Growing U.K. Market For Broiler Turkey

Press, Volume C, Issue 29623, 20 September 1961, Page 19

Growing U.K. Market For Broiler Turkey

(.'lpenat Cormpondent N.ZJM.)

LONDON, September 19. Larger producers of turkeys on broiler line*— those who think in terms of hundreds of thousands —are expanding their business to cater for a growing demanel, says "The Times" agricultural correspondent. Before long it is possible that 81b turkeys will, be reared in large numbers in 12 to 13 weeks, he says. The growth in popularity of turkeys among housewives who traditionally bought them only at Christmas, is shown by the fact that half a million turkeys went to British tables last Easter. Turkeys are steadily becoming a much more frequent treat than on festive occasion only. "The Times” says that because the housewife does not want an enormous bird, even at Christmas and still less on other occasions, the size in most demand is 111 b to 121 b, with birds around 81b selling much batter. "It seems that rewards may be there for those who are brave enough to go after them.

"For instance for an 81b bird, it should be possible to realise 3s per lb. with the bird selling in the shops ‘oven-ready’, 4s 6d to 5s per lb. "Where 5000 turkeys were reared in a house of 7500 square feet it was found the total cost of a bird was about 18s. In this case there should be a profit of 6s a bird. No wonder large producers are expanding their business,” the correspondent says.