Birds are unique in nature for many reasons but especially for their feathers. Feathers serve multiple functions including protection, warmth, display, and the ability to fly. Logically, a well feathered turkey will be a productive bird. Feathers arereplaced several times during a bird's life and follow consistent, predictable patterns. Since certain nutrients are required for feather growth and replacement, the quality of feathers and their rate of growth can be affected by factors such as nutrientintake, body composition, day length, age and sexual maturity. Highlighted here are feathers in the domestic turkey and how monitoring their status may be used as a management tool for welfare and production.
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