A Study on Turkey (Meleagris Gallopavo) Raising in the Sudan

Abstract

A survey on turkey raising in the Sudan using

structured questionnaires and interviews for 25 breeders and 5

dealers, officials of five state ministries and 8 Agricultural

Colleges was carried out to know the present status of turkey

rearing. Results showed that black at 5.74% was the dominant

colour, 69.3% of respondents hatched their replacement flocks,

85.7% were home rearing 66.7% raised less than 30 birds and

most breeders used cereals (sorghum and rice) of which sorghum

constitute about 70%.

Some 50% kept flocks for eggs and meat production, 25% for

meat alone, 63.7% marketed live birds, 27.3% as slaughtered and

50% of respondents marketed at any age with customer

availability and price being limiting factors. Healthwise 50%

vaccinated their flocks and 66.7% received veterinary care and

advice. Main problem encountered was feeding, followed by

diseases and environmental factors (22.2%). For the majority

(75%) manure had no use.

No extension services or technical support were offered from all

the state ministries. Most colleges included some educational

courses on turkey.

Index Terms— Survey, Turkey, Structured questionnaires,

Sudan