Zagorje turkey became known in Croatia during the past four and a half centuries. The objective of this study was to determine the production results and composition of fatty acids in breast muscle of Zagorje turkeys from free range rearing. 144 young turkeys were divided into two groups (72 males + 72 females). Turkeys were fed a starter diet (first 4 weeks), then grower diet (next 4 weeks). From week 9 to 24 of age turkeys were free choice fed whole corn grain plus soybean meal and grazed on pasture. Total lipids and fatty acids composition of breast meat of 40 samples (20 male + 20 female) were analyzed. At 24 week turkey reached a finishing body weight of 5817.3 g (male) and 3782.1 g (female). Regarding the sex differences, higher (P<0.05) portion of ∑PUFA n-6 acids was established in breast muscle of males, while female birds had higher content (P<0.05) of ∑PUFA n-3 acids. ∑PUFA n-6/∑PUFA n-3 ratio was the highest (p<0.05) in males birds. The obtained figures of Zagorje turkeys are of interest for small, organic turkey production and regarding PUFAn6/Σ PUFAn3 ratio breast meat could be pointed out as positive for human needs.

Poljoprivreda