ckyard production systems' characterization in the physiographic regions of the state of michoacan, mexico

Abstract

In this study native turkey backyard production units (UP) in the five physiographic regions of Michoacan state were characterized. Backyard meleagriculture is present in all physiographic regions of the State, UP averages ranging from 7.20 to 14.80 birds. The female/male ratio found ranged from 1.69 to 3.69. According to plumage's color, the following varieties were observed: Bronze, Narrangansett, Royal Palm, Spanish Black, Slate or silver and Buffy (brown or red) and other colors that could not be allocated to the these varieties. Live weight of adult birds of more than 12 mo of age ranged between 6.70 and 8.90 kg in males and between 2.90 and 4.35 kg in females. The heavier birds were located in the temperate areas. Females nest 2 to 3 times per year 12 to 15 eggs in each nesting event, hatching rate was 10-12 poults/nesting. Practically all (94.3 %) UP are non technified, using only some improved management practices: balanced diets in chicks up to two months old, little or null vaccination plan, non use of improved varieties, which indicate that the genetic type of turkey is native and constitutes a real genetic fund.