Notes for the Poultry Farmer

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 63, Issue 2, 15 August 1941, Page 153

Notes for the Poultry Farmer

Chick-Sexing in New Zealand

=? iiniiriui By

F. C. BOBBY,

= Superintendent of Poultry = 1 Husbandry, Wellington. 1 I I

/'> HICK-SEXING is obviously of ad-CHICK-SEXING is poultry industry, vantage to the poultry industry, and has consequently come to stay. At first, chick-sexing was strongly criticised, as it was felt that injury could easily be done to the chicks, while inaccuracies in sexing led to dissatisfaction. Time has proved that efficient sexing does not injure the young chick, while a high degree of accuracy can be attained by the efficient chick-sexer. ; .. At the start much of the chick-sexing in New Zealand was carried ' out by sexers trained in other countries, but gradually a small number of New Zealand chick-sexers have trained and established themselves in the poultry industry. With the view to encouraging New Zealand chick-sexers, the Department of Agriculture instituted chick-sexing examinations, the awards for which were first and second class Certificates of Merit. It was realised that a high standard for chicksexing must be established to safeguard' poultrymen and to prevent what, is a valuable practice from falling into disrepute. A number- of. both first and second class Certificates have been awarded, and New Zealand chick- . sexers are today , carrying out much good work. ■The year 1941, however, marks an important change in the position. Because of the present- international situation the competition from overseas chick-sexers has. gone, and those holding New Zealand certificates. have an outstanding opportunity of proving that they can now carry out this work successfully. Further, the Department of Agriculture, after a full discussion ' with the New Zealand /Poultry Board, has decided to abolish second class certificates. This has been done with a view to maintaining the standard of chick-sexing at a high, level and to establish for those carrying' out this work a sound reputation among ■ poultry-keepers. There cannot 'be “second class” sexing if poultrymen are to be satisfied. Inaccuracy causes dissatisfaction for both the vendor and purchaser of day-old pullets. ' Good sexing will encourage the purchasing of day-old pullets, and thus the elimination of many unwanted cockerels. At the present time the poultry industry cannot afford food for these cockerels, as such food is required for more productive birds. Chick-sexing must play its part in the

conservation of poultry food under present-day conditions. ' Chick-sexers are therefore reminded of their responsibilities this year. Suc-

cess this season will establish a solid basis for building up a chick-sexing organisation for the . future, and will keep this specialised work for New Zealand chick-sexers after' the war. Every encouragement and help will be given by the Department of Agriculture, ; but only if a'high : standard of work' is achieved and maintained.