Yakubu, AbdulmojeedAbimiku, H.KMusa Azara, I.SIdahor, K.OAkinsola, O.M2023-12-112023-12-112014-01-16Yakubu, A et al. (2013), Assessment of flock structure, preference in selection and traits of economic importance for domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) genetic resources in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.https://keffi.nsuk.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14448/2777Village poultry have been raised for thousands of years and the selection pressure present in the village environment has resulted in indigenous stock that are well adapted to local conditions. The present investigation examined the flock composition, preference in choice of breeding stock, production traits and culling criteria in indigenous turkeys of Nasarawa state, Nigeria. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 53 randomly selected households engaged in turkey farming in the study area. A low tom: hen ratio of 1: 2.75 was observed in the turkey population. Body size, egg number, hatchability, heat tolerance, body conformation and disease resistance were the preferred traits for selection of breeding stock. Higher rankings (P<0.01) were accorded economic traits such as high reproductive performance, increased egg production and large body size. Most of the households culled toms with low body size, low fertility and poor health while fertility, egg number, body size and mothering ability were highly ranked as culling criteria for hens. The rate of inbreeding (ΔF) calculated for the indigenous turkey flock considering the existing flock size and management practice was 0.0013 (0.13%), an indication that the population is not at the risk of extinction. It is concluded that community or village-based selective breeding schemes should consider farmers’ traits of preference as a good option to rational and sustainable way to improve and conserve turkey genetic resource in the study area.enbreeding practice, improvement, inbreeding rate, performance, rural farmersArticle