A Suggested Method for Keeping Small White Turkeys Distinct from White Hollands.

Abstract

The development and release to the public of the small type White turkey by the U.S.D.A. has created the problem of keeping this variety pure and distinct from the White Holland. Other strains of small white turkeys are also being bred. The only readily apparent difference between these strains is that of size. Actually there is some overlapping in size between the largest of the small Whites and small White Hollands. Both varieties will ultimately benefit if some means can be found to readily and positively distinguish one from the other and enable producers to avoid unintentional crossing. This could be done with a down color marker without affecting the appearance of the adults.The Oklahoma A. & M. College Poultry Department obtained small type White (hereafter referred to as Beltsville Whites) hatching eggs from the U.S.D.A. flock at Beltsville in the spring of 1941. When the poults hatched it .