A Comparison of the Performance of Four Varieties of Turkeys During the Breeding Season

Abstract

ALTHOUGH there are a number of reports on the egg production of turkey hens, very few data are available for making a comparison of the different varieties. Marble and Margolf (1936) found somewhat higher egg production, to July 31, for Bronze than for White Holland turkeys. A report by Wilcke (1939) on the use of lights and heat for breeding turkeys indicates a slightly better egg production, to June 15 or June 30, for Bronze than for White Holland turkeys. Scott and Payne (1937) reported egg production, to May 25, for Narragansett turkeys. Mussehl (1926), Albright and Thompson (1933), Asmundson and Lloyd (1935), Marsden (1936 B), Asmundson (1938), and Thompson (1943) also have reported on the egg production of Bronze turkeys. Weight losses of turkeys during the breeding season have been reported by Purdue University (1934), Marsden (1936 A), Scott (1937), Charles, Wilcox, Flagg, and Tepper (1938), Asmundson and Jukes . . .