Morphological Characterization of Two Light Italian Turkey Breeds

We aimed to investigate the variability within turkeys' phenotypical traits in two Italian heritage breeds: Brianzolo (BRZ) and Nero d'Italia (NIT), as analyzed through morphometry, morphometrical indexes, linear scoring, and colorimetric indexes. A total of 92 birds were measured, weighed, and scored (46 NIT: M/F = 19/27; 46 BRZ: M/F = 19/27). Live weight (LW), total body length (BL, excluding feathers), keel length (KL), chest circumference (BC), wingspan (WS), shank length (SL), shank diameter (SD), and shank circumference (SC). Massiveness (MASS), stockiness (STOCK), and long-leggedness (LLEG) indexes were also calculated. The body condition score (BCS) applied a linear evaluation to nutritional status and muscular development. Colorimetric indexes (L*, a*, b*) were recorded, sampling skin and shank. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures and PCA. NIT was the heaviest breed (4.89 vs. 4.07 kg; p ≤ 0.05). In both breeds, sexual dimorphism was visible in the LW trait with males (M) weighing significantly heavier than females (F) (p ≤ 0.05). NIT birds recorded the highest BL values: 58.44 vs. 57.15 cm (p ≤ 0.05). MASS was higher in NIT (8.26 vs. 7.0; p ≤ 0.05), and STOCK was higher in BRZ (82.62 vs. 85.37; p ≤ 0.05). Colorimetric indexes revealed significant differences in skin lightness (L*) and redness (a*). For shank color, the breed significantly affected differences in the indexes. This study characterizes these breeds at high risk of genetic erosion and extinction, which will help the morphological standardization of birds and the enhancement of genetic variability.