Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) in Mexico

The turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, is native to America. This species of bird is found all over Mexican national territory. The different climates in Mexico and the method of domestication are the main factors that have caused variability in the genotypes and plumage colors of these turkeys. In some rural areas, turkey raising is typically done by housewives, who use food waste or mixed feed blend with nixtamalized corn; in daytime, turkeys are released into the backyard where they eat herbs or insects. Unfortunately, the breeding of these birds has been drastically reduced, due to the loss of Mexican traditions.