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Turkey breeds have little variety, unlike geese, chickens or ducks. Information about this bird from all countries is sent to a worldwide organization that collects data. At the moment, there are more than thirty registered breeds all over the world, seven of which are considered domestic. In general, about 13 varieties of birds are common in the vastness of our homeland. We will now try to figure out what is considered the best breed of turkey for home breeding.
Broiler turkeys
Turkey is usually raised at home for its meat. Nowadays broiler breeds have become very popular. But to get a good result, you will have to feed them with vitamin food using a special technology. Broilers also need to include vegetables and herbs in the summer season.
To breed broiler turkeys, young animals are purchased. From the first day, for ten days, the chicks require increased feeding, up to nine times in 24 hours. The feed is consumed by young turkeys day and night. When the broilers grow up, the number of feedings is gradually reduced, but the portion of feed is increased. In principle, turkeys do not overeat their food. The bird eats any food waste. However, it is better to provide such feeding to adults. It is recommended to feed small turkey poults only with complete feed.
Until broiler turkeys grow up, they need to be provided with a warm room with an air temperature within 24OC, lighting and cleanliness. The place where the bird is kept must be well ventilated, because in addition to the unpleasant smell, the air around is filled with fine dust. At the same time, drafts must be avoided.
Broiler turkeys They grow quite large, which is why they are valued in the household. For example, the average weight of a living male can reach 30 kg. The female grows smaller, about 11 kg.
Big-6 crosses are popular among broilers. They are valued in households due to the large yield of meat per carcass. The figure is approximately 85%, which no poultry can boast of. At the age of four months, Big-6 reaches marketable weight.
Broiler turkeys White Broad-breasted and Moscow Bronze have proven themselves to be quite good. The Hybrid Converter turkey breed is popular among domestic poultry farmers.
But probably in second place after Big-6 is the Canadian Broad-breasted broiler turkey. Poultry is famous for its ease of care. Turkeys do not go overboard with feed, and after three months, weighing 9 kg, they can be used for slaughter.
If the female is left to lay eggs, she will begin laying eggs from about the ninth month. Interestingly, almost all eggs are fertilized.
The video shows biggest turkeys:
Turkey meat breed
Broiler turkeys are usually bred for meat. Let's take a closer look at the breeds of this bird suitable for home rearing.
White Broad Breasted
This breed of turkeys is divided into three subspecies:
- Individuals of the heavy cross in the fourth month of life reach a weight of 7.5 kg. The weight of an adult male ranges from 25 kg. A turkey weighs almost half as much, about 11 kg.
- Individuals of the average cross at the age of three months gain weight up to 5 kg. An adult turkey weighs up to 14 kg, and the weight of a female is only 8 kg.
- Individuals of the light cross breed weigh about 4 kg at three months. An adult male weighs 10 kg. The weight of an adult female reaches 6 kg.
This breed of turkey is a hybrid and was bred specifically for meat. Moreover, it contains a lot of protein, a minimum of fat and cholesterol. The precocity of the bird, secured by the high quality of the meat, determines this breed as the best for the household.
Meat breed Big-6
We mentioned a little about these broilers above. Turkeys are hybrids and bred for meat. Individuals are distinguished by a high rate of precocity. You can determine whether a bird belongs to the Big-6 breed by its white plumage with a black spot on the chest. At three months of age, the weight of a turkey chick can reach 5 kg. Typically, adults are slaughtered between 85 and 100 days of life. This is due to the fact that after this period the bird stops growing.
Meat breed BUT-8
BUT-8 hybrids are characterized by powerful legs and light, most often white, plumage. An adult male is capable of gaining weight up to 26 kg. Females usually weigh no more than 11 kg. Despite their impressive weight, turkeys of this breed are considered average. Those who like larger birds should pay attention to the related hybrids BUT-9.
Turkey breeds for egg production
Oddly enough, turkeys are also kept for eggs, often for the sake of reproduction. However, many individuals also grow to impressive weight, which allows them to prepare meat at home.
Virgin egg breed
Because of its white plumage, the hybrid is often referred to as a "Dutch" or "White" turkey breed. Males and females do not grow large. Based on its physique, the turkey can be confused with another well-known breed – the “Bronze”. To raise this bird, it is necessary to create conditions close to natural ones. That is, you will need a walk, for example, on a personal plot. An adult turkey weighs about 9 kg. The turkey grows small, only 4 kg. The breed is famous for its high egg production - up to 60 eggs per season.
Egg breed Big-9
Heavy cross breeds are popular in home breeding due to their good endurance and the undemanding nature of special conditions for them. In addition to high egg production, the birds have high meat quality. An adult turkey reaches a weight of 17 kg. The female is almost two times lighter than the male. Its weight is about 9 kg. A turkey is capable of laying 118 eggs per season, and at least 80% of them will be fertilized.
Egg breed Universal
Individuals of this breed are characterized by a wide body structure, strong wings and long legs. The weight of an adult turkey reaches 18 kg. The female weighs a little less - about 10 kg.In the fourth month of life, males are able to gain up to 7 kg of live weight.
Egg breed Chiton
A fairly large egg-laying bird, it is undemanding for home breeding. An adult turkey grows to weigh about 20 kg. The turkey is not far behind the male, and gains weight up to 16 kg. During the season, the female is capable of laying up to 100 eggs.
Egg breed Bronze Broad chested
This bird is famous for the beauty of its feathers. In males, the plumage in places has bronze and green shades. In females, the traditional white color predominates. In adulthood, a turkey is able to gain weight up to 16 kg. The weight of the female is usually within 10 kg. During the season, a turkey can lay up to 70 eggs.
Egg breed White Moscow
Due to their white plumage, these turkeys can be confused with Big-6 individuals. They similarly have a black spot on their chest. Only the White Moscow ones are inferior to them in weight. At one year of age, the male gains up to 16 kg of weight, and the female has a mass of 8 kg. A turkey can lay no more than 105 eggs per season. The bird is very good for home rearing due to its rapid adaptation to various conditions.
Breeds of turkeys producing eggs and meat
In the household, such turkeys are very profitable. They have a high percentage of meat yield from the carcass, plus good egg production.
Breed Black Tikhoretskaya
Poultry is characterized by its resin-colored plumage with a greenish tint. Individuals are distinguished by a strong physique, hardy and highly mobile. This subspecies is most popular in home breeding in the Caucasus. An adult turkey usually does not grow more than 10 kg. Turkey is limited to a weight of 5 kg.
Breed Fawn
Turkeys with beautiful plumage have taken root in the vastness of Georgia. In the brown color of the feather you can find red and pink shades.Individuals are characterized by a wide build. The weight of an adult male usually reaches 12 kg. Turkeys weighing more than 6 kg do not grow.
Canadian Bronze breed
A very successful breed, surpassing broiler turkeys in meat productivity. An adult male can quickly gain weight up to 30 kg. Females are half the size of turkeys, however, body weight up to 15 kg is also not bad for poultry.
Conclusion
The video provides an overview of turkey breeds:
Summing up the review of different breeds of turkeys, White Broad-breasted and White Moscow are very suitable for home keeping. Both subspecies are advantageous in terms of meat yield from the carcass; individuals adapt well to yard conditions and are undemanding in care.
