It is awesome to see and hear about the reemergence of heritage poultry. These are geese, ducks, turkeys and chicken that been part of the diet in America since historical times. These animals are very essential to the preservation of culture and sustaining the food demands of the ever growing population.
Neglect has led to poor breeding of these fowls. Preference for the fast growing hybrids led to sidelining of the traditional breeds. Campaigns have been launched encouraging every house hold to participate in rearing these breeds. Breeding programs have been set up by the American livestock breeds conservancy to restore traditional breeds facing extinction in the population.
Breeds such as the buckeye chicken were almost extinct. A breeding program was developed in 2005. By using selective breeding the buckeye has moved from being critical to being threatened. This program has become an example for conservation of other rare breeds.
Turkey breeds have also been on the focus for the American livestock breeds conservancy. A study conducted showed that traditional turkey had stronger immune system than breeds used by growers. They were thus more likely to survive epidemics and it is due to this fact that awareness was increased. After this 17 breeds were no longer considered to be extinct by 2007. Blind taste tests have proven that traditional turkeys are better than the ones grown in the industry.
People have been encouraged to contribute or participate in conserving these traditional breeds. We can breed them as pets or for commercial purposes. ALBC has provided a directory on its website that list breeders. The list might not be very comprehensive but it provides a start.
There is a list of hatcheries on the website too. From the website you can also get to know the breeds that are no longer facing extinction and the ones that are a priority because they are facing a higher risk of extinction. The internet can also be used to find out other places to find heritage poultry.
Neglect has led to poor breeding of these fowls. Preference for the fast growing hybrids led to sidelining of the traditional breeds. Campaigns have been launched encouraging every house hold to participate in rearing these breeds. Breeding programs have been set up by the American livestock breeds conservancy to restore traditional breeds facing extinction in the population.
Breeds such as the buckeye chicken were almost extinct. A breeding program was developed in 2005. By using selective breeding the buckeye has moved from being critical to being threatened. This program has become an example for conservation of other rare breeds.
Turkey breeds have also been on the focus for the American livestock breeds conservancy. A study conducted showed that traditional turkey had stronger immune system than breeds used by growers. They were thus more likely to survive epidemics and it is due to this fact that awareness was increased. After this 17 breeds were no longer considered to be extinct by 2007. Blind taste tests have proven that traditional turkeys are better than the ones grown in the industry.
People have been encouraged to contribute or participate in conserving these traditional breeds. We can breed them as pets or for commercial purposes. ALBC has provided a directory on its website that list breeders. The list might not be very comprehensive but it provides a start.
There is a list of hatcheries on the website too. From the website you can also get to know the breeds that are no longer facing extinction and the ones that are a priority because they are facing a higher risk of extinction. The internet can also be used to find out other places to find heritage poultry.
No comments:
Post a Comment