EFFECT OF SEX ON THE SHARE OF MAIN PARTS IN CARCASS AND TISSUES IN BREASTS OF TURKEYS

A research on the influence of turkey sex on the share of main parts in carcass and tissues in breasts was carried out on 30 male and 30 female turkeys of heavy type Nicholas 700 provenience. After a 19-week long fattening period, 10 turkeys from each group were randomly selected for research. Differences in weights of carcasses between males and females were statistically highly significant (P<0.001). Male turkeys had statistically heavier (P<0.001) breasts than females. However, no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) between males and females were observed in the portion of breasts in carcasses. Statistically highly significant differences (P<0.001) were observed in weights of thighs, drumsticks, wing drumsticks, wings and necks of males and females. When compared to female turkeys, males had statistically higher weights (P<0.001) of breast tissue. More favorable portion of muscles in breasts was noticed in females. Differences in portions of muscles in breasts between sexes were statistically highly significant (P<0.001)