Comparison of Hatchability and Fertility Among Broad Breasted Bronze and Beltsville Small-Type White Turkeys and their Reciprocal Crosses

Low fertility and low hatchability are common faults of certain strains of Broad Breasted Bronze turkeys. The ultimate solution of this problem probably depends on additional emphasis on hatchability as part of a long-term breeding program. There is need however, for an interim solution of the problem. The following evidence indicates that crossbreeding may be a suitable technique for the immediate improvement of fertility and hatchability. Byerly, Knox, and Jull (1934), concluded that crossbreeding in chickens is likely to increase hatchability if breeds of low hatchability are crossed but not if the parental stock averaged above 80 percent in hatchability. Clark, Runnels, and Livesay (1944), reported a singificant increase in hatchability but not infertility when reciprocal crosses were made between Broad Breasted Bronze and Bronze, Bourbon Red, and Black varieties of turkeys. There was evidence, however, that matings of B.B. Bronze toms with hens of the medium sized varieties resulted . . .