Economic Evaluation of Total Confinement and Open Range Turkey-Production Systems in Georgia

Abstract

An economic analysis of confinement and range turkey production systems was made for both torn and hen turkeys marketed in Georgia. Physical and economic differences were compared for total confinement and open range turkey production systems on a commercial scale. Georgia growers contract to grow a specified number of turkeys in total confinement to market in winter and spring months so processing plants can operate year-round. However, a larger number of turkeys are marketed during the summer and fall months. Many producers in parts of Georgia and other Southeastern states have changed from range systems to total confinement houses, which reduce any natural climatic advantages that the region has in open range production. This research revealed that total labor requirements are almost the same for the two systems. However, market weights for torn turkeys grown on range during the 1978 to 1981 period averaged .77 kg (1.7 lb) heavier with a .09 lower feed conversion than shown for total confinement flocks. Total production costs in 1981 excluding land and labor cost, with feed valued at $.22/kg ($.10/lb) for torn turkeys averaged $.0457/kg ($.0207/lb) lower for open range flocks than total confinement flocks. Performance records and cost analyses indicated that Georgia producers can grow both torn and hen turkeys to heavier weights more efficiently on open range than in total confinement for marketing during the summer, fall, and early winter months.