The Broad Breasted White Turkey is a commercial breed of domestic turkey known for its large size, white feathers, and broad breast. This breed has been developed over the years through selective breeding to produce a fast-growing, efficient, and high-yielding bird for the poultry industry. The Broad Breasted White Turkey is one of the most widely raised turkey breeds in the world, accounting for the majority of commercially produced turkeys.
History and Development
The Broad Breasted White Turkey was developed in the early 20th century by crossing the White Holland turkey with other breeds, such as the Broad Breasted Bronze. The goal was to create a bird that combined the desirable traits of these breeds, including rapid growth rate, large size, and high meat yield. Through generations of selective breeding, the Broad Breasted White Turkey emerged as a distinct breed, characterized by its broad breast, large thighs, and white plumage.
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 broad, deep breast and well-developed thighs, which are desirable traits for meat production. The feathers are white, with a soft, smooth texture. The head, neck, and legs are red, with a bluish-gray tint on the face and throat. The breed has a relatively short, stout beak and a small, rounded tail.
| Physical Characteristic | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Weight (tom) | up to 25 kg (55 lbs) |
| Weight (hen) | up to 15 kg (33 lbs) |
| Length | up to 1.2 m (4 ft) |
| Wing span | up to 1.8 m (6 ft) |
Production and Management
The Broad Breasted White Turkey is a fast-growing breed, with toms reaching market weight in as little as 14 weeks. The breed requires a high-protein diet and a controlled environment to optimize growth and health. Farmers typically raise Broad Breasted White Turkeys in large, climate-controlled barns with automated feeding and watering systems. The breed is also susceptible to certain health problems, such as leg weakness and respiratory disease, which require careful management and veterinary care.
Nutrition and Health
The Broad Breasted White Turkey requires a diet rich in protein and energy to support its rapid growth rate. A typical diet consists of a starter feed (20-24% protein) from 0-4 weeks, followed by a grower feed (18-20% protein) from 4-12 weeks, and a finisher feed (16-18% protein) from 12-14 weeks. The breed is also prone to certain health problems, such as ascites (a condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the abdomen) and airsacculitis (a respiratory disease). Farmers must implement strict biosecurity measures, such as vaccination and sanitation protocols, to prevent disease outbreaks.
- Starter feed (0-4 weeks): 20-24% protein
- Grower feed (4-12 weeks): 18-20% protein
- Finisher feed (12-14 weeks): 16-18% protein
What is the average growth rate of a Broad Breasted White Turkey?
+The average growth rate of a Broad Breasted White Turkey is approximately 0.5 kg (1.1 lbs) per week from 0-14 weeks.
What are the most common health problems affecting Broad Breasted White Turkeys?
+The most common health problems affecting Broad Breasted White Turkeys include leg weakness, respiratory disease, and ascites.
In conclusion, the Broad Breasted White Turkey is a highly specialized breed developed for commercial meat production. Its large size, rapid growth rate, and high meat yield make it an ideal breed for the poultry industry. However, the breed requires careful management and veterinary care to prevent health problems and optimize production. By understanding the breed’s characteristics, nutritional requirements, and health needs, farmers can raise healthy and productive Broad Breasted White Turkeys.
