POULTRY INDUSTRY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18994, 16 April 1925, Page 12

POULTRY INDUSTRY.

HAND-GRADING BIRDS. POINTS FOR ATTENTION. | There is much to he Icnrn about handgrading and anatomical {selection. The consideration of the hereditary principle or high fecundty, recognising the infallibility of the trap-nest, lutfe laid the foundation of profitable poultry culture, but solocting the layers by handling has also done much to improve utility poultry during the past fow years, apd, when fully understood, will assist all classes to keep only tho actual egg-typo hen. It is an interesting and profitable study, and it certainly assists economy. Backyarders, and suburban dwellers, or farrnors, can learn much from the handling process. It is an excellent guide, and, when properly understood, tho drones may easily bo separated from tho layers, and unprofitable stock disposed of at tho earliest moment, or fattenod up for a few wooks for home consumption. Continued weoriing-out cannot fail to benefit poultry-kieopers, as it improves tho general ajvcrajjo and stops tho unfortunate leakago which so often exists iri poultry yards and , farms. The merits of tho system have been discounted by poultry-breeders, but tho general principle is undc«ihtedly correct, and it appeals strongly to a large and increasing section of tho poultry industry, and can bo put to tho test without much trouble or expense.- In describing tlio laying type it should bo stated that until a pullet has fully jnatured no definite conclusion can bo arrived at. The chief points to look for we, briofly: A sprightly, healthy appearance, fairly ticht-feathered, with absenco of an excess of fluff. A good layer may bo» described as wedge-shaped, having good width and length of back, tho general outline being deeper behind. If tho hen's anatomy is examined and considered, tho reason for this particular typo will bo apparent. In order that the egg output may bo satisfactory there must bo room for organs of ovarian production, which aro not found in a narrow or undersized bird. Farther, t.ba lungs and heart rcquiro full room to work, which is impossible in narrow-backed birds, whilo experience teaches that in such stock tho respiratory organs are soon affected and bronchial troubles follow. Tho width of back across tho shoulders in a fully-raattirod bird of tho heavy breed should be about five inches, while tho length is even of greater importance, as it denotes capacity needed for the oviduct, whilo tho "shelling department " lies in .1 direct line with tho back. Five inches is about correct fqr layers from the widest part of back -to the root of the tail. The width Tietwoen the legs is also of the greatest importance, to allow tho heart, lungs, and ovfery to work satisfactorily. It is generaSy admitted that tho width of back aijd tlTo width between the legs are tho two most important points in grading layers. The breast-bono, as well as the pelvic bones, now demand attention, and experience teaches that the shorter tho breast-bono tho better, providing it dips downward. Four fingers' spaCo between and pelvic bones may usually bo founrl in good layers. The meat, or table, type of bird usually has thick, lumpy, or fatly pelvies. Tho abdome.n should bo soft, silky, and pliable in prospective layers, buh in handling hens in overfatt-sd condition tho abdomen will bo distended and bard. Such birds aro enemies to profit; while tho excess of fat prevents egg-laying, and is often associated with soft-shelled eggs, which set up egg-eating. Finally, tho head points deservo notice. A gpod, sharp, protruding tyo denotes good blood circulation, on which egg-Jay-mg largely depends. The eye should be prominent and when viewed from behind should project from tho skull, and tho head should be short.