Poultry Breeding and Genetics Flashcards
What is a class?
A group of breeds developed in a particular geographic area.
What is a breed?
A group of chickens within a class that are similar in shape, body, and form.
What is variety?
A subdivision of breed that is identified by color or comb type.
How many varieties of chickens are listed in the American Standard Perfection List? How many are of commercial importance?
- 200.
- 12.
What is a strain?
A closed population within a breed or variety that possess specific characteristics to meet certain performance objectives.
ex: Meat or eggs.
What are strain crosses?
Offspring that result from the mating between two or more unrelated strains.
*Usually not highly inbred.
What are hybrids?
First generation birds that are the result of the cross of unrelated inbred lines of birds.
*Usually achieves heterosis.
How many classes are listed in the American Standard of Perfection?
12.
What are the 12 classes listed in the American Standard of Perfection?
- American.
- Mediterranean.
- English.
- Asiatic.
- Polish.
- Hamburg.
- French.
- Continental.
- Game and Game Bantam.
- Oriental.
- Oriental Bantam.
- Miscellaneous.
What are the 4 classes in the American Standard of Perfection represent the largest population of chickens?
- American.
- Mediterranean.
- Asiatic.
- English.
What are the breeds in the American class used for?
Egg and meat production.
What characteristics are shared among the breeds in the American Class?
- Yellow skin and shanks.
- Clean shanks.
- Red earlobes.
- Brown-shelled eggs.
How much does the Jersey Giant weigh?
10-13 lbs.
*Largest American breed.
What are the 2 varieties of Jersey Giants?
- Jersey Black Giants.
- Jersey White Giants.
What comb style does the Jersey Giant have?
Single Comb.
What is the plumage color of the Jersey Black Giant?
Black plumage
What is the plumage color of the Jersey White Giant?
White plumage.
How many eggs per year does the Jersey Giant lay?
260.
What is the origin of the New Hampshire?
Developed from the RIR.
How much does the New Hampshire weigh?
6.5-8.5 lbs.
How is the plumage of the New Hampshire described?
Lighter red in color and less uniform.
What variety of comb does the New Hampshire have?
Single comb.
How many eggs per year does the New Hampshire produce?
280.
What temperament does the New Hampshire have?
Competitive/aggressive.
What is considered to be the oldest and most popular American Breed?
The Plymouth Rock.
How much does the Plymouth Rock weigh?
7.5-9.5 lbs.
What are the 2 most popular varieties of Plymouth Rock?
- White.
- Barred.
How is the plumage of the white Plymouth Rock described?
Solid white.
How is the plumage of the Barred Plymouth Rock described?
Black and white speckled.
What type of comb does the Plymouth Rock have?
Single.
How many eggs per year does the Plymouth Rock lay?
280.
What kind of temperament does the Plymouth Rock have?
Calm.
What is the origin of the RIR?
First developed for utility, then as a fancier’s breed.
*Rangier looking than the Plymouth Rock.
How many eggs per year does the RIR lay?
280.
How much does a RIR weigh?
6.5-8.5 lbs.
How is the plumage of the RIR described?
Bright red.
What two comb types could the RIR have?
- Single comb.
- Rose comb.
What is the temperament of a RIR?
Hardy.
How is the plumage of the white Wyandotte described?
White.
*7 other varieties.
How many eggs per year does the Wyandotte produce?
200.
What type of comb does the Wyandotte have?
Rose.
What is the temperament of the Wyandotte?
Docile.
What 2 classes were developed from the Asiatic class?
- American.
- English.
What are the breeds in the Asiatic class characterized by?
- Large bodies.
- Heavy bones.
- Feathered shanks.
- Yellow skin.
- Red ear lobes.
- Lay brown eggs.
What is the origin of the Brahma?
Originated in India and brought to America more than a century ago.
How is the plumage of the Brahma described?
Varies from light (with black, white-edged hackle feathers) to buff to dark. Well-feathered.
How much does the Brahma weigh?
9.5-12 lbs.
What kind of comb does the Brahma have?
Pea comb.
How many eggs per year does the Brahma produce?
150.
What temperament does the Brahma have?
Calm.
What is the origin of the Cochin?
Imported into the United States around 1847.
How is the plumage of the Cochin breed described?
Loose, extremely long, and abundant. 4 varieties: Black, Buff, White, and Partridge.
How much does the Cochin weigh?
8.5-11 lbs.
What kind of comb does the Cochin have?
Single comb.
How many eggs per year does the Cochin lay?
160.
What is the temperament of the Cochin?
Friendly.
What is the origin of the Langshan?
Originated in China, but was imported to the U.S. from England.
How is the plumage of the Langshan described?
- Body feathering is moderately tight.
- Tail feathers are carried high and are long.
- Greenish-black feathers for Black Langshan.
- White feathers for White Langshan.
How much does the Langshan weigh?
8-10 lbs.
What kind of comb does the Langshan have?
Single comb.
How many eggs per year does the Langshan lay?
150.
What is the temperament of the Langshan?
Tame.
What are characteristics of the English class?
- White skin (except for the Cornish, which has yellow skin).
- Fleshing properties.
- Size.
What is the origin of the Australorp?
Developed in Australia from the Black Orpington.
How much does an Australorp weigh?
6.5-8.5 lbs.
What type of comb does the Australorp have?
Single comb.
Per year, how many eggs does the Australorp lay?
250 eggs.
How is the plumage of the Australorp described?
Dark black.
What is the temperament of the Australorp?
Docile/Hardy.
How much does the Orpington weigh?
8-10 lbs.
How is the plumage of the Orpington described?
- Loose feathering.
- Buff, White, Blue, and Black.