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Growth Performance of White, Black and Bronze Color Heritage Turkeys Under Semi-intensive System

Shubash Chandra Das
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Md. Yahya
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Md. Shamim Hasan
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Md. Altaf Hossain
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Tanzina Akter
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Mahbuba Sultana
Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The present study was conducted to compare the growth performance of White, Black and Bronze color type of turkeys, which have been currently introduced in Bangladesh. The birds were reared under semi intensive system at BAU Poultry Farm with supplementation of commercial broiler grower and layer feeds. Key objectives were to investigate the growth performance of locally found turkeys (known as heritage turkeys) under semi-intensive rearing system and to recommend turkey as a supplementary part of existing poultry business in the country. A total of 46 poults of White, Black and Bronze color type unsexed birds of 5 weeks age were housed. Birds were reared under similar management conditions and feeds were purchased from local market. No significant difference (p>0.05) in live weight for three color types were found. At the end of 21 weeks rearing, Bronze type turkeys attained highest live body weight (3720.71g/bird) while White type turkeys attained lowest (3282.29g/bird). The Black type turkeys however, attained 3552.86g/bird body weight. The live weight gain was increased gradually but decreased again after 18 weeks of age. Weekly weight gains were highest in all color types at 18 weeks of age where white type male turkey attained the highest (440.71g/bird) and black type showed the lowest weight gain (345.00g/bird). No significant difference (p>0.05) in FCR among the three color types were found. Survivability under semi intensive system of three different color types, White, Black and Bronze were 100%, 88.46% and 91.67% respectively. Taken together, the growth performance of Bronze type turkey was superior to other color types used in this experiment. Therefore, it can be concluded that turkey farming will viable in Bangladesh with available local varieties under semi-intensive system through feeding of commercial broiler and layer feeds.

Keywords: Heritage turkey; Color type, Semi-intensive; Production

Location: BAU Poultry Farm

Start Date:

End Date:

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Turkeys

Objectives:

Current study was designed to investigate the growth performance of locally available three plumage color type turkeys namely white, black and bronze under semi- intensive rearing system.

Methodology:

Brooding of poults was completed at farmer’s house and then the poults were brought to BAU Poultry Farm at 5 weeks of age to observe their growth performance. One experimental room having the area of 400 square feet was partitioned into two parts and half of the area i.e. 200 square feet (20' × 10') was allotted for 46 birds. Therefore, floor space for each bird was 4.35 square feet. Room was properly washed and cleaned by using tap water. Ceiling, walls and floor were thoroughly cleaned. The whole room area was sanitized with Vircon, a common but effective disinfectant. Before arrival the poults, rice husk was provided as bedding material. Drinkers and feeders were also provided prior to arrival the poults. To acclimatize with the environment, young turkeys were allowed for a short period during day time at outside of the room. Feeding, watering and immunization of the birds All the poults were kept together and fed commercial broiler starter feed (ME-3000 kcal/kg, CP-23%) up to 8 weeks of age. Then, the layer grower feed (ME-2800 kcal/kg, CP-20%) was provided up to 21 weeks of age. Feed was supplied twice daily, once in the morning and another at afternoon. Fresh and clean dirking water was made available at all the times. Poults were vaccinated with BCRDV at 3 days of age and booster dose was performed at 18 days of age in the farmer’s house against Newcastle disease. Fowl pox vaccine was administrated at 5 wks of age through the puncturing of wing web (w/w). Then, Nobilis® ND Lasota prepared from the Lasota strain was vaccinated at 2 months of age through drinking water and repeated every two months. The birds were always exposed to natural lighting in day times. No artificial light was provided during the night. Litter management, sanitation and biosecurity Rice husk with the thickness of 2 inches was used as litter materials. As compared to chicken, litter used in turkey became damper quickly, might be because of voluminous droppings. Because of aggressive attitude and fighting movement inside the house, waterier are fall down on the floor and caused wet litter problem, especially around the waterier. Thus, damp and wet litter was changed partially when necessary to maintain litter dry and clean. Strict sanitary and biosecurity measures were taken particularly in and around the experimental unit. Records keeping and data analysis Data on weekly body weight of individual tagged birds, weekly body weight gain, bird’s survivability, vaccination and medication records were kept. Records on feed consumption were maintained on weekly basis up to the end of experiment and the feed conversion ratio was calculated by dividing total feed consumption by average body weight gain. The recorded data were analyzed using General Linear Model (GLM) procedures using one-way ANOVA through SPSS software. All data were analyzed for the completely randomized design. The significance differences were tested using Tukey’s test.

Source of Information: J Bangladesh Agril Univ 16(3): 471–477, 2018 ISSN 1810-3030 (Print) 2408-8684 (Online)

Article Link (Online Journal): https://doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v16i3.39419

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Based on the results of present study, it can be concluded that the live weight, live weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio and survivability of White, Black and Bronze color type of heritage turkeys under semi intensive system were almost similar. Turkey is gaining popularity among farming community for its higher meat production potential, low production cost and creating option for self- employment opportunities in Bangladesh. Since the birds have already proved their ability under semi-intensive rearing system in rural areas, further study should be undertaken with various levels of supplementations to increase the profit margin. Production of quality poults is the major challenges in Bangladesh. Small and medium scale farmers are producing poults indiscriminately, resulting unfair consequences. Thus, relevant sectors of the government, research and educational institutes, non-government organizations and enthusiastic investors should come forward and work together in a collaborative manner to ensure the production of quality poults.

Knowledge Management: Journal