Effect of Sex on Slaughter and Carcass Characteristics of Broad Breasted Bronze Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

The study was conducted to compare the slaughter and carcass quality characteristics of broad breasted bronze male and female turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) under hot humid Indian climatic condition. Broad breasted bronze tom turkey yielded significantly (P>0.05) higher live weight (kg), carcass weight (kg), dressing percentage (%), feathers (%), feet (%), head (%), wings (%), breast (%), thighs (%) and drumstick (%) than broad breasted bronze hen turkeys. Significantly higher (P>0.05) intestines (%) and giblets (%) yield values were observed in broad breasted bronze hen turkeys as compared to broad breasted bronze tom turkeys. Blood (%), abdominal fat (%), neck (%) and back (%) yield values were non- significantly higher in broad breasted bronze hen turkeys as compared to broad breasted bronze tom turkeys. From these results, it is concluded that, broad breasted bronze tom turkeys yielded better slaughter and carcass traits and suitable for higher meat production.