Growth curve establishment for American Bronze turkeys (short communication)

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to establish the growth curves parameters of American Bronze turkeys. The weekly body weight changes of male and female turkeys were recorded during 11 to 24 weeks of age. The Richards' growth model fitted the turkey weight and age (week) data. Profile analysis was also applied to weight-age data in order to get more detailed information about the differences in the live weights of male and female turkeys in consecutive weeks. Estimates for mature body weight were found as 9720.40 ± 971.33 g and higher for males than for females as 6029.96 ± 316.55 g. Based on Richards’ model, male turkeys matured more slowly and it was needed that a more time to reach mature body weight than female turkeys. Results of profile analysis supported those results. Estimates for the absolute growth rate, absolute maturing rate and relative growth rate values were higher for females when compared to males. Male turkeys reached the maximum growth rate at 16.30 weeks of age whereas female ones reached the maximum growth rate at 12.85 weeks of age. Live weights of male and female turkeys, when both reached the maximum growth rate, were 3475.61 g and 2156.06 g, respectively. Male turkeys reached 80 % of their mature weights at 24 weeks of age, whereas female ones reached 92% of their mature weight.