CHAPTER YI 



PRINCIPLES OF POULTRY BREEDING 



The breeding of poultry for definite types or characteris- 

 tics is a modern art. Even at this day, in its general prac- 

 tice, it is largely a hit or miss business. It cannot be said 

 that it has been reduced to a science if by that is meant that 

 the breeder can predict with accuracy the results of his 

 work. It has been contended only within the present decade 

 that, on the one hand, the hen does, and, on the other hand, 

 does not transmit laying qualities. The preponderance of 

 evidence seemed to favor the view that heredity counted for 

 little or nothing in the science or art of poultry breeding as 

 it related to improvement of egg-laying qualities. The stage 

 had been reached, it was contended by some, where the breed- 

 er must look for defeat if he expected heredity to come to 

 his assistance in producing fowls of higher fecundity. Where 

 was the luckless breeder to look ? Was he to rest on his oars 

 and confess himself beaten? 



Before poultry-keeping may become a more profitable and 

 certain business, the egg-laying efficiency of the hen must be 

 increased. The average production of the flock is lower than 

 it should be. How to increase production is probably the 

 greatest of the problems that concern poultry breeders. If 

 they are to secure the fullest measure of success, they must 

 set themselves resolutely to the task of solving this problem. 

 Recent poultry breeding history offers assurance that steady, 

 persistent work will bring rich rewards. 



While the interest in poultry breeding has centered large- 

 ly around the egg, it is only a question of time when the prob- 



61 



