CONSTITUTIONAL VIGOUR

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 114, 10 November 1933, Page 13

CONSTITUTIONAL VIGOUR

Writing from England, Mr. B. D. Whyte, a, breeder of some repute in New Zealandf deals at length with the apparent weakness existing in many of the leading utility strains of Kigh egg producers. .A study of the reports of some of the egg-laying contests conducted in England, and America will show the truth, of his statement. When the mortality rate reaches one-quarter- of the number of. birds. competing, surely the time has been reached when a sudden halt must be called in the mad craze for higher and higher egg scores. Granted that some poultrymeu are prepared to sacrifice their birds to a ration of' forced protein feeding in an endeavour to secure such honours and advertising value, yet, evea so, the great majority- would rather see stronger birds with fewer deaths and better flock ayeragos. Undoubtedly, the increase in disease infection is largely duo to the continual breeding from highscorers kept under artificial conditions. That we have produced appliances and conditiqns whjch .will give the maximum readability in our chicken flocks means that some weak chicks will be reared •which Mother Nature would have preferred to die had they been reared closer to her conditions.

There are many breeders in New Zealand who have led the way in this respect, refusing to be, drawn into tha modern practice of force-feeding and intensive housing. In particular does this apply to some of our leading strains of White Leghorns, and since it is the Leghorn that has suffered most, our stock would find a ready market overseas if publicity could be given it. Becently a pen of White Leghorns was shipped to an American breeder, and ha reports very keen satisfaction with the shipment,,which cost him no less than £5 per bird. That he requires more is proof ■of their value. It is.not many years since.an Auckland breeder took about 70 birds to America and Canada, disposing.of them all at prices ranging from. £3 to £.25 each. In 1912 some of our utility breeders competed^ with ■ suecees at American egg-laying contests, making good sales afterwards. Where are those pioneers today? Climatic conditions are most favourable in New Zealaud for tho production of stud stock. Even if tho internal demand is not very groat, an export trade could be developed if well organised by co-operative effort. Canada, with her R.O.P. organisation, attraetod attention during the last docade, and sent birds all over the world. It is common belief that wo have better stock than is obtainable anywhere, especially in White Leghorns.