens, which originates from the common turkey. Turkey chickens - turkey poults.
The turkey is a voracious bird. Under natural conditions, turkeys feed very diligently on plowed fields, stubble, potato crops, and on fallow lands. Herds of turkeys eat seeds, grains of cereals, weeds, small beech cones, snails, and also turkeys eat great amount insects, beetles, caterpillars and larvae.
Turkeys are native to America.
They were domesticated there about 1000 years ago. Turkey meat is considered dietary, has a high taste and contains a large number of easily digestible protein. The United States is the leader in turkey breeding and turkey meat production.
The turkey is a slender, long-legged bird with short wings and a tail.
The domestic turkey is one of the most common types of poultry from the order Galliformes, which originates from the common turkey.
Turkeys are the second largest poultry after ostriches. The live weight of adult turkeys is 9-35 kilograms, turkeys 4.5-11 kilograms.
The farm breeds several breeds of turkeys: Norfolk Black Turkeys, Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys, English Crested Turkeys, Bourbon Red Turkeys, White Broad Breasted Turkeys, Beltsville Turkeys, English Mini Turkeys, Large White Turkeys, North Caucasian White Turkeys, North Caucasian Bronze Turkeys, Moscow White Turkeys, black Tikhoretsk turkeys, fawn turkeys, local turkeys.
Black Norfolk turkeys or black Spanish turkeys are a variety of turkeys, on the tail and back of which the feathers are shaded in a dark brown color with a green tint, turkey poults have white spots near the head; their legs are black, their height is average, their weight is 15-18 kilograms.
Broad-breasted bronze turkeys or American bronze turkeys are beautifully built turkeys, with brown plumage with bronze, violet and purple hues; weight 12-18 kilograms.
Turkey breeder - turkey breeder - a specialist in breeding turkeys.
Wild turkeys in our yard4. Video (00:00:14)
Wild turkeys in our yard
Turkey is the largest and most beautiful bird
This is, of course, the turkey - the largest and most beautiful of poultry. Giant males can reach a weight of up to 40 kg, females are also not miniature, when they are weighed, the scale arrow sometimes stops at around 13-15 kg. Turkey meat compares favorably with its high nutritional, taste, dietary and culinary qualities. It contains a large amount of protein (up to 28%) and moderately fatty (only 2-5% fat). It has a special flavor characteristic of steppe game meat (pheasants, bustards, partridges). Turkey meat is rich in B vitamins, it is distinguished by the lowest cholesterol content.
Of course, for a number of economic reasons, turkey breeding in our republic is not yet at the proper level, however, it is possible and necessary to successfully grow turkey poults for meat on a personal farmstead. After all, the benefits are obvious! As a rule, homestead farms in Belarus can mainly boast only of birds of local, not too large breeds. Adult males usually weigh 5-6 kg, females - 3-4 kg.
If you decide to breed turkeys in the courtyard, then first read the basic rules for the work of an amateur poultry farmer. It is very important to correctly complete the parent herd, the ratio of males and females in which should be 1:5. The owners collect fertilized eggs in a timely manner and plant a hen. This is usually not a problem, as turkeys are naturally excellent mothers. The mother turkey herself will perfectly warm the turkeys, protect them from insidious predators, and teach them the rules of behavior in this difficult world.
However, beginner amateur poultry farmers most often purchase day-old turkey poults at a poultry farm and, naturally, the chicks will have to grow up as orphans, without a troublesome and caring mother. Here, the owners will have more worries!
It is necessary to carefully prepare the room for keeping turkeys, whitewash it with a solution of slaked lime, and fire the concrete floor. The best bedding will be dry sawdust, chopped straw, sphagnum peat.
It is very important to arrange for day old poults a proper meeting on the farm. Immediately after settling in new apartment pipette the crumbs with a nutrient mixture of glucose, ascorbic acid, multivitamins (all this can be diluted in boiled milk). From the age of one day, turkey poults can be fed any kind of compound feed, except for beef. Although it is desirable to dwell on a special recipe for birds. These are PK-11 B, PK-13B, PK-5B, PK-6B, PK-2B. If there is no compound feed on the farm, the chicks are given crushed grain of wheat, corn, barley.
Also, from the first day, turkeys are fed hard-boiled eggs of chickens and waterfowl, pre-finely crushed and added to the feed at the rate of 3-5 g per head per day. If possible, add 4-6 g of fresh cottage cheese there.
So that the turkey poults do not peck at sawdust, for the first 5 days paper sheets are placed under the feeders, and they are changed daily. Give cottage cheese, a boiled egg to your feathered pets in such quantity that the bird eats them on time and the food does not have time to turn sour.
In the first week of life, the chicks consume only 10 g of feed per day, in the second - 25 g, in the third - 40 g, in the fourth - 60 g. 120-day-old young animals require up to 300 g of feed per day. For proper metabolism in the first weeks of life in the diet of turkeys, it is necessary to include minced fish, baker's yeast, crushed peas. From 3 weeks of age, moisten the dry feed mixture with yogurt, reverse. From the age of one month, turkey poults can be given up to 50 g of yogurt and up to 30 g of fresh cottage cheese per head per day.
Pay special attention to maintaining the required temperature in the house. Daily turkey poults need 35-33 degrees of heat, but 28 degrees is already enough for week-old chicks. Monthly turkey poults grow and develop well at 2°C, and from 45 days of age until the end of rearing, the temperature in the poultry house is maintained at 18°C. The desired temperature is created and maintained using household appliances and incandescent lamps.
In the first week of life, it is necessary to carefully monitor the turkey poults, to prevent crowding, which is a sign of hypothermia in babies. However, overheating is also unacceptable, then the chicks gather at the drinking bowl, their beaks are expanded, the poor things are tormented by thirst.
Up to 15 small turkey poults can comfortably accommodate on 1 m2 of floor.
Growing turkeys at home is a profitable business in the private sector
When they are 2 months old, only 10 heads of young animals can be left per 1 m2 of the floor, by four months the number of birds per 1 m2 will have to be halved. The norm for planting laying turkeys is as follows: 1.5-2 individuals per 1 m2 of floor, a mature male will need his own personal square meter.
Of exceptional importance for the proper growth and development of turkey poults is the light regime in the poultry house, since in the first days of life the chicks have poorly developed vision. Until the age of 7 days, crumbs need to be provided with a 24-hour daylight hours, the illumination rate during this period is 50 lux, from 2 to 3 weeks the light in the house is on for 17 hours, illumination is 30 lux, from 4 to 7 weeks daylight hours are 14 hours , illumination - 15 lux. From 8 weeks of age, it will be enough to turn on the light for 8 hours a day, the light intensity is 1-2 lux.
Install feeders and drinkers only in a well-lit place, paint them in bright colors if possible. For watering turkey poults, flow and vacuum drinkers are arranged. The drinker should be at the level of the heads of the turkeys so that the chicks can easily get water, but at the same time they cannot climb into the drinker with paws. The temperature of the water in the drinkers is desirable at room temperature. Once a week, for prophylactic purposes, potassium permanganate is added to the drinking water for turkey poults so that the water acquires a slightly pink color.
Turkey diets should be balanced for all essential nutrients. The main source of energy for poultry is grain feed - corn, wheat, barley, oats. Amateur poultry farmers should be aware that the protein is found in cake, meal, legumes, animal feed (fish, meat and bone meal, milk powder). Feed yeast, along with protein, is rich in B vitamins. Also a good vitamin supplement to the daily diet of turkeys is herbal flour. In the structure of diets, grain and leguminous feed should be from 50 to 80%. But turkeys under 17 weeks of age are not recommended to feed rye, triticale, unpeeled oats, millet, lupine, bran, linen, cotton and rapeseed meal.
In summer, young animals are given green juicy food, nettle, clover, alfalfa, green onions. These vitamin supplements will benefit chicks as early as two weeks of age. They begin to be fed 2-3 g per day, but 120-day-old young animals already need 90 g of greens per day. By the way, starting from the age of two months, the young are well fed on the pasture.
When giving succulent feeds, be sure to watch how the bird eats them - with appetite or not.
Cleanliness is the key to the health of turkeys. Therefore, clean and wash the drinkers and feeders daily. Gravel with a diameter of 1 to 4 mm should always be in separate feeders from the age of 3 weeks of chicks. A good source of mineral feed for turkeys are shell, defluorinated phosphate, dried and crushed egg shells.
Young animals are very afraid of dampness and drafts, so do not endanger the life and health of your feathered pets. Sometimes it happens that, despite all the efforts and care of the owners, tender chicks still get sick. Therefore, be sure to have chloramphenicol tablets in your veterinary medicine cabinet. If the turkey poults have a ruffled feather, they move sluggishly, refuse to feed, vilify, give each turkey from a pipette 1 ml of levomycetin solution (1 tablet per 10 ml of boiled water) and 1 ml of 30% alcohol daily for three days.
Of course, it is always more profitable to grow thoroughbred poultry in the backyard, for example, turkey poults of modern crosses of white broad-breasted breed, which can be purchased from April to July at the BelZOSP RUSHNPP in the city of Zaslavl, Minsk Region, and, possibly, at the Molodechno poultry farm in the village of Olekhnovichi Molodechno region. Turkey poults of the white broad-breasted breed can be bought both at the age of 30-60 days and at the age of 30-60 days.
With elementary observance of the conditions of keeping and feeding, by November your pets will weigh: females - 8-10 kg, males - 12-14 kg.
However, it is not advisable to leave adult females and males for further reproduction, too large a difference in weight (10-12 kg and 20-30 kg) adversely affects the fertility of eggs. They will be in the masonry only 5-30% of the total. Artificial insemination is indispensable in such a situation, and it cannot be done without special knowledge.
Good luck in this profitable and profitable business.
The turkey is larger than other poultry in size. The average live weight of an adult is 5-11 kg. Among the turkeys there are champions. The biggest turkey in the world belongs to the breed of White broad-breasted turkey.
He was raised in the UK (Cambridgeshire, Lycroft farm) by farmer Philip Cook. Turkey Tyson had a lethal weight of about 39 kg.
Breed of the largest turkey in the world
Very often individuals of this species reach more than 30 kg. Broad-breasted white turkeys are very popular in poultry farms and private farms. They are valued for tender and tasty meat, excellent presentation, high egg production and precocity. The white color of the feather and down, as well as the high live weight of the bird, are also the advantages of the breed.
Turkeys of this species were first bred in the 60s in the United States. By crossing the White Dutch turkeys and the Bronze Broad-breasted, the scientists obtained a wonderful breed. In the early years of breeding, many countries purchased new birds. They were brought to the USSR for the purpose of their further selection and breeding on an industrial scale.
Dimensions of the world's largest turkeys
This amazing breed laid the foundation for high-yielding lines of turkeys, among which there are light, heavy and medium. Individuals of the light line have a mass of about 9 kg, females - up to 5.5 kg. Birds easily tolerate cage space. At the age of 8 weeks, turkeys are slaughtered. The weight of birds of the middle line is 15 kg, females - 7 kg. Heavy lines are superior to other individuals in all respects. Male specimens weigh 25 kg, and female specimens weigh 11 kg. The weight of especially large turkeys exceeds 30 kg.
The peculiarity of the turkeys of this breed is that they stop growing after reaching 100 days of age. During this period, they have a wonderful presentation.
Where does the white broad-breasted turkey live?
In our country, such turkeys are bred in the southern and central regions. The dry climate of temperate latitudes is most favorable for these birds, as they do not tolerate cold. Breed White broad-breasted turkey is very demanding on feeding and keeping conditions.
Bird characteristics
Turkeys or turkeys are large representatives of the pheasant family and the ancestors of domestic turkeys. They are distinguished by strong long legs and a small, unfeathered head. The head of the bird is covered with red "warts". The throat of a turkey is decorated with a fleshy leathery fold. There is an appendage of brightly colored skin near the base of the beak. Against the background of a voluminous body, the wings of a bird seem too small. The turkey has a brownish-gray body color and a tail decorated with stripes.
In past centuries, the range of the bird was extensive. Turkeys lived throughout North America. Birds of this species are characterized by gullibility. Thanks to this, the colonizers of new lands were able to appreciate all the advantages of turkey meat. She began to be considered a traditional dish on the table. Huge batches of birds were transported to European countries, enriching local entrepreneurs. Therefore, by the 20th century, the number of birds had significantly decreased. The American government streamlined the hunting of turkeys, and their habitats began to be protected. Wild individuals have been domesticated for over 1000 years.
Wild turkeys are kept in herds, which consist of females and their chicks. Males form bachelor groups, joining females only during mating season. Attracting a partner, the turkey begins to make a funny cooing and drag its wings along the ground. wild birds live for about three years, while in captivity their life expectancy is 10-12 years.
Domestic turkey today occupies a worthy position in national economy. A competent approach to poultry breeding allows you to get excellent results and grow healthy and large individuals. The biggest turkey in the world- this is an excellent proof of the careful care of the bird.
Turkey is considered very nutritious. The meat of the female is tastier than that of the male. Wild turkeys are much tastier than domestic ones, as they feed on berries, fruits, and acorns. Old turkeys are only suitable for making broths and soups.
This bird was brought to Europe by the Spaniards in ancient times and has since become widespread. Turkeys gained popularity due to rapid weight gain, as well as delicious dietary meat. We will try to understand the purpose of different breeds of these birds and key characteristics. For example, what are the distinctive features of Cross BIG-6 turkeys?
Breeds of turkeys can be divided according to two parameters. The first of them is connected with the purpose of this bird. By appointment, the following breeds are distinguished:
The second way of classification is by the weight of an adult. According to this method, turkeys are divided into three groups:
- Lungs. A turkey weighs up to 9 kg, a turkey - up to 5 kg;
- Medium. The male can gain 16 kg, the female - 7 kg;
- Heavy. The male can weigh from 23 to 30 kg, the female - about 12 kg.
Each breed, in addition to purely visual differences, has a couple of important characteristics. Each breed has a different ratio of adult body weight to the amount of meat received. The period of gaining the optimal live weight for slaughter also varies.
The most common turkey meat breeds
This breed was obtained by American breeders in the 20th century. The bird has a heavy oval body with a convex chest. On the dove heads you can see a very long bright red growth.
Turkeys can gain up to 22 kg of weight. A feature of the breed is its excellent productivity and the possibility of keeping and growing in cells. Broad-chested White turkeys quickly gain optimal weight in cages, consuming the same amount of feed as if they were kept on pastures.
Another breed resulting from crossing local birds with broad-breasted bronze turkeys. Unlike the previous variety, the body of these turkeys is more elongated, the chest is massive and convex.
Birds of this breed are hardy and can graze on pastures, which makes it possible to keep them on private farms without any problems.
Males of the Moscow bronze reach up to 20 kg of weight, females - up to 10 kg.
A hybrid bred by foreign breeders. This variety impresses with its productivity and precocity. BIG-6 has a white color with a dark spot on the chest. The chest is rounded, the neck is long and powerful.
These turkeys grow in an interesting way, their weight increases exponentially. If at the age of three months a turkey weighs about 3-4 kg, then in a month he is gaining all 10 kg. Ultimately, the weight of an adult male can exceed 24 kg. At the same time, BIG 6 consumes relatively little feed - two and a half kilograms of feed per kilo of live weight.
A bird native to Canada, the meat of which has a particularly pleasant taste. The basis for crossing was the White Dutch breed and the already mentioned Broad-breasted Bronze. The breed is considered one of the most widespread in the world.
One of the advantages of this bird is its precocity - Hybrid Converter (or Indostraus) quickly gains live weight. The weight of males for five months of maintenance can reach 20 or more kilograms, the weight of females is usually half that. Earlier we mentioned the ratio of the weight of the bird and the resulting meat, this breed has one of the best ratios - 85%.
Turkeys begin laying eggs at the age of nine months and produce about 50 eggs per year. Females willingly take care of their offspring, carefully incubate the eggs. In our country, this breed is used by everyone in great demand due to its unpretentiousness and rapid adaptation to the climate.
A relatively recently created breed of turkeys by English breeders. Outwardly, this bird looks decorative. White fluffy plumage is combined with a arched neck, a bright red outgrowth. The paws are very massive, as is the body.
On average, an adult turkey of this breed can weigh about 27 kg, and a turkey - 10 kg. But to achieve such a mass is possible only with proper fattening. Up to 4 months, turkeys are given 2.5 kg of feed, after - almost 3 kg. Already after 20 weeks, the bird needs a little less than 3.5 kg of feed.
Egg breeds of turkeys
This hybrid is also called Dutch. Birds have white plumage and do not reach large sizes. The physique and dimensions are similar to the Bronze breed turkeys. These birds feel most comfortable on pastures, household plots.
The weight of an adult male reaches approximately 9 kg. The mass of a turkey is usually half as much. For six months, the female produces about 60 eggs.
One of the most popular breeds of turkeys has its name due to the characteristic color of feathers. In males of the bronze breed, the upper part of the neck and chest are painted black, and a bronze stripe adorns the dark back. There are white stripes on the thighs and wings. Whitish-blue heads contrast with bright scarlet growths.
In females, the color is not so rich. Their feature is a white piping showing on the back, chest and wings. Compared to males, their bodies are more graceful, and there are no growths on their heads.
Males of this breed reach an average weight of 18 kg, females - up to 10 kg. For the annual period, the female is able to carry a hundred eggs.
Individuals of this breed can be kept in open enclosures if the climatic conditions of this area are moderate. In the last century, a local bronze breed was bred in Canada, which had excellent endurance, gained excellent live weight, and was also distinguished by high egg production.
Outwardly, these birds are very similar to the BIG-6. On the chest dyed in White color they also have a black spot on their bodies. But in terms of mass, White Moscow is much inferior - the weight of an adult turkey reaches 16 kg, females - 8 kg. The breed is great for growing at home, easily adapts to various changes.
This breed is very unpretentious and hardy. Thanks to this, she has gained great popularity among farmers around the world. BIG-9 is famous not only for its egg productivity, but also for its fleshiness.
An adult male can weigh 17 kg and, as usual, the female reaches only half this mass. During the season, she can lay up to 120 eggs. In this case, 4 out of 5 eggs will be fertilized.
Breed from the Netherlands with a white color and a long red growth on the head. It does not require large expenditures for feed when breeding. In terms of mass gain, BIG-6 loses, but, nevertheless, it has a very good indicator.
Turkeys of this breed gain about 20 kg of weight, and females as much as 16 kg. For six months, the female produces about 100 eggs. Raising young of this breed is quite difficult. Do not allow dampness, drafts, as well as sudden changes in temperature. Also, due to the large mass, natural fertilization in this breed is very difficult.
Bred in the Krasnodar Territory in 1957, the Tikhoretskaya Black Turkey is classified as a light breed. The bird feels great, both in the pasture and in the cage.
The body of individuals of this breed looks chopped, as if knocked down, the black plumage is cast in bronze. The weight of a grown turkey can reach 10 kg, turkey - 5 kg. Marketable weight is reached by four months and is about 4-5 kg. The ratio of weight to meat is approximately 60%. Turkeys produce up to 100 eggs per year. They take care of the young and incubate the eggs.
Mixed breeds (egg and meat)
This breed with white plumage was bred by Russian breeders in the North Caucasus and officially registered just over 10 years ago. The station wagon grows quickly, consumes little feed and is distinguished by its endurance.
Adult turkeys can weigh about 18 kg, turkeys - 10 kg. For 4 months, the young are gaining weight, approximately 5 kg. For 1 kg of live meat, there are 3 kg of feed. The female lays 70 eggs per year. Out of 10 eggs, 9 are fertilized. The young are very strong and healthy.
The bird was bred after the Second World War back in the USSR and is now quite common in the farms of our country. One of the ancestors of this breed are Broad-breasted Bronze turkeys. Individuals are distinguished by their large size and the ability to adapt to different conditions of detention.
The mass of males of the North Caucasian bronze breed reaches 14 kg and up to 7 kg in females. Young individuals are very hardy, and turkeys are famous for their egg productivity.
This breed is not distinguished by high egg productivity, high live weight, or egg fertility. However, she has a serious advantage. Uzbek Fawns are able to live and raise a whole brood with minimal feeding, independently foraging in the pasture. It is thanks to this undemanding nature that these birds are well suited for private households.
The mass of an adult male reaches 10 kg, the female weighs half as much. For a third of the year, young animals can gain 4 kg, but they are usually grown all the way. Females are able to carry about 60 eggs per year.
A hardy broiler breed bred from the Broad-breasted Bronze and White. The mass of these birds grows quickly. A turkey lays up to 90 eggs a year. The mass of one egg reaches 80g.
The North Caucasian White turkey is intended for keeping in private households. The bird does not experience problems when kept on pasture, it is unpretentious to the feeding regime and the composition of the feed.
The main characteristics of birds of different breeds
| Purpose | Breed | Weight, kg | Egg production (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat | 22/10 | 80 | |
| 20/10 | 80 | ||
| BIG-6 | 24/12 | 100 | |
| 20/10 | 80 | ||
| 27/10 | 90 | ||
| egg | 9/5 | 120 | |
| Bronze | 18/10 | 100 | |
| 16/8 | 120 | ||
| BIG-9 | 17/9 | 120 | |
| 10/5 | 100 | ||
| Headon | 20/16 | 100 | |
| mixed | station wagon | 18/10 | 70 |
| 10/5 | 60 | ||
| 14/7 | 80 | ||
| 14/8 | 90 |
Light breeds
Breeds of this type are not suitable for breeding in cages. Due to their small mass, these birds are very mobile. In addition, keeping on pastures saves up to half of the feed. Obviously, you won’t get much meat from these birds, but some breeds, such as the Bronze and North Caucasian White, are distinguished by their delicious, very tasty meat. In addition, many egg producers can be found among these breeds.
Breeds of the middle type
Usually these are universal breeds. Unlike heavy crosses, they do not require careful maintenance. At the same time, they allow growing marketable meat in less than six months. Layers of medium type can produce from 70 to 100 eggs.
Turkeys without breed
These are any turkeys that have been hatched haphazardly for quite a long time. The weight of males usually reaches no more than 7 kg. Females carry few eggs - an average of three dozen. Contained on household plots. The color can be either variegated or white. home distinguishing feature– small dimensions and weight.
What breeds of turkeys should be bred?
For a farmer, a private business executive, the first priority is, of course, the quantity and quality of meat. From this point of view, crosses are the most cost-effective. On this moment the following crosses of turkeys are in demand:
- BIG-6. This breed is productive, lays high-quality eggs, has a significant body weight. At the same time, it consumes relatively little feed, so breeding this breed is beneficial. In almost all respects, this species is superior to other breeds;
- Khidon and BYuT-8. These crosses also stand out against the background of all turkey breeds. Breeding these breeds, you can short term get a large amount of meat without spending a lot of feed.
However, it should be repeated that the breeding of such crosses requires minimum experience poultry farming. Feeding should correspond to the regime, young animals need care and a special diet. So, for example, BYuT-8 needs to be constantly fed green onion and sunflower or soy cake. If you do not feed meat breed turkeys correctly, you will not be able to achieve a high mass.
Due to the large weight and difference in mass between males and females, in heavy meat breeds, the fertilization process is often difficult. Therefore, a poultry farmer who decides to seriously engage in breeding such birds needs to learn how to artificially inseminate turkeys.
Given all of the above, we can conclude that heavy crosses are not suitable for everyone. If you are not ready to devote time to arranging a chicken coop, carefully monitor feeding, stop at local breeds. They grow longer, have a lower live weight, but are able to feed themselves in the summer, and, as a rule, are not so whimsical to the conditions of detention.
Weight gain rates for turkeys
General indicators of normal weight gain of heavy crosses
| Age | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | 150 g | 150 g |
| 2 weeks | 380 g | 350 g |
| 3 week | 750 g | 640 g |
| 4 week | 1.22 kg | 1.03 kg |
| 5 week | 1.80 kg | 1.50 kg |
| 6 week | 2.48 kg | 2.05 kg |
| 7 week | 3.26 kg | 2.65 kg |
| 8 week | 4.1 kg | 3.3 kg |
So, at week 8, you can see how much the bird gained in 2 months. Further, it becomes clear how the increase in the mass of the female begins to slow down.
| Age | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 9 week | 5 kg | 3.97 kg |
| 10 week | 5.96 kg | 4.7 kg |
| 11 week | 6.92 kg | 5.4 kg |
| 12 week | 7.95 kg | 6.1 kg |
| 13 week | 8.95 kg | 6.8 kg |
| 14 week | 9.99 kg | 7.5 kg |
| 15 week | 11 kg | 8.13 kg |
| 16 week | 12 kg | 8.75 kg |
By the end of 4 months (16 weeks), turkeys already have a marketable weight. Soon the females will completely stop adding.
At week 20, the female's weight stops growing and stops at around 11 kg. Further, the mass of only males is noted.
The rate of weight gain gradually decreases not only in turkeys, but also in turkeys. In males, it is considered normal if the weight by the end of 6 months is about 20 kg.
Video - Breeding turkeys
Let's look at the reasons that can affect the weight of the bird:
- sex - females usually weigh about five kilograms less than males;
- breed - birds differ in size, structural features of the body;
- age - the age of 5-6 months is considered ideal for obtaining meat. At this time, the maximum in the set is reached, it is believed that the bird will not have a greater percentage of meat gain;
- diet - it should have a clear balance of minerals, vitamins, enough calories, water is always available;
- diet - you need to feed the bird at the same time (kids more often, teenagers less often);
- health status - a healthy chick grows faster;
- care and conditions.
Did you know? Cooing - the sounds that turkeys make are characteristic only of males, females do not communicate like that. Cooing is a kind of statement by the male that the territory belongs to him, as well as a signal to attract a female.
General growth rates by months
For clarity, the average data are shown in the table:
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As we can see from the table, growth is uneven.
- first, the baby intensively increases weight;
- the peak of growth falls on the interval from two to four months;
- after sixteen weeks, growth stops, although the bird continues to gain weight;
- after six months of age, growth is usually not observed.
How to determine the weight
Modern farmers enjoy electronic scales, they are more accurate in readings and convenient to use.
It is not difficult to use a spring device. The chick must be placed in a special bag with holes for the head and paws or a box in which the bird is upside down.
If you need to weigh a group of birds, a decimal scale is used, on which you can place a cage with the desired number of individuals.
VIDEO: HOW TO WEIGH A TURKEY
How much does an adult turkey weigh
Consider the weight of adults of the most popular breeds for domestic poultry breeding.
A relatively young breed, obtained by crossing a white Dutch and a bronze broad-breasted turkey. The main advantage is adaptation to any climate conditions.
The breed is divided into three species, the individuals of which (females / males) have different weights:
- light - 5kg / 9kg;
- medium - 7kg / 15-17 kg;
- heavy - 11 kg / 23-26 kg.
Important! Upon reaching the age of six months, the chicks stop gaining weight, they are slaughtered, since the content is not profitable.
White Moscow
It was bred in Russia by crossing local specimens with Dutch and Beltsville individuals. The breed has an increase during the year of life, it is used as an egg and meat breed. The weight of the female is up to 8 kg, the male is 13-15 kg.
One of the most popular varieties in farms. The main advantage is that turkeys are excellent hens, hatching even someone else's offspring. The breed has an average size, however, is in demand among farmers. Females weigh from 4.5 kg to 6 kg, males - 7-10 kg.
The breed was bred and used in the conditions of Central Asia. The average weight of females is 5-7 kg, males - 10-12 kg. In our latitudes, low weight gain and productivity of individuals in egg laying are noted.
The result of the work of breeders of the Krasnodar Territory, is intended for slaughter for meat. The average breed, the weight of females - up to 6 kg, males - up to 10 kg. Growth ends at about five months of age. 
What are the largest turkeys
Broiler turkeys are characterized by rapid growth and large mass, a list of the largest of them:
- Canadian broad-breasted - 15-17 / 30 kg;
- cross Big-6 - 12/30 kg;
- White broad-breasted - 10/25 kg;
- BYuT-9 - 11/26 kg;
- cross Big-9 - 11/22 kg;
- Grade maker - 10/20 kg.
- North Caucasian white - 9/18 kg.
Why don't turkeys gain weight?
The main causes of underweight can be:
- improper care;
- unbalanced diet.
To find out if the bird is healthy, you need to contact the appropriate specialist. Often birds refuse to eat, feeling unwell.
VIDEO: TIPS FOR FEEDING TURKEYS Birds may develop poorly due to unsuitable conditions:
- too tight dark;
- humidity, cold, presence of drafts;
- lack of walking;
- lack of fresh water;
- dirt in the place of residence.
- fiber;
- poor quality animal feed;
- stale food (mash is prepared 15 minutes before meals);
- whole grain.
Did you know? The bird owes its name to the Indians, who were the first to domesticate it in the territories of modern Mexico. This was found out and shared by scientists at the University of Pennsylvania. The birds came to Europe with the Spaniards in 1519.
How to feed turkeys so that they grow well and gain weight
On the first day of life, babies are fed dairy products:
- cottage cheese;
- buttermilk;
- powdered milk;
- curdled milk.
Breeds of turkeys are very numerous and diverse. For the first time, these birds were brought to Europe by merchants from Spain, where they came from America. They have become very popular. Turkeys are suitable for a temperate climate, but the temperature should not be too low or high. Dampness does not suit them either.
Turkeys are suitable for a temperate climate, but the temperature should not be too low or high.
Popular meat breeds
Meat breeds of turkeys are very numerous. One of the most popular is the white broad-chested breed. It is conditionally divided into light, medium and heavy cross-country. The last group is the larger ones. Already at 4 months, their weight reaches 7-7.5 kg. Adult birds can reach an average of 25 kg. This is the biggest turkey. Concerning middle category, then at 3 months their weight is 5 kg, and for representatives of light cross-country, the weight reaches 4 kg.
The hybrid broad-breasted white breed was created to produce the maximum amount of meat, which contains less fat and more protein. Males of a large cross-breed of a wide-breasted breed from the heavyweight category can gain 23 kg of weight, and females - 11 kg. As for the average cross of hybrids, males weigh 14 kg, while females weigh only 8 kg. Hybrid males from the light cross gain 10 kg each, and females only 6 kg. The hybrid is characterized by precocity and excellent meat quality, so this breed is well suited for breeding at home.
Meat breeds of turkeys are very numerous BYuT-8 and BYuT-9 is another meat breed, which refers to heavy cross-country. The largest males reach a weight of up to 26 kg, and females - 11 kg. Their feature is the presence of strong paws and plumage of a light shade.
Big-6 turkeys are also meat turkeys. They are a heavy cross-country species. The breed was created in England in 2008. This hybrid is very popular due to its rapid growth and development. Bik's feathers are completely white, but tufts of dark shades may appear. The legs are very strong and sinewy. The wings are large, the chest is voluminous and large, and the head, on the contrary, is very small. Males have more luxuriant plumage.
If the decoration of a bright red hue is on the head and neck of the bird, then this indicates that the bird is healthy. Big-6 turkeys at 3 months already weigh 5 kg each. They stop gaining mass by about 100 days, so this is usually the time when they are slaughtered. These broilers weigh 25 kg each, and the meat yield is approximately 80%, of which 30% is allocated to the sternum. Females weigh 12 kg.
