Eating Quality of Large White Turkeys as Influenced by Age and Sex1

Relative eating quality of Large White turkey toms killed at 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 25 and 27 weeks of age and hens killed at 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 and 24 weeks of age was assessed. Comparisons were made among ages within sexes and between sexes at selected ages. A total of 136 birds was used. Flavor, tenderness and juiciness were evaluated by an experienced sensory evaluation panel using the paired comparisons method. The paired comparisons data were analyzed in terms of the univariate Bradley-Terry model and also in terms of the multivariate Davidson-Bradley model. Tenderness was determined using the modified Warner-Bratzler shearing device. The power of the statistical tests among age shear force means is discussed.

Flavor and tenderness ratings in both the males and females decreased during the age periods immediately preceding the appearance of secondary sex characteristics. These changes in eating quality closely parallel the changes in feed conversion, fleshing and finish found in these birds. There were no appreciable differences in eating quality between sexes with the exception that 27 week old males were found more juicy than 24 week old females. The panel results indicated positive correlation among all three sensory characteristics assessed.