American Bresse - Topical breeding strategy info

Summary

In this video, Mandolin Royal shares her approach to poultry breeding, emphasizing a balanced combination of utility (meat and eggs) and genetic improvement. She discusses various breeding methods like spiral mating, line breeding, and pair mating, adapting her approach based on the birds' needs and observed traits. Through hands-on experimentation and careful observation of traits such as growth rate, tail angle, and comb structure, she aims to improve her flock over time. The video offers insight into practical breeding techniques and the importance of tracking genetic progress for sustainable flock development.

Takeaways

• 😀 Breeding methods in poultry are diverse, including methods like spiral mating, line breeding, and pair mating, with no single method being strictly followed.
• 😀 The goal of breeding is not only to improve flock quality but also to ensure a steady supply of meat and eggs, with utility being the primary focus.
• 😀 Breeding for utility comes before show quality, meaning traits like growth rate, egg production, and overall functionality are prioritized over appearance.
• 😀 Birds should be selected for breeding based on merit, and not all birds hatched should be used for breeding, to avoid undesirable traits in future generations.
• 😀 Selection of birds for breeding requires careful attention to factors like leg color, tail positioning, comb structure, and overall size and bone spacing.
• 😀 The structure and function of females are critical to the success of breeding, as they contribute significantly to the growth rate and type of the offspring.
• 😀 Breeding experiments can help improve flock quality, but careful record-keeping is necessary to track genetic outcomes and avoid undesirable results.
• 😀 Experimental breeding lines allow for new combinations, and it's essential to monitor the offspring for growth rates, structural quality, and overall traits.
• 😀 Two male birds, one from North Star Farms and another local one, are being compared in terms of leg color, tail spread, and chest depth to understand their genetic contribution.
• 😀 Tracking the offspring’s progress over time, including their development through their first and second years, is crucial to determine successful breeding pairs.
• 😀 The process of pairing birds, such as rotating males through pens or using different males for various seasons, can help pinpoint the best male-female pairings for producing desirable traits.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the speaker in the video?

The speaker is focused on explaining various breeding methods for poultry, highlighting how they contribute to flock improvement and utility, such as egg production and meat quality.

What are the primary breeding methods mentioned in the script?

The primary breeding methods mentioned include line breeding, pair mating, spiral mating, and experimental breeding.

What is the speaker's stance on adhering to one specific breeding method?

The speaker does not subscribe to one particular breeding method. Instead, they allow the birds to dictate the best approach based on results, adapting to the flock's needs and goals.

How does the speaker define the purpose of their breeding program?

The purpose of the breeding program is to improve the flock in terms of quality, growth rate, structure, and overall utility. The speaker aims to produce birds that are useful for meat and eggs, with aesthetics and exhibition being secondary.

Why is it important for the birds to 'be there on merit' when selected for breeding?

It is important because breeding from inferior or undesirable birds can lead to negative traits being passed on, making it difficult to achieve forward progress in the flock. Selection on merit helps maintain a high standard and avoids undesirable traits.

What does the speaker mean by 'breeding yourself into a corner'?

Breeding yourself into a corner means becoming stuck in a genetic loop where poor breeding decisions result in undesirable traits that are difficult to correct. This could require drastic measures, such as starting over or using a line cross to fix the problems.

What are the key traits the speaker is looking for in their chickens?

The speaker looks for traits that contribute to utility, such as good growth rate, fleshy meat, appropriate structure, and productivity. They also consider the chickens' behavior, such as being active and foraging well.

How does the speaker manage the selection of breeding pairs?

The speaker selects breeding pairs by choosing birds with complementary strengths and weaknesses. They aim to fix flaws by selecting mates that will help improve the offspring in terms of structure, growth, and other desired traits.

Why is the speaker using a new rooster from North Star Farms?

The speaker is using the new rooster from North Star Farms to experiment with blending bloodlines and to see how this rooster’s traits, such as tail spread and earlobe color, complement the females in the flock.

What are the potential challenges when breeding with a new rooster?

Challenges include the uncertainty of how the new rooster's traits will mesh with the existing flock, as he is still developing and has not yet reached full maturity. There is also a risk of introducing undesirable traits if not carefully managed.