PROBLEMS OF THE POULTRY BREEDER 223 



produces more and better flesh in a given time, hence yielding a 

 larger return when put on the market, this particular type should 

 be selected and improved for market poultry. 



The aim should be to choose the type of machine best adapted 

 to the desired purpose; then, by breeding and selection, to develop 

 this machine into the most economical transformer of raw material 

 into the desired product that it is possible to secure. 



^reat Aim in Poultry Breeding.^ — The foremost aim in poultry 

 breeding should be the improvement of poultry in those qualities 

 which have a definite market value; as, increased egg production, 

 quality and quantity of flesh growth, and perfection of color pat- 

 tern. All these qualities are associated more or less with perfection 

 of proportion or symmetry of the individual, and any improvement 

 which is continuous and which progresses toward a given ideal 

 will materially improve the general appearance of the progeny 

 and conduce to uniformity. 



The Problems of the Poultry Breeder. — Poultry breeding 

 operations may legitimately be divided into two classes: First, 

 breeding for commercial results. This is an operation practiced 

 by all commercial poultrymen. Second, experimental breeding 

 which is an operation practiced by persons who are interested in 

 studying the laws of breeding, and the mode of inheritance of 

 certain characters. The commercial breeder studies such problems 

 with an effort to increase egg production, to bring about greater 

 stamina, size and vitality in his birds, and to perfect color pattern 

 of plumage. The experimental breeder cares little for the com- 

 mercial results attained, but makes many crosses and studies the 

 results of same, with an idea of learning or determining definite 

 laws. When laws governing mode of inheritance are determined, 

 the practical poultryman can apply them for commercial results. 

 There is a great need for more extended and careful breeding, for 

 little is known of the complex laws governing inheritance of com- 

 mercial characteristics in poultry. 



The following are some of the more important problems which 

 are at present being investigated. 



1. The mode of inheritance of different commercial characters 

 and the deduction of laws governing same. 



2. The inheritance of acquired characters. Are characters 

 which are developed by an individual due to its environment 

 inherited? If so, why? 



3. The future possibilities resulting from selection. 



