August 19, 2013 The Maximus Project – Bulletin #65 The Significance of Variation By Kenny Troiano Copyright © 2013 by Kenny Troiano/Maximus Troy Publications maximustroypublications/BooksbyKenny.html Variation is not only important, but not understanding the significance of its power can have serious consequences. I look at variation as “the mechanism” that allows the breeder to work his magic. Variation alone is a very powerful force, but variation combined with selection has the power to create new forms. This power allows the breeder to make great changes in his family or strain. These changes can be made to refine certain characteristics, by making small improvements to the family, or they can change their overall form and function, which is the first step towards the creation of new strains, and in some cases, new breeds. As you can see, this presents many opportunities for the modern breeder, but with these opportunities comes great responsibility too. In almost any flock of birds there is always a sufficient amount of variation, and it takes a breeder who knows what traits to select that can progress and achieve a measurable level of perfection. The breeder, like Mother Nature, will separate the most desirable individuals from the least desirable ones, and if the breeder selects wisely, improvement in the family will occur, and he will move closer towards perfection. Aren’t variations in the offspring proof that the family is not uniform? I’m frequently asked, "If a family is still showing variations within the offspring, are they a true family? Can they still be considered a uniformed strain?” Variation occurs even in the best families. It even occurs in animals in wild populations. And believe it or not, this is a good thing. For without variation, progress in breeding would be impossible. Without variation, the selection of superior individuals would be impossible. Without the selection of superior individuals, the creation of newer, better strains and breeds would be impossible. Simply put; variation makes selection possible and selection makes improvement possible. Don’t get discouraged because you see variations within the offspring. Like I said, this is a good thing. As the family becomes more uniform and consistent, you will see less variation in the offspring, the variation will just be more subtle, and maybe a little harder to see. But there will always be some variation from one individual to another. Evaluate the variations that exist, no matter how insignificant they may seem, and look for ways to improve your family or strain. No matter how good your fowl may be, you must strive to improve them, and it’s through beneficial variations that this can be accomplished. Strains are created by recognizing variations within the offspring: In American Games, there are many varieties, such as black-breasted reds, black-breasted light-reds, spangles, and greys. In fact there are more than 24 recognized varieties of American and Old English Games, and, within those varieties are many strains, such as Sweaters, Roundheads, Hatch, and Kelso, just to name a few. Each of these strains has physical differences, as well as differences in the way they perform. The fact that there is great variation among one strain to another proves the significance of what I am saying, that variation is always occurring and that each strain was the result of one man’s vision, and his results were due only to the variations for which he recognized as beneficial and selected for them. These breeders were good at recognizing variations that were beneficial and selected fowl that carried those traits until the characteristic became exaggerated. The result was a strain that was a little different from other strains, but uniform and consistent as a family. These changes were sufficient enough that their fowl could be recognized as coming from them, and a strain was born! Variations can vary in magnitude, and come from many different sources: In every clutch of chicks there are individual that are different from the rest, we see this in our fowl as they grow and mature, but these differences can vary from one characteristic to many characteristics. Some variations can be subtle, while other can be huge. In many cases, it’s the subtle ones that can be the most significant. These characteristics can come from many different sources as well. Some characteristic are pass down from their ancestors, while others can arise from sudden changes in the genetic code, known as mutations. But what the breeder must always keep in mind is that, except for most of the color characteristics that exist with gamefowl, and certain of the morphological characters, the actual differences between two individuals are caused partly by environmental influences It has been my observation that environ¬mental influences not only exist but they exercise their effects on such characters as hatchability, rate of growth, and proper development. This makes the problem of selecting birds for breeding purposes more difficult because the breeder may mistake the effects of the environment for the effects of the genes and thus save some birds for breeding that may actually prove to be poor broodfowl. Special note of interest: Influence of the environment can cause a bird to be a great individual in one geographical location and a poor one in another. The same family can strive in one location and fall apart in a totally different location. Summary: Every great breeder understands that variation is of great significance when it comes to the inheritance of traits and the future of the family or strain. He also knows that even the most uniform strain will show some variation in the offspring. It is through variation that the family or strain can be improved or forever ruined. Embrace variation, use it to improve your fowl, and in time you will enjoy what you have created! maximustroypublications/BooksbyKenny.html I hope you enjoyed the project bulletin, and that the information which I provide helps you in the eventual improvement and advancement of your fowl. It is a long journey, but a worthwhile one. Remember, if we all work harder to perpetuate superior fowl, everyone benefits. Hope you have a great summer! Sincerely, Kenny Troiano Fellow gamefowl and poultry enthusiast The Gamefowl Breeders Manual and Cockers Guides – Volume 2 is a must for anyone wanting to create their own strain or improve the quality of their fowl. This is the COMPLETE reference book of the breeding of gamefowl and poultry of all kinds. It covers basic genetics, the laws which govern breeding, recognizing defects and how to eliminate them, and the fundamentals of breeding. Volume Two of the “Gamefowl Breeders Manual and Cockers Guide” is now available in Pdf. eBook and mp3 audiobook formats. You can now listen to it on your favorite mp3 and CD player. You can even listen to it in your car while you drive. I have said it many times that this book will not only change the way you breed your fowl, but the way you think about breeding. If you follow the principles and practices in this book, I promise you that the quality of your fowl will improve! I would like to thank all of you that have purchased it, and have put it to good use. I know that it will be the indispensable part of your collection. To order “The Gamefowl Breeders Manual and Cockers Guide – Volume Two,” - go to: maximustroypublications/BooksbyKenny.html Maximus Troy Publications To order by phone or for customer support, call 1-760-315-0393 or email us at: maximustroypublications@yahoo. Website: maximustroypublications Customer Support Hours are: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM PST (Monday through Friday) Make sure to visit us at Facebook We also encourage you to subscribe to the “Poultry Press” & “The Gamecock,” both dedicated to providing valuable information for all cockers and backyard breeders. Poultry Press P.O. Box 542 Connersville, Indiana 47331 The Gamecock P.O. Box 159 Hartford, Arkansas. 72938 479-639-2324 Join and support your local 4-H organization 4-hmall.org/Home.aspx
Posted on: Sun, 18 Aug 2013 07:54:29 +0000
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