Ameraucana Breeders Club

The Official Forum of the Ameraucana Breeders Club => Breeding => Topic started by: Don on July 11, 2020, 01:49:16 PM

Title: Breeding priorities from a historic perspective
Post by: Don on July 11, 2020, 01:49:16 PM
There often is a discussion about selecting for one trait over another, if we should be interested in just the "show attributes" or about the total bird.  While AMs are not a historic breed, I think we can still learn from this article about breeding mindsets, evaluations and being progressing the Breed as a whole. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/AmericanPoultryAssociation/permalink/10158716301588767/?__tn__=K-R
Title: Re: Breeding priorities from a historic perspective
Post by: Susan Mouw on July 27, 2020, 08:59:50 PM
Very interesting and historically informative article, Don.

I'm not sure it applies all that well to Ameraucanas, however.  This breed is not a "production" bird, as the Leghorns and RIR, and many others, are known to be.  Ameraucanas tend to be more moderate layers, and certainly are not known for meat production.

When I was still breeding - which I'm not any longer - I set goals for each breeding cycle, and for each breeding pen, depending on where I was in achieving the "perfect" bird. Of course we all know the "perfect" bird doesn't exist (though I've seen some at shows that came pretty dang close!).  Setting those individual goals didn't mean I was overlooking the whole bird, however - in fact, quite the opposite.  I was addressing each individual bird's shortcomings and trying to put a pair, or trio, together that would strengthen that shortcoming in the next generation.
Title: Re: Breeding priorities from a historic perspective
Post by: Birdcrazy on July 27, 2020, 11:15:37 PM
Susan, it was great hearing from you again on the ABC Forum. It has been too long since your last post! You have been missed and some of us need constant guidence and prodding!!!!!!   ;)
Title: Re: Breeding priorities from a historic perspective
Post by: Don on August 15, 2020, 05:55:59 PM
Ameraucanas are a Dual Purpose breed. It's true that Tyson didn't use them to create their broiler line.