Growth Performance and Carcass Yields as Influenced by Age and Sex in Different Turkey Varieties

A trial was conducted to study the influence of age and sex on production parameters in three different varieties of Turkeys belonging to Non-descript (V1), Nandanam Turkey-1 (V2) and Beltsville small white (V3) with 54 numbers each in three replicates. Hatch weight, weekly body weights and feed consumption were recorded at weekly intervals up to 16 weeks of age. Parameters on Ready-to-cook yield, giblet yield, meat: bone ratio and cut-up parts were recorded at three age groups in all the three varieties. Beltsville small white variety had significantly higher body weight and the best feed efficiency followed by Nandanam Turkey-1 and Non-descript varieties. Ready-to-cook yield in tom turkeys did not differ significantly between three turkey varieties. Giblet yield percent had gradually declined as age advanced. The giblet percent yield at 12 and 14th weeks of age in Beltsville small white variety showed significantly lower percentage than Nandanam Turkey-1 and Non-descript variety. Significant variation was found in breast yield between ages and as the age advanced, the percent value also increased (16.24 to 19.61 %).