Turkeys Under Fire: How Heat Affects Different Breeds

Turkeys face tough times when the mercury rises. Two types, CARI Virat and Bronze, were put to the test during summer and winter to see how they handle heat. Scientists looked at some key molecular and biochemical markers to gauge their performance. The findings were clear: heat stress ramps up the activity of certain genes in both types of turkeys, regardless of gender. This gene activity, specifically HSPB1 and NOX4, was directly linked to the birds' body temperature and weight gain. Higher temperatures meant more gene activity, but less weight gain for the turkeys. It was a tough battle for the birds, as heat stress pushed their bodies to the limit. The study also showed that heat stress triggers oxidative stress in turkeys. This means their bodies were fighting hard to cope with the heat. The turkeys' antioxidant defenses kicked into high gear, but it wasn't enough to prevent some damage. Lipid peroxidation, a sign of cellular damage, went up, while reduced glutathione, a crucial antioxidant, went down. White female turkeys seemed to handle the heat better than their black counterparts. They had higher antioxidant enzyme activity and gained more weight, suggesting they might be better suited for hot climates. Heat stress also took a toll on the quality of the meat. The pH, water holding capacity, texture, and juiciness were all affected, but the meat was still acceptable. This information could be useful for breeders and farmers looking to raise turkeys in hot environments. It's a reminder that even our feathered friends aren't immune to the challenges of a warming world. It's crucial to understand how different breeds cope with heat. This knowledge can help in developing strategies to keep turkeys healthy and productive, even as temperatures rise. After all, a happy turkey is a healthy turkey, and that's good news for everyone.