What is a White Turkey? An Overview of the Broad Breasted White Breed

The Broad Breasted White is the most common breed of turkey raised commercially for meat production If you’ve purchased a turkey at the grocery store, it was likely a Broad Breasted White But what exactly are the characteristics of this ubiquitous white turkey breed?

Origins of the Broad Breasted White Turkey

The Broad Breasted White turkey was developed in the 1920s by commercial turkey breeders. It was created by crossing breeds like the Holland and Broad Breasted Bronze to select for traits like a broad, plump breast and quick growth rate.

This new white variety quickly became the industry standard as it proved excellent for meat production, By the 1940s it had almost completely replaced heritage turkey breeds for commercial use

Traits of Broad Breasted White Turkeys

Broad Breasted White turkeys have numerous attributes that make them well suited as the primary commercial turkey breed Here are some of their defining qualities

• Large size – Toms can reach over 40 lbs, while hens reach 25-30 lbs. This provides substantial meat yield.

• Rapid growth – They put on weight quickly, reaching target harvest size in about 18-24 weeks.

• Abundant white breast meat – The breast is very broad and well-muscled, providing ample prized white breast meat.

• Efficiency – They convert feed to meat efficiently thanks to their rapid growth.

• White pin feathers – The white feathers mean no dark spots on the skin after plucking.

• Docile temperament – Calm disposition makes them easy to raise in commercial barns.

• High fertility – Hens readily lay eggs that hatch at a high percentage.

Raising Broad Breasted White Turkeys

If raising your own white turkeys, there are some important things to know about their needs:

• Provide high protein feed for fast growing poults and continuing through butcher age.

• Give them lots of space due to their large size. 10 square feet inside, 1/2 acre for ranging.

• Use low roosts no more than 18 inches high to prevent leg injuries.

• Process them in 18-24 weeks before health issues arise due to rapid growth.

• Artificial insemination may be needed for breeding due to size.

• Monitor for obesity-related issues like heart and joint problems.

Why White Turkeys for Commercial Use?

It’s easy to see why the Broad Breasted White dominates commercial turkey production once you understand their qualities:

• Meat yield – Their large frame and breast size simply provides more meat.

• Breast meat – The plentiful white breast meat is in highest demand.

• Quick to harvest – They reach target weight rapidly, allowing more turnover.

• Featherless skin – The white pin feathers don’t leave dark spots after plucking.

• Feed efficiency – They add weight without wasting feed, maximizing profits.

• Automated facilities – Their calm temperament lets them thrive in mass production barns.

• Reproduction reliability – Their high fertility rates ensure excellent poult production.

Drawbacks of the Broad Breasted White

However, the Broad Breasted White’s extreme specialization does cause some drawbacks:

• Prone to health problems due to extremely fast growth.

• Often unable to mate naturally due to massive size.

• Suffer leg issues and heart problems due to rapid weight gain.

• Lack longevity due to deteriorating health after butcher age.

• Criticized for inferior taste compared to heritage breeds.

• Unable to forage and live outdoors like wild turkeys.

• Intensive commercial production raises welfare concerns.

Alternatives to Broad Breasted Whites

While the standard white turkey reigns commercially, some alternatives do exist:

• Heritage breeds – Slow growing, traditional breeds prized for flavor like Bourbon Red.

• Broad Breasted Bronze – Similar commercial traits but ability to breed naturally.

• Beltsville Small White – Smaller white turkey better suited to small farm use.

• Midget White – Miniaturized version of Broad Breasted White with better health.

The Broad Breasted White turkey has clearly demonstrated itself as the perfect breed for intensive commercial meat production. However, concerns over its health, welfare and taste has prompted interest in alternatives for small sustainable farms. Whether the iconic big white turkey remains the poultry king long into the future remains to be seen.