Pilot alternatieve kalkoenrassen Beter Leven keurmerk

Limited breeds of turkeys are allowed to be used by turkey farmers producing for the Dutch Beter Leven keurmerk (BLk). Turkey farmers are looking for other breeds than the currently used Caringa Cartier that can be kept within the principles of the BLk. Two optional alternative breeds are of interest; the B.U.T Premium by Aviagen and the Hybdrid (Grademaker) Evo by Hendrix Genetics. Observations were performed on 6 flocks on 2 Dutch turkey farms to test the suitability of these alternative breeds. Data in the pilot was observational, no statistical analysis was performed. The two alternative breeds performed similarly on the observed characteristics. Lameness was seen more often in the currently used Caringa Cartier compared to the alternative breeds.