Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
A turkey saddle ensures less stress and more success during the breeding season.
Inbreeding
Once you've introduced the breeding couples, you need to set up guidelines to prevent
inbreeding
. Inbreeding occurs when you mate closely related individuals — such as
brothers and sisters — and then continue to mate the brothers and sisters of the follow-
ing generations. Inbreeding results in the development of a serious set of problems ran-
ging from genetic abnormalities to reduced health and vigor.
Poultry can be looked at in a slightly different light than larger livestock. It's vital
that you avoid inbreeding and you should consider the threat of inbreeding when select-
ing breeding pairs, but keep in mind that it is far easier to locate and purchase birds with
different bloodlines than it is to find different strains for larger livestock. Check breed
clubs, poultry publications and groups such as the American Poultry Association, the
ALBC and the SPPA for breeders list and purchasing terms; the Internet makes research
a breeze, and express mail makes purchase of pairs inexpensive compared to other large
livestock, even when shipped great distances.
Do the necessary research and complete the footwork and you won't have an inbreed-
ing problem.
Inbreeding Clues
Inbreeding problems can be detected early if you're observant. The first sign that you've
inbred your flock is a reduction in egg weight. To monitor egg weight, set up a regular
time each year to weigh and record the weight of a random selection of eggs from each
