104 



POULTRY CULTURE 



the pure white which is characteristic of the Leghorn entity 

 nor pure black and white barred characteristic of the Rock. 

 There is noted a blending of the two factors. 



The high egg lajdng character is transmitted, and it is also 

 necessary that the bird possess excellent vigor. Some sires 

 from high fecundity dams will transmit this character and 

 some will not. It has been definitely shown that there is a 

 progressive increase each year when the parents have been 

 selected among individuals that have production records 

 higher than the average of the flock This is in keeping with 

 the law of progression. There is sure to be regression or 

 decrease in production unless the breeding stock be selected 

 from among the individuals of high producers. When no 

 selection is practised the tendency is downward. 



The Oregon Experiment Station states that by trap-nesting 

 in the pullet year during November, December, and January 

 one can tell the high producers; that those who lay 30 eggs or 

 more during these three months will lay during the year ap- 

 proximately 200 eggs. These should be kept for breeders. 

 Those that lay 10 to 12 or less will prove unprofitable, and 

 those that lay 20 may make a profit. The pullets that lay 

 before six months of age will lay about 200 eggs. 



Egg Expectancy. — Philips has given the following as a fair estimate 

 of percentage egg production expectations: Expected egg production 

 b}^ per cents. — White Leghorns. 



Per cent. 



Per cent, broken and cull eggs each month 4 



These would be sold at half price making the total loss 2 



Per cent, mortality, pullets 12 



Per cent, mortality, hens •' 10 



