Post by Jim A. Hall on Dec 14, 2011 9:37:38 GMT -6
The Broad Breasted White is commercially the most widely-used breed of domesticated turkey. These birds have shorter breast bones, exceedingly large breasts, are often very fat, and have shorter legs than "standard" turkeys, rendering them unable to breed without human assistance (typically via In vitro fertilisation). [1] They produce more breast meat and their pin feathers are less visible when the carcass is dressed due to their white color. These properties have made the breed popular in commercial turkey production but enthusiasts of slow food argue that the development of this breed and the methods in commercial turkey production have come at a cost of less flavor.
These birds are grown in large grow-out barns that are fully automated and may house as many as 10,000 birds. The growing process for these birds has been so well refined that birds often grow to larger than 50lbs. Average birds are typically 38-40lbs. Because of their size, they are prone to health problems associated with obesity such as heart disease, respiratory failure and joint damage, and generally have relatively short lives as a result.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broad_Breasted_White
These birds are grown in large grow-out barns that are fully automated and may house as many as 10,000 birds. The growing process for these birds has been so well refined that birds often grow to larger than 50lbs. Average birds are typically 38-40lbs. Because of their size, they are prone to health problems associated with obesity such as heart disease, respiratory failure and joint damage, and generally have relatively short lives as a result.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broad_Breasted_White