100. Few breeders allow turkeys to mate naturally because selection for weight gain and large breast muscle size has resulted in the production of stag turkeys which are unable to mate without risk of body damage to the hen. Indeed, the current Welfare Code recommends saddles for hens and toe cutting of stags to prevent injury during natural mating.
101. We understand the industry's preference for artificial insemination. We observed the procedure involved and noted that after milking or insemination the turkeys appeared to settle quickly into their normal behavioural patterns. We therefore conclude that, provided it is carried out by competent personnel who take care to avoid injury and unnecessary disturbance to the birds, artificial insemination should continue. However, birds which lose condition or are injured should not be milked or inseminated.
102. Artificial insemination should be undertaken only by competent, trained staff, who should take care to use only those turkeys which are in good physical condition.