The modern broiler industry has developed a hybrid that is unlike any other breed. Today's broiler can achieve a 4-pound live weight in six weeks. Twenty years ago, it took 14 weeks to achieve a 5-pound live weight. These advances are the result of scientific progress in genetic, nutritional, and environmental research. The modern turkey industry has developed a hybrid white turkey that is larger and faster growing than purebred or wild turkeys.
Modern turkeys are so large they can no longer breed naturally.
All modern turkeys are artificially inseminated. Artificial insemination allows selective breeding so that breeders can raise fewer males and achieve higher rates of hatchability.