Effect of Rearing Systems on Egg Traits and Hatching Characteristics of Beltsville Small White Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) under Hot Humid Climatic Condition
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Date
2016-10
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Abstract
The study was conducted to determine the effects of rearing systems
on Beltsville Small White Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) egg traits and
hatching characteristics. A total of 225 Beltsville Small White turkeys were
taken for the study and reared under three different rearing system viz.
intensive system (full confinement), semi-intensive system (partial
confinement and partial day scavenging) and free range system (all-day
scavenging).The mean egg weight (g), egg length (cm), egg breadth (cm)
and egg volume (cm3) values were significantly (P>0.01) higher in turkeys
reared under intensive system of management followed by semi intensive
system and free range system of management except shape index.
Percentage of infertile eggs and embryonic mortalities were significantly
(P>0.01) lower in turkeys reared under intensive and semi intensive
systems whereas percentage of dead in shell, total egg hatchability, fertile
egg hatchability, fertility and poult hatched weight values were
significantly (P>0.01) higher in turkeys reared under intensive and semi
intensive system of management. Significantly (P>0.01) better egg traits
and reproductive performance was obtained for turkeys reared under
intensive and semi intensive system of management and the values did not
differ significantly between them. It is concluded that intensive and semi
intensive system of rearing suitable to obtain better egg traits and hatching
performance from Beltsville Small White Turkey under Indian conditions.
Description
TNV_LRI_2016_4(4)120-124
Keywords
Veterinary Science