STRAIN, NOT BREED

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 134, 8 June 1935, Page 28

STRAIN, NOT BREED

Lest any breeder of one of the less common breeds be offended by the above remarks, the novice must appreciate that it is strain that counts rather than breed, and the above criticism applies in general only. That we have good strains available in this country of many of the less common breeds goes without comment, but can the novice select these, and can he obtain plenty of unrelated blood when it is required? In the popular breeds listed many keen breeders are working with the same objects in view so that greater progress is made. In the less common breeds there are far more poor utility strains about, possibly inbred, or sadly lacking in utility qualities though excelling in exhibition points, and the novice will only meet with disappointment when he commences breeding operations. The exception is when he is guided by an expert in the breed concerned and when sufficient capital is available to import good stock when it is required. Again, it must be remembered that it takes many generations to produce a good strain, but only one careless mating to undo the work of years. When ari expert requires fresh blood, he spends some time in seeking suitable stock, and when this is obtained it usually takes from two to three years to work that new blood into his own strain. If he is careful he will breed the new blood pure for at least two generations in order to become fully acquainted with it. Many is the time that high prices have 'been paid for imported stock by specialist breeders who have been so disgusted on arrival of the new stock that it has been destroyed or sold to the highest bidder because it did not suit their requirements. Whenever any purchases of stock are made it is as well to carefully inspect the new blood first or explain to the seller exactly what, is required. It is not easy to guess what will be the popular breeds of the future. The Rhode Island Red is difficult to breed true'to standard and some utility strains are already running weak ,in size of egg, shell texture, and vigour. The two Dutch breeds the Barnevelder arid the Welsummer are receiving the keen. attention of several poultry experts in England, and Mr. W. Hurman, of Somerset, prophesies that both will command attention from utility breeders in the near future; mainly on account of'the large brown eggs for which" they are already noted. The Light Sussex is satisfying many who require only'moderate egg production combined with really ideal meat quality.