In this episode of Bred to Perfection, Kenny Troiano, founder of the Breeders Academy, and his wife Nancy discuss how to build and identify a true breeding strain of chickens and gamefowl. They address common questions on selecting the right birds, the time required to establish a breeding strain, and the importance of genetic consistency and predictability. The episode highlights methods, such as inbreeding, line-breeding, and clan mating, while emphasizing the pitfalls of introducing new bloodlines. They also offer practical advice on maintaining biosecurity, setting breeding goals, and the long-term patience required for successful poultry breeding.
Ep296 – Bloodlines Under Threat: What Every Breeder Needs to Know About Avian Leukosis
In this episode of Bred to Perfection, hosts Kenny Troiano and his wife Nancy are joined by Dr. Rodrigo Gallardo to discuss the Gamefowl Wellness Program, focusing on managing avian diseases among gamefowl breeders in Southern California. Dr. Gallardo talks about the details of the Newcastle Disease, avian leukosis, and how the program provides veterinary services, disease prevention, and vaccination strategies. The conversation highlights the challenges of differentiating between avian leukosis and Marek’s disease, vertical and horizontal disease transmission, and the importance of biosecurity, proper management, and targeted breeding for disease resistance. The podcast also covers practical advice for poultry breeders on testing, quarantine, and maintaining healthy breeding flocks to prevent future outbreaks.
Ep295 – Progressive White – The Silent Threat to Breeding American Games
Kenny Troiano and his wife Nancy host “Bred to Perfection,” discussing breeding-program outline and announcing guest Tony Saville will return June 12th for multiple episodes, including debate on topics like inbreeding and the American Gamefowl standard. Kenny vents about a Facebook dispute over a group attempting to enter American Gamefowl into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection, criticizing their proposed variety (light red with yellow leg), pea-comb inclusion, allowance of progressive white, and renaming to “American Pit Game,” and says he was dismissed as an “internet expert.” He argues standards require uniformity, repeatability, and breeding away from white defects, and plans to work with Brian Reeder to publish education on progressive white. The show ends with Q&A on feather picking, skittish chicks, culling at any age, creating strains from trios or crosses, and color genetics.
Ep294 – Breeding Bulletproof Bloodlines – The Science of Disease-Resistance
In this episode of Bred to Perfection, Kenny Troiano, founder of the Breeders Academy, along with his co-host Frank Bradley and his wife Nancy, discuss the science and strategy behind breeding disease-resistant poultry. They highlight the importance of selecting healthy birds, proper biosecurity, and culling sick birds to develop a resilient bloodline. The challenges and benefits of breeding for health and vigor without relying on medications, vaccinations, and antibiotics are extensively covered. They also touch on the misconceptions around poultry confirmation and type, stressing the significance of a proper breeding standard. The conversation is peppered with personal anecdotes, practical advice, and a call to action for breeders to educate themselves and follow best practices.
Ep293 – Purity and Show Go Hand-in-Hand: Why the Best Birds Are Always One Bird
In this episode of Bred to Perfection, Kenny Troiano, founder of the Breeders Academy, is joined by his wife Nancy and co-host Frank Bradley. They discuss various genetic breeding techniques for poultry and gamefowl, including inbreeding, line-breeding, and the importance of genetic purity. Kenny highlights a recent recognition from M&M Poultry and talks about their upcoming participation in the Backyard Chicken Summit. The conversation talks about common myths about breeding, how to maintain a pure strain, the role of hybrid vigor, and the misconceptions surrounding inbreeding practices. They stress the importance of proper selection and the dangers of continuously outcrossing. The episode concludes with insights into how environmental factors and genetic manipulation can affect breeding outcomes. Viewer questions are addressed throughout, offering practical advice on poultry breeding and strain improvement.