GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND MEAT QUALITY OF TURKEY BIRDS PRODUCED BY THE SMALL-HOLDERS IN SOUTH 24 PARGANAS DISTRICT OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Turkey farming is an emerging and market linked enterprise in India. Farmers residing in peri-urban areas of Kolkata rear small flocks of turkey birds. The present study was planned to evaluate the growth pattern and carcass characteristics of Beltsville Small White turkey birds reared in backyard system with supplemental feeding of locally available grains, crop residues and vegetable wastes. A total of 160 numbers of turkey poults were studied for growth up to 140 days. After the trial period, carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated after slaughter. The results showed that Beltsville Small White turkey birds attained 4762 g of body weight on 140th day. The asymptote weight was found to be 11431.41 g. The maturing rate of experimental turkey birds was 0.074 g/ day. The average dressing percentage of male and female birdswere recorded as 66.68 and 67.08. The lipid peroxidation value was found to be 0.221 MDA mg/Kg meat. The reduced value of lipid peroxidation in experimental turkey meat might be due to backyard turkey rearing system with supplemental feeding with greens. Moisture, crude protein and ether extract of turkey meat samples in the present study were respectively 69.12%, 20.46% and 9.55%. High growth rate, favourable carcass traits and meat quality of the Beltsville Small White turkey breed might be the key factors for its suitability and sustainability under small holder farming system in peri-urban areas of Kolkata.