Moscow white turkeys: breed description and characteristics, pros and cons

Poultry breeding is a profitable business, especially if the breed of birds is chosen correctly. Moscow white turkeys bring a good income, as they are unpretentious in care, quickly increase body weight, and are adapted to harsh climatic conditions. Russian breeders bred this breed using Canadian turkeys and bronze individuals. Why has this type of turkey become so popular in Russia? Learn the nuances of keeping and breeding.

Description and characteristics of productivity

Moscow white turkeys have become a real achievement of domestic scientists. In terms of productivity, the bird is similar to the bronze breed. But white turkeys have higher egg production rates, body weight increases faster.

The average weight of males in adulthood reaches 12-13 kilograms, females - 6.5-7 kilograms. Young growth by 5.5-6 months already weighs about 6 kilograms. The farmer sends the bird for slaughter on the 40th day. Further, keeping the bird becomes unprofitable, as the growth rate decreases markedly.

Females bring up to 110-120 eggs per year. Compared to a wild individual that produces 20 eggs annually, this figure is very high. Turkeys make their first clutch at 9 months. Further, the products are used for sale or incubation. One egg weighs up to 85 grams.

Pros and cons of the Moscow broad-breasted

According to the feedback from farmers, keeping white Moscow turkeys is very profitable and has a number of positive aspects:

• high meat performance, availability of cultivation in industrial volumes;
• excellent egg production;
• active growth and muscle gain;
• he althy and tasty meat;
• opportunity for breeding birds;
• he althy and hardy offspring;
• high maternal instincts of laying hens;
• not demanding in care and maintenance;
• frost resistant.

Disadvantages include:

• high cost for breeding;
• requires a lot of feed;
• need for daily grazing;
• large barn required due to size of birds;
• keep separate from other bird species;
• when one bird has a disease, the infection spreads rapidly within the flock.

Farmers also note the peculiarities of bird care related to the organization of a spacious room, keeping the inside clean. Subject to the minimum requirements for keeping turkeys, there is an active growth and development of birds, payback in a short time.

Conditions and care

Drafts and dampness are detrimental to white broad-chested birds, so the house must be warm and dry. It is forbidden to keep more than 40 females and 5 males in one pen at the same time. If this rule is not followed, conflicts arise between the birds, which end in severe injuries and injuries.

Indoors, the bottom is covered with fresh straw or hay. Nests are equipped with a wooden side so that the eggs do not fall to the floor. Inside the bottom is also covered with hay bedding. The height of the perch is made at least 25 centimeters. Inside the barn, there should be no protruding nails or other objects where birds can get hurt.

During the mating period, the couple is placed in a separate poultry house, as the males become aggressive, attacking a person or other turkeys.

Turkey poults are placed in a house pre-treated with disinfectants. Place 4-5 individuals per square meter. When the little chicks are six months old, the size of the barn is doubled.

Moscow white turkeys need good lighting. The temperature in the room should not fall below +15 degrees. Light day for this breed lasts 8 hours. In winter, additional artificial lighting is organized.

What to feed turkeys?

Feeders and drinkers are placed at the height of the bird's back, this will significantly save on food. Chicks and adults are equipped with food containers at different heights. There should also be a separate feeder for each type of food.

The massive bird consumes a lot of water, so drinkers are always filled with fresh water in sufficient quantities.

Chicks are fed with boiled eggs and ground cereals.In crushed form give greens. Adult turkeys are given alfalfa, nettle, cabbage. In the morning and in the daytime, the birds are fed with wet mash. In the evening it is preferable to give dry food. The diet must include: greens, vegetables, sprouted grains. In winter, vitamin supplements are additionally introduced into the diet. Adults are fed 3 times a day, during the reproductive period - 5 times, young animals are fed up to 8 times a day.

Breeding

Females rush fruitfully with proper organization of the nest. Individuals need to feel safe, so they install the nest in a separate place, away from noisy places. When breeding poultry at home, the following rules are observed:

• layers are provided with quality meals 10 days before the roost;
• during incubation, the farmer should not disturb the female;
• when using the incubator - strictly follow the instructions for the device;
• hatched chicks are placed in a brooder;
• chicks are vaccinated by age.

The bird is kept in a dry room without drafts, the litter is periodically changed. At 2 months old, chicks are grazing outdoors.

Frequent diseases

The main guarantee of the he alth of birds is proper nutrition and maintenance. To protect the livestock from parasites such as ticks, bedbugs, fleas, the turkey house is periodically inspected. Insects enter through cracks and holes, so they are carefully sealed.

In the absence of walking, turkeys are prone to obesity. The disease manifests itself mainly in adults. The disease negatively affects the quality of meat. To prevent a problem, birds are arranged daily walking in a fenced area.

Young animals are more susceptible to infectious diseases. Such diseases quickly spread among the livestock and can cause irreparable damage to the farm. To eliminate negative consequences, birds should be vaccinated on time.

With proper diet and timely care, Moscow white turkeys have no shortcomings. Most breeders are satisfied with the performance of the type of activity associated with the cultivation of this breed of birds.

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