The Use of an Anti-Fertility Drug as an Aid to Control of Sexual Maturity in the Turkey

GIVEN the right environment, the turkey hen will reach sexual maturity as early as 22 weeks of age (Eaton et al., 1960). However, to commence lay regardless of age, the turkey has two photoperiod requirements. Unlike the chicken, which will commence lay and continue to lay in continual darkness, (King, 1962; Morris et al., 1964), the turkey has a minimal photoperiod, something in excess of 10 hours (Wilson et al., 1962) below which no reproductive response can be obtained. The female turkey also has a dark period requirement in that it is relatively insensitive to stimulation unless it has previously received a long night, short day period (Harper and Parker, 1961; Leighton and Shoffner, 1961 a, b; McCartney et al., 1961; and Shoffner et al., 1962). Even though sexual maturity can be reached as early as 22 weeks of age, the maximum production is not obtained until the turkey hen…