Maharashtra Board Class 11 Animal Science And Technology Chapter 5 Poultry Breeds PDF Download

Poultry Breeds

Can You Recall?

The term poultry is used as synonymous to chicken. It includes a number of avian species such as chicken, quail, duck, turkey, geese and guinea fowl domesticated for economic purposes.

There are four species of wild or jungle fowl.

1. Gallus gallus (Red jungle fowl)

2. Gallus lafayettii (Ceylon jungle fowl)

3. Gallus sonnerattii (Grey jungle fowl)

4. Gallus varius (Javan jungle fowl)

The relative contribution of these few species to the formation of modern domestic breeds still remains controversial. While some believe that all the present day domestic breeds of poultry are originated from red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus). Others are of the opinion that two or more of the four existing wild species of fowl are responsible for the same.

Remember

The term 'class' is used to designate groups of breeds. These breeds have been developed in certain regions.

A breed refers to a group of domestic fowls with a common ancestry. It has similarity in shape, conformation, growth, temperament and shell colour of egg.

Variety is a subdivision of breed distinguished either by colour pattern or shape of comb or type of feather pattern.

Strain is a group of birds within variety that has been breed by one person or firm for some time. It has more or less uniform characteristics and capabilities.

Do You Know?

Within a breed there may be several varieties.

A breed or a variety may have several strains or lines identified by a given name. These are produced by a breeder through at least five generations of closed flock breeding.

Teacher's Note

A chicken breed is like a family of chickens that look and behave the same way. For example, Aseel chickens are Indian chickens that are very strong and good fighters, just like how some families in India are known for their special skills.

Exam Trick

Remember: Breed = Family of chickens that look same. Variety = different color of same family. Strain = chicken that one farmer raised for many years. Think of it like: Aseel is a breed, Red Aseel is a variety!

Points to Remember

Poultry means chickens and other birds like ducks and turkeys.
Four wild jungle fowls are the ancestors of our chickens.
A breed is a group of chickens with same features and look.
Variety is a type within a breed with different colors.
Strain is birds raised by one farmer for many years.

Classification Of Poultry Breeds

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Breeds used for egg production and broiler farming.

A. On The Basis Of Origin

Poultry breeds are classified as American, Asiatic, English and Mediterranean on the basis of origin.

English origin breeds are known for their excellent fleshing properties.

Teacher's Note

Different countries have developed different chicken breeds over many years. English chickens are good for meat, like how different states in India are famous for different things.

Exam Trick

Remember: American = Plymouth Rock (good meat). English = Sussex (good meat). Mediterranean = Leghorn (good eggs). Asian = Brahma (big bird).

Points to Remember

Chicken breeds come from different countries.
English breeds give good meat for eating.
Mediterranean breeds lay many eggs.
American breeds are big and good for meat.
Asian breeds are very large birds.

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