Determination of the optimum slaughter weight to maximize gross profit in a turkey production system

Abstract

A deterministic model was used to optimize turkey slaughter weight based on a profit equation that described the commercial grower and processing divisions of an integrated company. The objective was to determine optimum slaughter weights for toms and hens using both a heavy and super heavy strain, to maximize gross margin of the system. Sensitivity of optimum slaughter weight in response to feed cost and breast meat price was also considered. Higher margins could be achieved with toms and super heavy strain birds. This indicated that larger birds, from a heavier weight strain or toms within a strain, could be more efficient and profitable given the assumed production values. Results were based on the assumed market conditions, and changes in the costs or turkey component values (i.e., breast meat) could result in a shift in the optimal turkey strain to use. Increased feed cost results in a lower optimum slaughter weight and decreased margin. Optimum slaughter weight and profit increased with higher breast meat values. Increasing the profit of an integrated company can be accomplished by targeting slaughter to an optimum weight.Key words: Turkey, body weight, production efficiency, breast meat, feed efficiency