Turkey Production
This National FFA Organization lesson plan, part of a poultry and egg industry curriculum developed with the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, teaches students about commercial turkey production. Students learn about U.S. turkey production and consumption, the breeding process and use of artificial insemination, the six key factors of incubation and hatching, and the differences between breeder and market (commercial) turkeys. The lesson integrates bell ringers, worksheets, videos, and FFA/SAE activities.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Describe the production and consumption of turkey in the United States.
- Describe the breeding process in turkey production as well as describe why natural breeding cannot be used.
- List the six key factors in incubation and describe the importance of each.
- Compare and contrast the breeding and market pathways of turkey production.
- Time required
- 90 minutes
- Grade level
- 9-10
- Materials
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- A copy of the “Give It Your Best Guess!” worksheet for each student
- A copy of the “Turkey Traits” worksheet for each student
- A copy of the “Incubation Hatching” worksheet for each student
- A copy of the “Breeders vs. Market Birds” worksheet for each student
- A copy of the “Hatching Eggs” handout for each student
- Internet access to play the videos or embed in a PowerPoint ahead of time
- Essential Questions
- What U.S. states produce the most turkeys? How much turkey does the average American consume each year? What are the desired traits when selecting turkeys? Why are turkeys artificially inseminated? What are the six key factors to consider when incubating turkey eggs? What are the two different paths turkey take through the production cycle?
- Terms
- Artificial Insemination, By-product, Consumption, Hatchability, Humidity, Incubation, Shell Tooth, Molt
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Communication; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
- Created
- 07/2019 by the National FFA Organization
Downloads & Links
Lesson plan
Presentation
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
- CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
AFNR Cluster Skills
- CS.02Evaluate the nature and scope of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster and the role of agriculture, food and natural resources (AFNR) in society and the economy.
- CS.06Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing and management of food, fiber and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.
AFNR Performance Element
- AS.01Analyze historic and current trends impacting the animal systems industry.
- AS.02Utilize best-practice protocols based upon animal behaviors for animal husbandry and welfare.
- AS.03Design and provide proper animal nutrition to achieve desired outcomes for performance, development, reproduction and/or economic production.
- AS.05Evaluate environmental factors affecting animal performance and implement procedures for enhancing performance and animal health.
- AS.06Classify, evaluate, and select animals based on anatomical and physiological characteristics.
- CS.01Analyze how issues, trends, technologies and public policies impact systems in the agriculture, food & natural resources career cluster.
Common Career Technical Core
- AG-ANI1Analyze historic and current trends impacting the animal systems industry.
- AG-ANI2Utilize best-practice protocols based upon animal behaviors for animal husbandry and welfare.
- AG-ANI3Design and provide proper animal nutrition to achieve desired outcomes for performance, development, reproduction and/or economic production.
- AG-ANI5Evaluate environmental factors affecting animal performance and implement procedures for enhancing performance and animal health.
- AG-ANI6Classify, evaluate, and select animal based on anatomical and physiological characteristics.
- AG1Analyze how issues, trends, technologies and public policies impact systems in the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster.
- AG2Evaluate the nature and scope of the Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster and the role of agriculture, food, and natural resources (AFNR) in society and the economy.
- AG6Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing, and management of food, fiber, and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.2Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
Common Core – Writing
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.2Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
FFA Precept
- FFA.CS-MCommunication: Effectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
- FFA.CS-NDecision Making: Analyze a situation and execute an appropriate course of action.
- FFA.PG-JMental Growth: Embrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
- FFA.PL-AAction: Assume responsibility and take the necessary steps to achieve the desired results, no matter what the goal or task at hand.
NASDCTEc
- AGC10.03Compare and contrast issues affecting the AFNR industry including biotechnology, employment, safety, environmental and animal welfare to demonstrate an understanding of the trends and issues important to careers in this industry.
- AGPC01.01Produce and/or manage animals in domesticated and/or natural environments using an application of knowledge regarding anatomy and physiology to enhance animal production.
- AGPC01.02Recognize and interpret animal behaviors and execute protocols for safe handling to facilitate safety for both animals and humans.
- AGPC01.03Provide proper nutrition using accepted protocols and processes to maintain animal performance.
- AGPC01.05Evaluate environmental factors affecting animal performance and implement procedures for enhancing performance to demonstrate an effective application of principles to optimize performance.