Turkeys are the largest domesticated bird. The Canadian breed is especially widespread on the territory of Russia. Its representatives gain weight quickly and have very tender and tasty meat.
Canadian turkeys: distinctive features
Turkeys of the Canadian breed are classified as broiler domestic turkeys. They are bred on the basis of a white broad-breasted turkey in Canada. Birds of this breed were brought to Russia relatively recently. By the way, such turkeys are very fond of warm climatic conditions. That is why they are practically not bred in the northern regions, where there are very cold winters.
As for the appearance of individuals of the Canadian breed, they have a fairly compact size, white plumage and a wide chest. Breeders usually get large amounts of white meat from these turkeys. Particularly intensive growth in Canadian turkeys is observed for three months, and then the process slows down somewhat. Also, birds can boast of very beautiful and even plumage, which allows the carcasses to have a very presentation.
Turkey poults of the Canadian breed manage to gain sufficient weight by eight weeks of life. So you can slaughter them for meat already at this age. The weight of an adult turkey can reach 30 kg. But the weight of a turkey usually does not exceed 15 kg. Because of this, breeding difficulties often arise. Artificial insemination is often practiced. Usually chicks are purchased only from professional breeders. The birds of this breed also have such an indisputable advantage - they begin to lay quite early and bring a large number of eggs.
True, the Canadian turkeys have their drawbacks. For example, they are too demanding on food. It must be varied and enriched with vitamins and minerals. Make sure the turkeys always have plenty of food. Birds of this breed do not tolerate nutritional deficiencies very well.
How to care for Canadian turkeys?
Breeding Canadian turkeys requires setting up a fairly large poultry house. It should maintain an optimal temperature of 22 to 25 ° C heat. It is necessary to pay a lot of attention to the preventive prevention of diseases, because birds of this breed are very sensitive to intestinal and infectious diseases.
In terms of feeding, balanced compound feed is very beneficial for Canadian turkeys. And chicks can be given steamed buckwheat and various dairy products (cottage cheese, yogurt), as well as add hard-boiled eggs. Meat and bone meal must be included in the diet.
Fluid is very important in the process of raising Canadian turkeys. It is necessary to monitor the purity of the water and maintain its room temperature. But it is necessary to protect the chicks from getting wet, since they do not tolerate dampness.
