Turkeys breed profile
Broad Breasted White
Also known as: BBW
- Commercial
- U.S. (commercial cross)
- extra large
- Temperament: calm
Broad Breasted White is the commercial Thanksgiving turkey — fast growth to high market weights, but cannot reproduce naturally and not suited to extensive systems.
Production & size
Mature size and output.
Female weight
16–22 lbs
Male weight
35–50 lbs
Reproductive traits
Gestation
28 days
Seasonality
year round
Maternal
poor
Health & climate
Parasite resistance
fair
Heat tolerance
fair
Cold hardiness
fair
Humidity tolerance
fair
Common health concerns
- Cannot reproduce naturally — body conformation prevents it. AI standard.
- Leg problems from rapid weight gain
- Heart issues if held past butcher weight
Management requirements
Experience
some experience
Housing
moderate
Fencing
standard
Feed system
grain based
Market access
Commercial market
excellent
Direct-market appeal
fair
Commercial Thanksgiving turkey standard. Direct-marketing operations increasingly favor heritage breeds for premium positioning.
Primary purposes