336 MASS, KXFKRIMKNT STATION BULLETIN 21.7 



Some evidence is a\'ailable t(j indicate tiiat non-broody birds are less vif?or- 

 ous tlian broody individuals. The total percentage of broodiness in the 

 flocks has been very significantly reduced during the period and now 

 stands at 19 per cent. 



During the mating year of 1928 the broody character has been studied 

 from tliree major aspects: 



L Inherited factors concerned in degree of broodiness. 



2. Influence of management upon broody behavior. 



3. Physiological phases have been studied to ascertain if tiie stimulus 

 to br(M)dy behavior lies in the ovary or in the testes. 



Breeding Poultry for Egg Production. (F. A. Hays). The mean annual 

 egg production for all birds in this experiment for the year ending in 1927 

 was 205. Records are not yet fully complete for the flock whose year ends in 

 1928. During the past year particular attention has been given to a study 

 of the breeding behavior of intensity measured by winter clutch size. 

 Winter clutch size has been shown to be inherited. Winter pause is being 

 studied with special reference to its relation to otiier fecundity traits. 

 Persistency has been given si)ecial attention in its linkage relation to 

 early sexual maturity and also in its relation to calendar date. A very 

 satisfactory degree of uniformity in age at first egg and in annual per- 

 sistency has been attained. Special efforts are being directed toward the 

 establishment of uniform, high fecundity and maximum livability. 



Three jjajiers Iiave been ])ublished under this project, — Scientific Con- 

 tributions Nos. 53, .5f) and 63. 



Statistical Study of Heredity in Rhode Island Red Breed of Poultry. 



(F. A. Hays). During the jieriod covered by this report, three bulletins 

 have been published under this project — Technical Bulletins II and 12, 

 and Bulletin 242. 



Data are now being assembled for a bulletin on normal growth in 

 Rhode Island Reds. 



Particular attention is given under this project to the interpretation of 

 data now on hand and the application of the findings to further progress. 



A Genetic Study of Rhode Island Red Color. ( F. A. Hays). The past 

 two years have been devoted to the application of the theory regarding 

 the inheritance of Rhode Island Red color proposed in 1926 to the strain 

 bred intensively for high fecundity since 1913. Progeny closely approach- 

 ing modern "Standard" color have appeared. These results indicate that 

 no genes for "Standard" color pattern have been lost. The present prob- 

 lem lies in the establishment of a heavy laying "Standard" color strain. 

 Present breeding stock consists of parent stock and 51 pullets and several 

 cockerels feo be used in future study. Complete color descriptions of all 

 birds are on file. 



Determination of Genetic Laws Governing Results in Inbreeding Poultry. 



(F. A. Hays). The ultimate object of this project is to measure the effects 

 of different degrees of inbreeding upon characters concerned in egg pro- 

 duction. Seven inbred strains were started in 1923. By 1928 only two of 

 these strains had survived, the others disappearing because of low fertility 

 tMid hi,''!! mortality. The two remaining strains were crossed in 1928 aiul 



