Effect of Breed and Sex on Body Weight and Linear Body Measurements of Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of breed and sex on body weight and linear body measurements of 100 Turkeys which included 50 Norfolk and 50 Mammoth breeds each.

Study Design and Duration: The experiment lasted for 20 weeks during which the performance parameters were monitored in 100 Turkeys using completely randomized design.

Methodology: The body weight and linear measurements were taken at an interval of two weeks (i.e. day 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 weeks). Parameters monitored were shank length (cm), back length (cm), chest girth (cm), neck length (cm), thigh length, and wing length and body weight.

Results: Result obtained showed that there where significant differences (P<0.05) in body weight across the breed with Norfolk having 2.70±0.04 and Mammoth 2.55±0.04. The linear measurements studied (body length, neck length, back length, shank length, thigh length, wing length, and chest girth) showed that the Norfolk had superiority over the Mammoth breed.

Conclusion: Result showed remarkable and better growth performance of male turkeys than their female counterparts for all traits and ages. Also, higher values in linear body parameters noted in males.