78 



BREEDS OF POULTRY 



The Frizzles are named from the fact that the feathers have a 

 tendency to curl upward at the outer end. This curling is especially 

 noticeable in the hackle, giving the birds a general fluffy appearance 

 as though covered with curls. 



UTILITY CLASSIFICATION. 



The utility classification, or commercial classification, is of 

 direct practical importance because it takes into consideration the 

 economic and commercial value of the different breeds. It is of 

 direct importance to the farm poultry breeder as well as the large 



commercial poultry plant. It 

 is based upon the points which 

 are conducive to the production 

 of eggs and meat. At best, a 

 classification of this kind is 

 largely arbitrary. The useful 

 points of a number of popular 

 breeds will be considered. 



Four economic types include 

 all breeds having any marked 

 degree of use to man: (1) Egg 

 breeds; (2) meat breeds; (3) 

 general-purpose breeds ; and 

 (4) fancy breeds. Only the 

 more popular breeds are here 

 classified. 



Egg Breeds. Included in 

 this group are small or medium 

 fowls which have a pronounced 

 tendency toward egg production. They vary slightly in size and 

 form, but are somewhat of a uniform type. They differ materially 

 from birds of the other types mentioned, as will be shown. They 

 are possessed of a neat, trim carriage, which gives them an active 

 and light appearance. They are relatively long-legged, the legs 

 being free from feathers, and it is the aim of breeders to keep down 

 the weight of birds in this class from three to eight pounds. The 

 aim is not to sacrifice egg production for increased body growth. 

 The Leghorns, Minorcas, Hamburgs, Anconas, Andalusians, 

 Spanish, and Houdans are the most distinctive breeds of this class. 

 The Leghorns and Minorcas are far in the lead in America (Fig. 

 47). The Campine breed (Fig. 48), of French origin, is a good 

 layer of large, white eggs. 



FIG. 47.- 



shown in the 



