Turkey Production

In the late 1920s until 1965 Maplecrest Turkey Farms of Wellman, Iowa, was a leading pioneer in the modern commercial turkey industry. A. C. Gingerich, an Amish-Mennonite farmer and entrepreneur, was able to successfully develop his business from a handful of turkeys to make Wellman both a “Turkey Capital/Center of the World” and have it uniquely proclaimed as “Thanksgiving Town” by the late 1930s. The Maplecrest brand was known for its premium quality and was available, by name, in leading restaurants also by the late 1930s. This historical book looks at how the modern turkey industry was able to initiate itself largely through knowledge of disease prevention through sanitation means. Some chapters include topics such as how the turkeys were raised, processed and marketed, especially to Eastern markets, e.g. New York City, Boston, etc., and a chapter on World War II discusses the major role that Maplecrest played in producing not only turkeys, but beef, pork and lamb for the armed forces.

To meet growing demand, the FAO has estimated that world poultry production needs to grow by 2-3% per year to 2030. Much of the increase in output already achieved has been as a result of improvements in commercial breeds combined with rearing in more intensive production systems. However, more intensive systems and complex supply chains have increased the risk of rapid transmission of animal diseases and zoonoses. Consumer expectations of sensory and nutritional quality have never been higher. At the same time consumers are more concerned about the environmental impact of poultry production as well as animal welfare. Drawing on an international range of expertise, this book reviews research on safety, quality and sustainability issues in poultry production. Part 1 discusses risks from pathogens, detection and safety management on farms and in slaughterhouse operations. Part 2 looks at ways of enhancing the flavour, colour, texture and nutritional quality of poultry meat. Finally, the book reviews the environmental impact of poultry production. Achieving sustainable production of poultry meat Volume 1: Safety, quality and sustainability will be a standard reference for poultry and food scientists in universities, government and other research centres and companies involved in poultry production. It is accompanied by two further volumes which review poultry breeding, nutrition, health and welfare.