The rearing of livestock like turkey can be quite a challenge for a first timer but for someone who has experienced the rearing of livestock like chicken can take a cue from the same process as they are different birds but have similarities as well.
Before the yuletide season, turkey can grow within 20 weeks and would be ready for sale or used as meat, as this depends solely on the type of turkey raised by the farmer since there are varieties of turkeys but only a few of these breeds can be raised for profitable meat production and sale.
These modern turkey breeds are raised because of the maximum feed-to-meat conversion rate. They consume less feed while they convert the feed to meat in a short time frame.
Examples are; the broad-breasted whites, Standard Bronze and white, White Hollands, and so on. These breeds are for commercial production as the meat produced is said to be tastier and flavourful when produced on a small farm compared to large/commercial farms.
Marketing Value/Profit
It is worthy of note to know that the poults(chicks) also is in high demand as some farmers sell one chick for N1,000 or more, and half carton containing 20 poults sells for N26,500.00 while a carton containing 40 poults sells for N55,000.00 or more as it depends on the farmer’s price or ability to bargain.
Presently, Life Turkey sells for N35,000 – N45,000 or more depending on the market patronised, while a buyer might get a great deal which might cost a little below the quoted prices.
Feeding & Watering of the turkey
A turkey breeder, Onyeka Williams, explains that, Turkey birds need more protein in their food for the first few weeks than other domestic birds. The protein in turkey feed should be at least 28 per cent.
She said: “Feed the turkey chick starter for the first six weeks as it contains 28 percent of protein and after that, you can feed them grower feed. Grower feed should contain about 20 percent protein. The amount of protein in turkey feed is higher than in chicken or other poultry bird’s feed.
She advises that, asides from the provision of nutritious food, fresh and clean water should be served at all times while recommending two gallons of fresh water for one dozen of turkey birds.
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