Sustainable Production Systems for Range-Reared Standard Turkeys

Sustainable Production Systems for Range-Reared Standard Turkeys

Summary

Information on range production of naturally-mating, standard varieties of turkeys (a.k.a. “heritage” turkeys) is urgently needed. Through a SSARE R & E Grant (LS02-134) the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and Virginia Tech have conclusive evidence that standard turkeys have more robust immune systems, better survivability, and superior overall performance in range-based systems than commercial strains. Information on range production of standard turkeys is, however, largely out-of-print. A diverse collaboration proposes to train agricultural professionals about range production of standard turkeys. Two regional workshops will be held on farms. A training manual, consisting of a series of topic-based pamphlets will be published which will integrate traditional information on production with contemporary information on diseases, processing and marketing. Participants’ outreach efforts will be supported with materials and personnel.

Objectives/Performance Targets

1. Ag professionals will become familiar with range production of standard turkeys. Participants will…

a. Be able to define the terms “naturally-mating”, “heritage” and “standard”;
b. Understand the recent research on standard turkeys which validates their conservation;
c. Understand the value of range production based on market trends and consumer preferences;
d. Be able to identify and name the standard varieties of turkeys;
e. Be able to outline the steps of range production from ordering poults through brooding, from pasturing and feeding through processing;
f. Be able to describe market niches, distribution options, and related regulations;
g. Be able to assist producers in developing a marketing strategy for this enterprise;
h. Be able to help farmers develop enterprise budgets and provide the economics of production based on regional and state specific data; and
i. Understand the regional infrastructure needed to successfully bring turkeys to the marketplace.

2. Ag professionals will be able to effectively disseminate information about range production of standard turkeys

Accomplishments/Milestones

The thirteen chapters of the turkey husbandry manual are completed and are in the process of final review. The text of all of the chapters combined is equivalent to 120 pages. Photographs are now being compiled to accompany the text.

A layout plan for the manual contents has been formulated and has been sent to a designer for completion.

Collaborators: