You should also note that how much to buy is a factor of overall weight; e.g., an 8-pound turkey has a much higher bone:meat ratio than does a 16-pound turkey. Here, you see that the 17-pound bird recommendation is based upon 1/2 pound per average serving. Which is PLENTY OF MEAT, especially given the smaller bone:meat ratio! Also, I've noticed that my cookbook recommends a smaller portion size for beef/ham/lamb than it does for turkey. Maybe those meats are more filling given that they are more caloric?