Effects of Castration on Growth and Development of Turkey Males

Abstract SEVERAL studies have been conducted in the past on the effects of bilateral castration on the turkey male. These include investigations of the effects on both secondary sexual characteristics (for review see van Oordt, 1936) and on such economically important traits as growth rate, body size, conformation and fat finish (Goodearl and Moore, 1941). Since the literature indicates some confusion in respect to the effects of gonadectomy on the turkey, it appeared desirable to study the problem further. Although Goodearl and Moore (1941) reported that they could not separate their controls, incompletely castrated, and castrated males by appearance, previous workers had found distinct differences between normal and castrated individuals. One major change in appearance was a reduction in caruncle and snood development resulting in a more feminine head (van Oordt and van der Maas, 1929; Athias, 1931; and Scott and Payne, 1934). Plumage color in Bronze turkeys and feather shape…