Bred to Perfection

Beyond Best of the Best - The Science of Breeding Excellence What does it really take to build, improve, and preserve a successful breeding strain? It's much more than simply putting two good birds together, or following the idea of "breeding the best to the best." In this episode, I reveal the 3 Laws of Selective Breeding that transformed the way I approached breeding: Selective Breeding & Systematic Breeding Programs, Evolutionary Biology, and Genetics & Inheritance. I'll share how I went from breeding what I thought were my best birds to understanding the importance of proper selection and culling, conformation, type, temperament, health, and breeding with a specific purpose and direction. I'll also explain why continually crossing and introducing new blood can sometimes move a strain further away from the traits you're trying to develop. You'll learn why breeding methods, such as inbreeding, line-breeding, and outcrossing are simply tools, and why knowing when, how, and why to use them is what makes a systematic breeding program effective. We'll also explore the breeding programs I developed and teach through the Breeder's Academy: The Founders Program, Gene Shopping Program, and Improvement through Reduction Program. Each program has a specific purpose in creating, transforming, improving, or maintaining a strain. Then we'll take a deeper look at evolutionary biology and genetic inheritance, including ancestry, uniformity, genetic variation, dominant and recessive traits, polygenic traits, sex-linked traits, and progeny testing. Understanding these principles gives breeders a greater ability to evaluate their birds, make informed mating decisions, and guide a strain in a deliberate direction instead of relying on luck or chance. The biggest lesson is simple: knowing what you want is one thing; knowing how to produce it is another. Once I understood how these three laws worked together, selective breeding finally started to make sense. I was able to put the power of selection in my hands and take both myself as a breeder and my fowl to the next level. If you're serious about creating, improving, or preserving a strain, this is a lesson you won't want to miss. #SelectiveBreeding #BreedersAcademy #ChickenBreeding #PoultryBreeding #Genetics #GeneticInheritance #EvolutionaryBiology #BreedingPrograms #Linebreeding #Inbreeding #PoultryGenetics #BreedingEducation 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 - Friday's 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. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

Why Our Birds Need Extra Attention at this Time of Year When do our birds require the utmost care and consideration? The answer is during the molt. This crucial period is marked by significant stress as birds undergo a complex process of feather renewal, muscle replenishment, and bone repair. Both cocks and hens experience this challenging phase, making it an essential aspect of their overall health. While many view molting as a negative phase, it actually presents an opportunity for improvement. As a breeder, it's vital to understand how to navigate the molt effectively and use it to your advantage. A common pitfall for breeders is failing to grasp the nuances of the molt, which can hinder efforts to create, improve, and maintain a robust strain. Proper management of the molt is crucial; neglecting this process can significantly impact the upcoming breeding season and the quality of offspring. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of the molting season and explore strategies for achieving optimal results. 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. Join us on Bred to Perfection Live, Friday's at 6pm PST or 9pm EST on YouTube, as we discuss the benefits of creating your own strain. 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. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

For the first time ever, we welcome Anthony "Tony" Saville, a man whose influence on the American Gamefowl world runs deep. You've heard his voice in past episodes, but now you'll experience him in real time as he shares decades of knowledge, insight, and hard-earned wisdom. This isn't just another interview, it's a masterclass. Tony Saville is a renowned authority on Old English and American Gamefowl, founder of the American Gamefowl Society, author of American Game Fowl Standards, and a respected judge with the Oxford Old English Gamefowl Club of South Africa. More than that, he's been a mentor, teacher, and close friend for nearly 40 years, someone who helped shape the way many of us understand breeding, selection, and preservation. In this live event, we go far beyond the basics. Tony breaks down the true form and structure of the American Game, the importance of maintaining a functional standard, and why so many breeders today are unknowingly moving the breed in the wrong direction. We explore the history of the gamecock, how the breed nearly disappeared, and what must be done to ensure its survival moving forward. We also tackle some of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in the community today: Are modern judges truly qualified, and how are poor judging practices affecting the breed? The dangers of overusing a single judge and allowing shows to shape breeding decisions Crossbreeding, "refreshing blood," and why it often does more harm than good The growing influence of misinformation from online voices and influencers The push to get American Games into the APA Standard—and what went wrong Tony doesn't hold back as we dig into the proposed changes to the Standard, including debates over type, conformation, naming, and controversial traits like pea combs and white in the tail. We examine the genetic dangers of "progressive white," why certain traits should never be bred for, and how misunderstanding genetics is putting the breed at risk. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or just starting out, this conversation will challenge the way you think, and give you the tools to improve your birds the right way. This is more than an episode, it's a turning point. Trust us—you're going to want a pen and paper for this one. #AmericanGamefowl #GamefowlBreeding #PoultryGenetics #BackyardBreeders #ChickenBreeding #HeritageBreeds #GamefowlCommunity #SelectiveBreeding #PoultryPodcast #BreedStandards #FowlPreservation #AvianGenetics 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 - Friday's 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. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com