Ok, I am through discussing all this epigenetics silliness as it pertains to our chicken breeding.
Tho it has value somewhere, it has no value to us in our breeding operations. I know all this stuff about epigenetics that was posted above and I still state it has no value for us.
Now, if we don't get engaged with epigenetics, how do we enhance the quality of our birds genetic potential?
I am going to tell you based on 10,000 hours of research over 4 yrs. (1998-2002) resulting in the development of a successful kindred protocol in canines. The Bellwether Neonate Protocol in canines.
The object of our efforts is to make the most of our chicks genetic potential One f the ebst ways to do this is by giving them the very best support we can during the 1st 3 weeks when so much growth is going on. The neonate period. I call it the Neonate Period because that is the period they get chick grit.
The essence of a baby chick is the G.I. tract. It's where the rubber meets the road. Health dwells there. So does the potential for best development of the body systems. And the potential for a large healthy gizzard. One of the best ways to help a chick develop it's body systems to its genetic potential is by helping the most nutrients get absorbed thru the G.I. tract and thus to the body systems. We all know the nutrients chicks need to thrive. So how do we effect better uptake of those nutrients?
We give them a carrier. Encourage the uptake potential of the G.I. tract. How. I have had confirmed success over the years using Bovidr Labs products on my collies and poultry.
These formulas are made by a company which specializes in emergency nutritional supplements over many species. Their products, tho species specific also meet the scientific demands for a universal dosage. I have had good success in my collies with Pet and Goat and Beef formulas. And in my poultry with the Pet, Goat and Poultry formulas. Bovidr Labs formulas do not need to be digested. They mainline directly to the bloodstream. Supplementing the nutrition available thru th G.I. tract. The more nutrients the body gets, the better its systems work . Energy equals digestive potential. The better opportunity for the chick to digest the rations the breeder is providing.
Onward and upward, We have provided supplemental nutrition, now we need to see to the proper flora population in the G,I, tract. The sooner and most properly we can get those flora ratios established, the better the chick can digest its rations. That mean "biotics". Hopefully a mix of pre and pro biotics. Probably the most high tech way tp provide that would be Fastrack Direct Fed Microbial Supplement. However, it is expensive and the one of the tenets of this letter is that the program must provide the proper parts as inexpensively as possible. Greek Yogurt wound answer just as well. Proper flora population ratios inhibit the establishment of harmful pathogens in the G,I, tract.
Next we come to the gizzard. Proper development of the gizzard is important for enhancing the production potential of the adult birds. It is not so much we see a difference as they grow. Instead we see notable differences in their adult production, whether in laying or as meat. Granite grit it best because it is not softened and its edges are not rounded off my the acid in the bird's gizzard.
One could substitute other forms of grit , however, extensive scientific research proves granite grit is best. I use Gran-I-Grit and here is their feeding schedule. Chick sized granite grit is fed from 48-60 hours old on to the end of 3 weeks. Youth sized "Grower" grit is fed from week 4 thru the end of week 7. Adult sized "Developer" grit is fed from week 8 thru the lifetime. Research proves that following this protocol can increase egg production up to 20%. Because the development of the superior gizzard allows the bird to digest more of its ration, providing more nutrients to make more eggs. In meat birds, studies showed that feeding grit was not needed if the birds were being raised on mash only. However, during the finishing period, if the birds were being fed hard grains in addition to their mash, providing granite grit noticeably increased weight put on the birds. As opposed to finishing the birds on plain mash or mash and hard grains without granite grit.
And that is how you do it. Easy Peasey. The more nutrients the bird can uptake, the more nutrients it has available to create a better foundation upon which the immune system will mature. The most proper flora ratios in the G.I. tract help keep harmful pathogens from becoming established. Scientifically developing the gizzard sets the stage for better adult production.
As far as any epigenetic changes, they will be met well enough by advocating for the body systems in this way. No more thought needs to be given to the epigenetics of it all at the number of birds we will be breeding. Proper management techniques, wise selection, high quality stock, proper breeding systems, an internal developmental protocol like above is all you need.
Online references for further study: will add them in a bit. I have to look them up again.
Best Regards,
Karen
Outstanding post. It's one of the things that you share so well. I know that you research so extensively. Usually I download all the sites and books that you mention. Kudos.
