[Turkey fattening under extensive rearing conditions--selected parameters concerning health, performance and behavior]. / Putenmast unter extensiven Haltungsbedingungen--Ausgewählte Parameter hinsichtlich Gesundheit, Leistung und Verhalten.

Within two consecutive studies (study I and study II), each involving a summer (su) and a winter mast (wi), 36 male turkeys per B.U.T. Big 6 (BUT) and Kelly Bronze (KB) origin were set on two seperated areas in free range and fatted over a period of 20 (winter mast in study II) and 22 weeks respectively. Aim of both studies was to analyze the effects of extensive rearing conditions on these two turkey origins concerning health, performance and behavior and whether seasonal climatic differences had any additional influence. Besides the aim in study II was to detect how intensely environmental enrichment (plateau and perches) was accepted by the turkeys and if co-housing of BUT and KB turkeys was possible. The occurence of skin lesions in the breast area (breast blisters and/or breast buttons) was significantly influenced by season (su > wi) and origin (BUT > KB). Malposition of the hind extremities was found significantly more often in the BUT origin, whereas the X-leg position was the most common observed leg abnormality. The mortality rate remained beneath 6% during three of the four fattening periods. Due to their genetical determination, the BUT constantly gained higher weights than the KB (wi > su).The intensity of acceptance of the structural elements was influenced by season (su > wi), forage (ecological > commercial) and time of day (night > day).The results of the studies lead to the conclusion that turkeys of the BUT origin can certainly be fattened under extensive rearing conditions alongside the KB origin, while providing good performance.