Bronze and white broad-breasted: differences between turkey breeds and which one is better

Turkey farming is gaining popularity in farms and households due to its high performance at a relatively low cost. Among the few breeds suitable for growing in temperate climates, the bronze broad-breasted turkey and its related white broad-breasted turkey are widely known. Each subspecies has its own distinctive features that breeders need to consider when choosing.

What is the difference between a bronze broad-breasted and a white broad-breasted?

The broad-breasted turkey, dubbed the bronze turkey, was bred in America to be grown for meat on an industrial scale in a relatively short time.Representatives have a bright plumage of black color with golden-bronze splashes. They are distinguished by a developed, massive chest, endurance, fertility and unpretentiousness. Females lay eggs from the age of 10 months and willingly breed offspring. Up to 80% of eggs are fertilized, and the survival rate of turkeys reaches 90%.

The White Broad Chest was developed by crossing the Broad Chest Bronze and White Dutch breeds. The bred subspecies with white plumage and a characteristic golden-brown spot on the chest showed good indicators of hardiness and productivity.

Birds, slightly inferior in weight to their predecessors, were classified as a universal subspecies that can be bred for meat and get eggs. Laying begins a month earlier than in the original breeds.

White turkey quickly adapts to climatic conditions, is characterized by high productivity and rapid weight gain.

Characteristics of breeds:

	White	Bronze
Average weight at 6 months of males, kg	17	18
Average female weight, kg	8	10
Number of eggs per season	100-120	120
Egg laying age	9 months	10 months

The main difference between related birds lies in the conditions of detention. Bronze-colored turkeys bred for industrial breeding are not suitable for pasture walking and must be reared in a closed house. Whites, on the contrary, need long walks, a long stay in a confined space negatively affects their development.

Which breed of turkeys is better to choose?

Breeding both turkeys allows farmers to obtain high-quality dietary meat and eggs. Both breeds are undemanding and adapted for cultivation in temperate climatic latitudes. The choice between two related subspecies is usually made based on breeding goals and conditions of detention. For farms with organized bird walking, a white turkey is suitable.

If you plan to grow birds indoors, it is better to have bronze ones. Also, the subspecies is recommended if you plan to breed a large number of birds for meat, but you need to consider the cost of feed and vitamin supplements.

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