Artib Farm

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 the co

Health management cannot be neglected in any breed of commercial bird, turkey is not an exemption. It appears that turkeys are susceptible to diseases like Blackhead (Histomoniasis), newcastle disease, fowl cholera, fowl pox and Haemorrhagic enteritis. This make them to require higher level of management skill than any other other domestic fowls. High priority must be on Biosecurity to control infectious disease and minimize introduction of pathogens into flocks. The four primary causes of disease are genetics, nutrition, environment and infection. Biosecurity is the use of measures which can stop or slow down the spread of infection between components of production systems like managing people, equipment, pests and their potential for carrying diseases into a flock. Below is the guide to medication and vaccination schedule for turkey. Be reminded that Marek's subcutaneous injection is usually given to turkey at hatchery. Day 1 - Glucose or multivitamins to reduce trans