The Selection and Management of Turkey Breeders

THE principal financial return from a flock of turkeys is from the sale of the carcasses rather than the sale of market eggs. As a result the basis of selection of turkey breeders has been different from the methods employed with chickens. In the past the selection has been based almost entirely upon trueness to standard type and color as described by the American Standard of Perfection or else trueness to the market type preferred by the breeder. Both trueness to standard and to an ideal market type are important but will not be discussed in this paper. However, in addition to the above mentioned considerations, the successful turkey breeder should consider those factors which will give him poults at the lowest possible cost. In the final analysis the most ideal turkey breeder is that bird which will produce the largest number of healthy, vigorous poults bred to develop the . . .