Commercial (Domestic) Turkey
The domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a large fowl, one of the two species in the genus Meleagris and the same as the wild turkey. Although turkey domestication was thought to have occurred in central Mesoamerica at least 2,000 years ago, recent research suggests a possible second domestication event in the Southwestern United States between 200 B.C and 500 A.D. However, all of the main domestic turkey varieties today descend from the turkey raised in central Mexico that was subsequently imported into Europe by the Spanish in the 16th century. Turkey can be reared in commercial quantity mainly for meat production and turkey breeding (hatchery). The major breeds of turkey are Large White, Broad Breasted Bronze and Small White. Large White and Broad Breasted Bronze are large birds which can reach 11 kg in 24 weeks. Small White can only reach 6.5 kg in 16 weeks. Large White Turkey The details of breeds of turkey are as follow: 1.) The Broad Breasted White: This is th...