Ermellinato di Rovigo

Geographic origin: Veneto

Geographic distribution: Veneto

Estimated total population size: 425 (Castillo et al., 2021)

Extinction risk status (FAO, 1998): Threatened conserved

Historical origin of the breed

The Ermellinato di Rovigo turkey was selected in 1958 at the Poultry Experimental Station in Rovigo, with the purpose to obtain a rustic breed, with very good grazing aptitude, and better performing than common turkey from the productive and economic point of view. The goal was reached by cross-breeding it with the american breed Narragansett, which led to birds with grey plumage and reddish-brown shanks. Later on, following a mutation, some turkeys were born with ermin livery and flesh-coloured shanks. The selection of these birds led to the creation of a new breed, called the Ermellinato di Rovigo turkey, medium-sized, precocious, and with high feathering speed.
Although typical of the Polesine area (in the province of Rovigo), it can be successfully reared in all the provinces of the region Veneto, and in other Italian regions.

Bibliography e sitography

Atlante dei Prodotti Agroalimentari del Veneto. Edited by Veneto Agricoltura, in cooperation with Regione del Veneto

https://www.agraria.org/tacchini/ermellinatodirovigo.htm

Pictures from the archives of Prof. Gabriele Baldan and Prof. Massimo De Marchi

Ermellinato – male (UniPD)

Ermellinato – female (UniPD)

Qualitative morphological traits

Plumage colours: Ermin

Colour features: Bi-colour, white with black patterning

Colour pattern: In the male, white ermin plumage, uniform throughout the body, with silver-grey shades and black stripes. Each feather crossed with a black band and edged with a white border, that is approximately two centimeters wide. Back, tail coverts, and sides show a stronger patterning. Breast with a scale pattern. Tail feathers with the same markings, but much wider white border. Primaries grey-black with white rachis, secondaries white with externals barbs that are black at the end. In the female, the pattern is the same, but much less evident.

Chick plumage pattern: Light yellow

Head: Free from feathers in the male, and slightly feathered in the female, with red caruncles that are variable in size and colour intensity

Face: Free from feathers, with bluish-red fleshy protruberances

Neck: In the upper part, bluish caruncles changing to red together with bird’s excitement; white plumage

Caruncles: Red or bluish-red; the fleshy protruberance over the beak is generally well-developed

Throat wattle colour: Pale red, very developed

Iris colour: Generally dark, often brown; large brilliant eyes

Beak colour: Horn changing to light yellow; long and strong, slightly curved

Skin colour: White

Shank colour: Flesh coloured

Shank feathering: Free from feathers