Flock Size and System of Turkey Management by Farmers in Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined flock size and system of management by Turkey producers in Zuru Emirate of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Proportionate random sampling technique was used to select one hundred and eighty seven (187) Turkey producers from four Local Government Areas of the Emirate. Primary data were collected using interview schedule. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that majority (57.8%) of the Turkey producers were rearing local breed with flock size of between 11-20 birds and most of them (53.5%) practiced semi-intensive system of management Turkey producers in the study area keep turkeys for various reasons, but majority (69.5%) of them keep turkeys for income. Further revealed from the result was the fact that most of the producers (69.5%) used commercial feeds and employed (87.2%) family labour to care for their birds. Majority (77.6%) of the turkey producers used to obtain a live weight output of between 4.1 to 5.0 kg per bird. The average live weight output was 3.98 kg per bird. Result further indicated that high cost of feeds was the most severe problem faced by turkey producers in the study area. It could be concluded that turkey producers in the study area used local breed of turkey and practiced semi-intensive system of management. It is therefore recommended that interventions are necessary on better management practices and easy access to loans in order to boost turkey production through the introduction of exotic breeds in the study area.

Keywords: Turkey, Breed, Flock Size, Management System, Zuru Emirate