Current Role of Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) Breeding in Poultry Production: Türkiye and World Perspectives

Abstract

This study examines the current role of turkey (M. gallopavo) breeding from both Türkiye and world perspectives. Globally, turkey meat production holds significant importance, particularly in the United States and the Europe. While turkeys ranked fourth in the world poultry stock (with shares of ducks, geese, and turkeys at 5.95%, 1.98%, and 0.66%, respectively, in 2023), they ranked second in Türkiye's poultry stock, albeit with a lower share (with shares of turkeys, geese, ducks and guinea fowl at 0.90%, 0.36%, and 0.11%, respectively, in 2023). In Türkiye, certain provinces, especially Manisa, Bolu, and İzmir, stand out in terms of live turkey stocks. In 2024, Şırnak and Van garnered attention by entering the top fifteen provinces in terms of turkey stock.

An examination of the import data over the past five years reveals that the maximum level of imports for turkey poults and eggs was achieved in 2020, amounting to approximately 2.9 million units. According to provisional data for 2024, turkey carcass weights have increased by approximately 1.5 kg compared to the previous year, reaching about 11.63 kg, indicating that Türkiye could enter the top ten in the world rankings for turkey carcass yield in 2024. However, over the past decade, per capita turkey meat consumption has not exceeded 1 kg, with 2023 consumption at just 0.557 kg.