Family Differences in Fertility of Turkey Hens

The view that fertility is not an inherited characteristic in fowls has prevailed until recently. Investigations by Gowe and Hutt (1949) and Hays (1949) with chickens provide evidence of a genetic relationship. Results from an experiment at this station with turkeys provide additional information relative to inherited differences between families with respect to fertility and duration of fertility. A pen of 50 Broad Breasted Bronze females representing ten families obtained from single tom matings of the previous spring were used for the experiment. The hens were maintained in an outside yard with access to a range shelter. Artificial lights were used beginning January 15, 1949. An adequate breeder mash was fed free choice along with a grain mixture limited to one-fourth pound per bird each day. Individual trapnest and incubation records were maintained. Eggs were set at two-week intervals in a forced-draft electric incubator. Fertility was based on broken-out appearance . . .