Inbreeding, Genetics & Feeding for the Future
In the world of poultry breeding, few names stir thoughtful conversation quite like Brian Reeder. Known for his deep understanding of avian genetics and dedication to the craft of creating true strains, Brian recently hosted a live session diving deep into some of the most misunderstood, and often controversial, aspects of chicken breeding. From polygenic traits and disease resistance to feeding practices rooted in history, the discussion offered a masterclass in breeding with purpose.
Genetics & Breeding Philosophy
- You often emphasize the importance of inbreeding in creating a true strain. For those wary of it, how do you define the difference between smart inbreeding and harmful inbreeding?
- When starting a new strain, what timeline or number of generations do you typically expect before you start seeing true consistency?
- Can you walk us through what “locking in genes” really means in a practical, observable way?
- What common mistakes do people make when they attempt to outcross, and how can they avoid “blowing up” their strain?
Tune in to learn how to create and improve your strain for future generations!
Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you’re breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.
Watch Bred to Perfection Live
Mondays and Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTube
Join Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.
See ya there!
Kenny Troiano
Founder of “The Breeders Academy”
We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.
If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.
We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.
Unlocking the Secrets of Chicken Breeding with Brian Reeder
Welcome to another episode of “Bred to Perfection,” which we had the pleasure of featuring on our blog for our chicken breeding enthusiasts. Today’s session included poultry expert Brian Reeder, alongside host Kenny Troiano and his wife Nancy.
Introduction: Meeting Brian Reeder
As a significant contributor to the Breeders Academy and a fountain of knowledge in poultry genetics, Brian Reeder has profoundly impacted our community. His commitment to sharing valuable insights through various platforms, including a new YouTube channel filled with informative episodes, is invaluable to breeders aiming to expand their knowledge.
Highlights from the Interview
In this session, Kenny, Nancy, and Brian discussed numerous aspects of chicken breeding, emphasizing the vital role of understanding genetics in developing superior lines.
- Importance of Test Mating: Test mating was underscored as a crucial step in understanding the genetic potential of chicken lines. By selecting and mating birds strategically, one can enhance desired traits, while minimizing detrimental ones.
- Inbreeding: Often met with apprehension, inbreeding can be a powerful tool for refining line quality when used cautiously. It allows breeders to isolate key traits and assess potential weaknesses within a lineage.
- Genetic Transparency: Brian urges transparency and honesty regarding deleterious genes. Breeders should adopt strategies to highlight these traits, allowing them to be eliminated systematically through careful selection.
- Genetic Diversity in Game Fowl: The episode also touched on the genetic diversity found within game fowl, contrasting with the more standardized ornamental lines. The potential to create unique, resilient breeds lies in understanding and leveraging these genetic variations.
Exploring Color Genetics
A significant portion of the conversation covered color genetics, revealing the complexity behind shades and patterns in poultry. Brian explained how characteristics like mahogany, silver, and progressive whitening can be managed through selective breeding techniques.
Breeder’s Books and Resources
For those interested in diving deeper into poultry genetics, Brian and Kenny recommend several resources:
- Books by Brian Reeder: His works on color genetics offer an in-depth analysis of breeding principles essential for any serious breeder.
- Kenny Troiano’s Book and Website: These provide additional layers of insight and practical strategies through detailed guides available on the Breeders Academy website.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, this blog post only captures a snippet of the wealth of information delivered during our podcast episode with Brian Reeder. For anyone passionate about refining their breeding practices, consider subscribing to Brian’s YouTube channel for video content filled with practical tips and joining the Breeders Academy for a comprehensive look at chicken genetics.
Don’t miss out on unlocking more secrets in the realm of chicken breeding—embrace the knowledge shared by our experts, and start perfecting your own line of poultry today!
