CHAPTER IV 

 FARM POULTRY PROBLEMS 



Breeding poultry on the farm has two objects in view — 

 first, to bring a flock of mixed breeding up to a level of the better 

 individuals of that flock and, second, to fix certain characters, 

 such as large egg production. 



The purpose of selection is to prevent the hatching of indi- 

 viduals not suited for production. 



In selecting we wish to fix the following characters: First, 

 constitutional vigor; second, high fertility, third, high egg 

 production; fourth, long-Hved birds; fifth, early maturing; 

 sixth, other varied characteristics the breeder may wish, such 

 as feather pattern and standard requirements. 



Constitutional Vigor. — ^WhUe proper housing, feeding, incuba- 

 tion, and general care help to conserve the health of the flock 

 the above characters are inheritable. In inbreeding a consti- 

 tutional weakness may be intensified, and the same as to other 

 characters which are sought, hence great care must be used in 

 selecting breeding stock and mating, and especially keeping 

 uppermost in mind the defects one tries to breed out of the 

 flock. 



The greatest manifestation of vigor and vitality are present 

 only where the vital functions, as digestion, assimilation, circu- 

 lation, respiration, and nervous functions, perform their work 

 in a normal and efficient way. Under such conditions the 

 highest type of vitality and vigor is manifested in the repro- 

 ductive cells. 



If the hen producing the eggs for hatching does not receive 

 the proper quantity of food, there is another chance that a 

 chick of weak constitutional vigor may be produced. The 

 embryo may die before hatching, or the chick may be weak and 

 develop into an adult of low vitality and poor constitution. 

 Evidence of sexual strength in the male is indicated by his 



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