Comparative performance of three varieties of turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) raised under semi-intensive system

Abstract

This study was carried out to know the performance of locally available turkeys found in Bangladesh. The birds were reared using broiler grower and layer diets. The study was conducted at Abul Kasem farm (Farm 1) and Vai Vai farm (Farm 2), Brahmanbaria, from November 2018 to January 2019. The aim was to observe the growth performance of turkeys (Black, White and Bronze type) under a semi-intensive rearing system. A total of 40 Black, White and Bronze color type birds were included in the study. Birds were maintained under similar management conditions and Nourish layer feeds were bought from the local market. Farm had no effect on the performances of three genetic groups of turkeys. Bronze type turkeys attained the highest live body weight (5.47 kg) while Black type turkeys attained the lowest (3.79 kg). The white type turkeys, however, attained (4.14 kg) body weight. Bronze type turkeys had the highest shank length (10.31cm) and egg weight (79.45 gm) than black and white turkeys. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in body weight, shank length, egg weight of Bronze variety with Black and White varieties but no significant difference was observed between Black and White variety. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was the same among the three-color types of turkeys. The growth performance of Bronze type turkey was superior as compared to other color types used in this study. It can be concluded that Bronze color turkey can be reared by feeding commercial broiler and layer feeds under semi-intensive system. The findings of this research could be useful for future breeding programs to improve turkeys existing performance.