White Holland Turkey
The White Holland is an old variety of domestic Turkeys, known with its white plumage. It originated in Europe (probably Holland or Austria), where their populations showed an early preference for white-colored birds. White Holland Turkeys became very popular as they matured earlier than dark colored birds, and also lacked the dark pinfeathers. The last trait often led to market advantage even though, the birds were not as large as the Bronze turkey.
The White Holland was crossed in the 1950s with the Broad Breasted Bronze to produce the Broad Breasted White, which is the most common turkey breed in the world today. However, the Standard of Perfection mostly now doesn’t distinguish between the White Holland and the Broad Breasted White, though the White Holland is known for its hardiness, smaller breast, and longer legs. In Britain, the same has occurred, and all White Turkeys in general may be described by breeders as “British White” birds.
The White Holland as a distinctive and historic population is close to extinction, due to being absorbed into the Broad Breasted White. Luckily, conservation efforts are being done to keep this heritage breed away from extinction.
Place of origin | Europe |
Use | Meat |
Weight | Male: 15 kg female: 8.2 kg |
Egg color | Pale buff with reddish brown dots |