Early sex determination methods are not only crucial in the worldwide massive poultry industry, but also for small-holder producers. The profitability of sexing techniques must be accounted for when aiming to boost management, nutrition, and conservation practices in endangered poultry breeds. This becomes pivotal when the local breed dealt with belongs to an understudied species, such as the turkey. So, the main objective of this study is to identify which method combination may report a higher likelihood of successful sex determination in poults across the three-pattern varieties of the Andalusian turkey breed. A total of 84 one to two days old Andalusian turkey poults (42 black, 28 black-roan, and 14 bronze-roan) were evaluated in this study. Sex determination was performed using 15 methods, which included testing external egg metrics and eggshell color, poult morphological appraisal and phaneroptics, and behavioral traits. Possible differences across plumage varieties and the interaction between sex and plumage were observed when external egg quality was measured. Sex determination through behavioral methods in black base feathered (black and black-roan) male sex individuals showed seven times higher sensitivity when compared to the rest of the studied individuals (χ2 = 7.14, df = 1, P < 0.01). In contrast, for the black-roan plumage females, the method based on the color of down feathers was approximately four times more sensitive (χ2 = 3.95, df = 1, P ≤ 0.05). For the bronze-roan pattern, none of the sexing techniques was reported to efficiently predict sex itself. However, the most proper method combination to determine sex, independent of plumage color, was physical external egg characteristics, the color of down feathers, and behavioral approaches (“English method” and “slap technique”). The specificity values were found to be 49.12, 93.33, and 100%, while the sensitivity values were observed to be 74.64, 91.03, and 100%, which translated into accuracy of 63.10, 92.26, and 100% in black, black-roan, and bronze-roan poults, respectively. Our results suggest that the method combination tested in this study could be considered a highly accurate, simple, and affordable alternative for sex determination in turkeys. This could mean a pivotal advance for small producers of turkeys, as early sex detection can help to plan timely conservational management strategies, which is of prominent importance in the context of endangered poultry breeds.
Early sex determination plays a pivotal role in the turkey farming specialization, since two different lines are commonly used: a heavy line, which comprises males, and a laying line, which sources dams (1). The difference in body weights between these two strains is the basis for the differentiation of farms to ensure basic animal management and nutrition (2). Thus, hatching poults need to be separated by sexes to be raised independently, depending on the commercial strategy chosen by breeders (3). Apart from its critical economic impact, the possibility of sex detection before hatching is also interesting in terms of both animal welfare and ethical issues by the early separation of the different sexes (4).
Sexing chicks during the first day of life could be a critical step not only in the commercial poultry industry but also in the design of conservational and breeding programs for endangered native breeds, as described by (5). The use of reliable sexing techniques in endangered avian breeds is of special importance in breeding programs, since it could avoid lowing hatching rate problems or copulation problems due to side effects derived from high inbreeding in such minority populations (6). In these terms, native poultry breeds, such as the Andalusian turkey, could benefit from the early sex determination of poults. The Andalusian turkey breed is a Spanish endangered autochthonous population distributed around the Southeast Iberian Peninsula and might be the direct descendants of the first turkeys imported from Mexico to arrive in Sevilles port during the early 16th century (7).
Andalusian turkey is raised in semi-grazing conditions by backyard producers in the Guadalquivir Basin and is characterized by great adaptability to the environment. However, during the 20th century, the number of individuals belonging to this native breed drastically decreased as a consequence of the introduction of commercial hybrid strains in Spain (8). This situation promoted local genotype displacement and hybridization, which suggested the need for urgent conservation measures to be taken.
The implementation of a standardized accurate method for the sex determination of 1-day-old poults could mean a crucial improvement for breeders, making it possible to take proper management decisions at hatching instead of waiting for 4–5 months, when animals start to display sexual dimorphism characters (9). As a consequence, Andalusian turkey males may be aimed toward the maximization of their meat production while letting hen for the laying aptitude (10). These sexing methods can also be a beneficial tool when management strategies to preserve genetic diversity are designed, since sex distribution across the population is possibly biased (5).
Sexual dimorphism is defined as the differences in external appearance, among other traits, between the two genders of one species and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors (11). Generally, males and females differ in size, color, shape, and appendage development (such as feathers, wattle or appendage, caruncles, beard, and spurs). On the other hand, sexual dimorphism can also be manifested by scent or courtship vocalizations, behavior, and cognition (12). Recent advances in poultry genetics have made it possible to obtain, based on the crosses of given parental strains, offspring showing specific phenotypic traits that make both sexes distinguishable in the early stages of life (13). Genes that modify feather growth have also been described and reported to permit early sex determination (14). However, its implementation in breeding programs was discarded due to a negative impact on the production traits (15). More recent technologies have developed new tools, in which algorithm wing edge detection is used. For this, computational imaging of external wing feathers growth is employed (16). Again, these methods may be difficult to implement in local poultry populations, as morphological and phaneroptic traits may broadly vary across different breeds and varieties.
In avian species, sexual dimorphism is caused by several secondary phenotypical traits that can be recognizable even in the laid egg until the 1-day-old poult (5). Several sex-influenced phenotypical traits in these early stages have been reported, including egg size (17, 18), the opacity of the eggshell (19), feather color, morphology and distribution (20), appendicular skeleton dimensions, focusing on tarsus-metatarsus length (21), head length and size (22, 23), tail inclination (24), and the behavioral performance of the individuals (22, 25).
Considering the aforementioned premises, this study aims to establish which method combination may offer the most efficient and accurate method to determine sex at the early stages of life across the three plumage varieties of the Andalusian turkey breed. This information will be processed to tailor specific non-invasive sexing methods for poult from local turkey populations. The identification of the proportions of individuals belonging to each sex when working with endangered populations can contribute to the improvement and progress of the genetic management tasks carried out in these genotypes. Thus, the tool developed in this study can be a complement to the more commonly used techniques, which have been widely tested on a commercial scale but are sometimes inefficient due to the implicit diversity found in local populations.
Raising turkeys can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, when it comes to telling the male poults (baby turkeys) apart from the females, it can get a bit tricky, especially when they are very young. Never fear! With some tips and tricks, you’ll be sexing those poults in no time.
Look at the Vent
One of the most reliable ways to sex young poults is to look at their vents. The vent is the external opening under the tail, between the legs where poults expel waste.
To examine the vent:
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Gently pick up the poult, cradling its body in one hand while using your other hand to gently hold its wings down. Be very careful not to squeeze or harm the bird.
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Turn the poult upside down to expose the vent area under its tail.
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Look closely at the shape of the opening. On males, the vent will protrude slightly, looking bumped or mounded. On females, the vent will look flat with no protrusion.
This difference is subtle but one of the most accurate ways to distinguish male from female poults. Handle them gently and carefully inspect the vent shape.
Watch How They Hold Their Legs
Here’s another useful trick:
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Carefully pick up a poult using the method described above.
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Watch what happens with its legs as you lift it off the ground.
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Female poults will dangle their legs straight down.
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Male poults will draw their legs up tighter to their body.
This reflex action can help reveal the sex, although it’s not 100% definitive. Some males may dangle their legs, while some females may draw theirs up. But in most cases, watching leg position can provide a good clue.
Observe Behavioral Differences
As they mature, some subtle behavior differences emerge between male and female poults:
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Male poults tend to be more aggressive than females, especially toward other poults. They may chase, peck or fight more.
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Male poults are usually the first to gobble and strut as they get older. Females may not gobble or strut until much later.
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Males may begin fanning their tails at a younger age compared to females.
So while behavior isn’t definitive on its own for young poults, it can provide some helpful clues when combined with other sexing techniques.
Wait Until They Mature
While the techniques above can help, accurately sexing poults younger than 8 weeks can still be quite difficult.
As a rule of thumb, waiting until turkeys are 12-16 weeks old will make determining gender much easier and more reliable.
By then, males will develop more pronounced physical features like larger feet, longer legs, thicker necks, visible breast spurs and snoods. Their feathers will also become more iridescent.
So if vent shape and leg position don’t provide clear answers early on, don’t worry! Just wait a bit until secondary sex characteristics emerge in older birds.
Use Other Clues
Here are some other potential clues that can help identify male vs female poults:
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Males tend to be slightly larger and grow faster than females of the same age.
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Males may develop small breast spurs and “beards” earlier than females.
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Males make a deeper “putt” sound compared to the higher-pitched “chirp” of females.
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Male droppings tend to be larger and more spiral or curly-shaped.
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Males’ feathers may glitter and shine more vividly in sunlight.
While none of these are foolproof methods on their own, they can provide helpful hints when sexing poults. The more clues that point to one gender, the more confident you can be.
When in Doubt, Seek Expert Help
If you need 100% certainty about the sex for breeding purposes, and vent shape, legs, behavior and other signs aren’t clear enough, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
Many hatcheries, universities or county extension offices may be able to help “vent sex” young poults for you. They have the skills and experience to determine gender accurately.
There’s no shame in asking for assistance from a trusted expert when you need it! Getting the sex right is crucial for breeding programs.
Be Patient and Observant
Sexing baby turkeys takes patience and careful observation. But with practice examining vents, watching behaviors and looking for other subtle signs, you’ll start to get the hang of it!
The most foolproof method is allowing poults time to fully mature. But even young birds show some clues about their gender if you know what to look for.
So go slowly, handle them gently, get them used to you, and keep notes on each one. Over time, the males and females will become apparent based on the unique traits of each sex.
Enjoy getting to know your poults and decoding their gender over the first few months. Then you can look forward to years of fun and companionship with your flourishing flock!
Animals and sample size
The present research was conducted in a public hatchery located at the Agropecuary Provincial Center of Diputación of Córdoba (Andalusian, Spain). A total of 18 turkey hens and 3 toms, aged between 12 and 16 months, coming from the base population of the Andalusian turkey breed were reared in three different groups according to plumage color (black: 1M/6F; roan-black: 1M/6F; and bronze-roan: 1M/6F), and were involved in the egg production.
Taking advance of the breeding season (from February to April 2019), eggs were collected daily and stored at 17–18 °C and 70–75 % humidity in incubating platters until their incubation. All eggs were individually numbered, and external egg metrics and eggshell color were determined before incubation.
Eggs intended for incubation were kept for a maximum of 7 days since oviposition. A total of 311 eggs were incubated and divided into seven different incubation periods to ensure sufficient birds are included in the study. An incubator with automatic egg turning (Masalles, M240-I, Barcelona, Spain) was used for 26 days at 37.2 °C and 55 % RH. On the 26th day of incubation, eggs were transferred to a hatchery cabinet (Masalles, 25-N HLC, Barcelona, Spain) maintained at 36.7 °C and 60 % RH until hatching (2 more days). A total of 162 poults hatched, and then were wing-banded and placed in a room with an electric stove to help them regulate their body temperature until performing the sex determination tests.
A random sample of 162 turkey poults (76 black, 58 black-roan, and 28 bronze-roan) was used for sexing. Finally, of the total animals subjected to the sexing tests, we were able to determine the sex of 84 individuals (42 black, 28 black-roan, and 14 bronze-roan). This was due to the fact that some animals died, and others were donated to local farms (as part of an Andalusian turkey breed recovery program) before the sexual dimorphism of the individuals became evident. In the literature, it has been reported that samples of around 100 or even fewer individuals report 95% sexing accuracy in other local poultry species (5, 9, 26). Therefore, of the total of 972 observations that were obtained, only 506 observations were used in the analyzed database, of which the individual sex was confirmed and a complete sexing determination procedure of three appraisers was collected.
Bird management was directed under the European Union Direction regulations (2010/63/EU) as transposed to Spanish Royal Decree-Law 53/2013. This study did not need to be subjected to evaluation by the Ethics Committee of Animal of the University of Córdoba, since it is not part of the legislation for the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.
External egg metrics and eggshell color
Before incubation, external egg quality was determined in each egg:
• M1 and M2 (major and minor diameters). These measurements were determined using a digital caliper (precision, ±0.01 mm; Electro DH M 60.205, Barcelona, Spain).
• M3 [shape index (SI)]. This index was computed using the following formula (27): SI=(∅M∅m ) ∗100
where ØM is the major diameter and Øm is the minor diameter.
If the egg is long and pointed, the individual will be taken as a female, while wide and flat eggs are assigned to males (28). To establish the limits to consider an egg long or flat and wide or broad, the shape index and the median of the diameters were calculated (non-normal distribution, p > 0.05), to set over and below the median categories.
• M4 (egg weight). Eggs were weighed individually using an electronic scale (precision ±0.01 g; Cobos, CSB-600C, Barcelona, Spain).
• M5, M6, and M7 (eggshell L*, eggshell a*, and eggshell b*). Eggshell color was assessed using a portable spectrophotometer (CM 700d, Konica Minolta Holdings Inc., Tokyo, Japan), and the results of eggshell color were expressed according to the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) L*a*b* system color profile.
Tom or Hen Turkey Poult? How To Tell the Difference
FAQ
How to tell the visual difference between male and female turkeys?
The body coloration of a gobbler is distinctly dark, almost black. In contrast, hens have a smaller, bluish-gray head, lack spurs and prominent wattles, and are brownish in appearance. Finally, gobblers strut, fan their tails and gobble; hens do not. The sex of a turkey “in hand” is readily determined.
Can you buy sexed turkey poults?
Sexed poults available only from March to October. Poults ship separately from other poultry online. Free shipping on poults applies to Zone 1 and Zone 2 on 15+ orders. Small order charges and shipping will be charged on orders of less than 15 poults.
Do female turkey poults strut?
Other biologists note that turkey poults will strut as soon as one day after hatching, and both sexes can strut. In hens, strutting is usually a response to aggression by another hen, or a response to other strong stimulus, including hunting decoys.
How do you know if a Turkey Poult is male or female?
Dangling legs indicate a female poult, while pulled-up legs signify a male poult. Male turkey poults are more territorial than female poults. If you’re having trouble identifying a poult by its vent or leg movements, pay a little extra attention to its behavior, instead.
Are male turkey poults more territorial?
Male turkey poults are more territorial than female poults. If you’re having trouble identifying a poult by its vent or leg movements, pay a little extra attention to its behavior, instead. Generally speaking, male poults tend to be more brash and aggressive toward other birds, especially as they get older.
How do you determine the gender of a baby turkey?
1. Determining the Gender of Poults (Baby Turkey) Determining the gender of poults can be challenging, and it depends on the breed. Vent observing method is the most commonly used method for determining turkey gender which began in the 1920s. Although, success in vent method requires a keen eye and lots of practice.
How do you tell if a Turkey is dangling?
Baby male turkeys tuck in their legs whenever you pick them up. Gently lift up the bird, using one hand to keep the poult’s wings down. As you lift the bird, look at its legs—are they still dangling down or tucked into its chest? Dangling legs indicate a female poult, while pulled-up legs signify a male poult.
What does a male Turkey look like?
Wild male turkeys are typically smaller and slimmer than domestic ones, but they share many of the same characteristics. For example, wild males have large tail fans, iridescent plumage, and the distinctive chest “beard” and snood on their faces. Do female turkeys puff up?
Do turkey poults Tuck in their legs?
Male poults tend to tuck in their legs when picked up, while female poults keep their legs dangling. In addition, male poults tend to be more territorial and aggressive toward other birds and their companions than female poults. Wild turkeys breed once per year and have 4-17 eggs in a clutch.