Raising turkeys in the Philippines is a popular hobby farming venture. While purebred turkeys are rare, fast-maturing white-feathered hybrid strains are widely available.
These hybrids can reach an average weight of 6 kg in just 10 weeks with a feed conversion ratio of 2:1. Finding reliable small hatcheries for day-old poults can be challenging, as commercial turkey breeding hens produce only about 45 live poults per year.
It’s important to select breeders from well-grown 7-month-old birds and maintain a mating ratio of 1 tom to 10 hens. Providing appropriate nesting areas and ensuring proper incubation and brooding practices are essential for successful turkey raising in the Philippines.
Key Takeaways:
- Fast-maturing white-feathered hybrid strains are popular for turkey raising in the Philippines.
- Reliable hatcheries for day-old poults can be hard to find due to limited production from commercial turkey breeding hens.
- Select well-grown breeders and maintain a proper mating ratio for successful turkey raising.
- Provide suitable nesting areas and follow proper incubation and brooding practices for optimal results.
- Understanding feed conversion ratio is crucial in managing turkey weight gain efficiently.
Breeding and Incubation of Turkeys
When it comes to raising turkeys in the Philippines, one of the first considerations is selecting the right breed. The hybrid white bird is the main commercial variety used in the country. These birds are known for their excellent meat quality and growth rate.
To start the breeding process, it is essential to select breeders from well-grown 7-month-old birds. Maintaining a recommended mating ratio of 1 tom to 10 hens is crucial for successful reproduction. It may also be beneficial to use consecutive batches of toms during the breeding season to promote fertility.
Prior to mating, it is important to ensure the good condition of the breeding birds. Checking for internal and external parasites and treating any issues is necessary. This helps to ensure the health and wellbeing of the birds and increases the chances of successful mating.
Once the mating is complete, the incubation process begins. Turkey eggs should be collected three times daily to prevent damage or contamination. The collected eggs should then be stored for a maximum of 7 days at specific temperature and humidity conditions.
During incubation, the eggs should be turned at least three times daily until the 26th day. This helps to ensure proper development and prevents the embryos from sticking to the shell. Generally, turkey eggs have an incubation period of 28 days.
After incubation, the poults hatch and enter the brooding stage. Proper brooding practices are crucial for their early development. This includes providing warmth, feed, water, and a suitable brooding area. Ensuring these conditions are met helps the poults grow strong and healthy.
Recommended Breeding and Incubation Practices
| Process | Guidelines |
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| Breeding |
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| Incubation |
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Rearing and Feeding Practices for Turkeys
Once the poults are fully feathered at around 7 weeks of age, they can be given access to an outside range. Providing turkeys with ample space to roam is essential for their well-being and overall growth. The recommended space needed per 100 birds ranges from 1500 m2 to 0.15 hectares, allowing them to exhibit natural behaviors and engage in healthy social interactions.
Feeding turkeys properly is crucial for their development and productivity. It is recommended to start by feeding them a starter diet with a protein content of 24% to 28% until they reach 8 weeks of age. This high-protein diet supports their rapid growth during the early stages. Afterward, the protein level can be reduced to 20%, ensuring a balanced nutrition without excessive protein intake.
One key aspect of turkey care is maintaining clean bedding materials and proper ventilation in the shelter. As turkeys grow larger, it becomes necessary to prevent dampness and maintain dry litter. This can be achieved by providing clean bedding material regularly and ensuring adequate ventilation to reduce moisture buildup and minimize the risk of respiratory illnesses.
Regular access to feed and water is essential for the well-being and growth of turkeys, especially during the initial stages of feeding when poults may require assistance in finding and consuming food and water. Providing adequate feeder and drinker space is crucial to ensure all birds have access without overcrowding or competition.
Example Turkey Feeding Schedule:
| Age (weeks) | Feed Type | Protein Content (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-8 | Starter Diet | 24-28% |
| 8-20 | Grower Diet | 20% |
| 20 onwards | Finisher Diet | 18-20% |
By following these turkey farming practices and ensuring proper care, you can promote the health and well-being of your turkeys, ultimately leading to successful turkey farming in the Philippines.
Marketing and Processing of Turkey
When it comes to marketing turkeys in the Philippines, you have various options to consider. If you have a small-flock operation, you can directly sell your turkeys to customers who appreciate locally produced food. Another option is to sell your turkeys to local markets or grocers, where you can reach a wider range of consumers. Alternatively, you can choose to engage in further processing to create a variety of turkey products, such as sausages or deli meats, which can be sold to specialty stores or restaurants.
Timing is crucial when it comes to meeting customer demands. Planning your production schedule to align with peak periods, such as holidays or special occasions, can help maximize your sales. It’s also important to be aware of the regulations surrounding the processing and selling of processed birds. Both state and federal laws govern the sale of processed turkeys, and it’s essential to comply with these requirements for legal and safe operations.
Disease-free sourcing of turkey stock is a critical aspect of successful turkey production. It’s highly recommended to obtain stock from hatcheries that are members of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). These hatcheries adhere to rigorous standards, ensuring the health and quality of the turkeys you raise. By following proper production and management practices, providing good brooding conditions, and implementing appropriate feeding and watering practices, you can establish a thriving turkey farming operation in the Philippines.