In the late 1940s and early 1950s, these birds were extensively reared but later ran out of favor among farmers and restaurants after the development of the Broad Breasted White (Source). In addition to growing slower, a heritage turkey is also more active, which results in less fat. There is a second type of this breed which is known as broad breasted bronze turkey or heritage turkey. Some growers keep separate flocks, raising turkeys without antibiotics until problems occur then moving sick birds to another pen if they have to medicate. The life span of a broad-breasted white turkey is between two and five years. [3] Broad Breasted Whites also have a very high percentage of their eggs hatch, which makes turkey eggs as a food item a rare delicacy.[4][5]. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, Americans preferred smaller turkeys with more breast meat that fit into an icebox. Meat from a farmer who feeds antibiotics daily will probably be less expensive because it results in fewer veterinary visits, lower labor costs, and fewer dead birds. Consumers who purchase heritage turkeys also tend to hold a higher standard to their meat, eschewing additives or antibiotics, which can extend the life of a bird raised in confinement. The animals are raised in cramped conditions in large turkey farms, but small farmers often let them forage on free-range lands. Generally, a Broad Breasted White hen can lay around or up to 100 eggs per year. This is the reason these little critters are fed on a gamebird feed because it contains 28-30% protein. Many like the idea of heritage turkeys for Thanksgiving. Turkeys are susceptible to a variety of health issues, including respiratory infections, parasites, and injuries. These properties have made the breed popular in commercial turkey production but enthusiasts of slow food argue that the development of this breed and the methods in commercial turkey production have come at a cost of less flavor. Less than 5 months after birth, the turkeys are loaded haphazardly in large trailers and taken to the slaughterhouse. You should know what not to feed turkeys to avoid ill health or death because of food poisoning. if (width <= 900) { The individuals in a group depend upon the area of the coot. They are generally complete white in coloration with pink legs, a black beards, and red carnucling. Currently, Broad Breasted White is the most common and popular breed of domestic turkey. Yes! Your white turkeys need to have a good coop. If industrial poultry grew faster than it already did, it would suffer more health problems and mortality than it already does. If you purchase using the buy now button we may earn a small commission. You are using an out of date browser. The breeding season of broad-breasted white turkey is from March to April. Though the meat variety eats more per day than the dual purpose breed, the total feed to meat ratio is much lower. It is widely used for commercial meat production, as well as for exhibition and breeding purposes. Large Breed Turkey Additional Care Considerations These other birds possess iridescent plumage of multiple colors including green, bronze, blue, and a featherless blue head. I had a jake too who was the healthiest of the 3 and very slim for a BBB but he was killed by dogs this fall. Though we see stunning pictures of iridescent bronze turkeys with white banding, the most common color for commercial production is white because the carcass dresses out cleaner.
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