She’s a rainbow

Nearly everyone has heard of a Rhode Island Red chicken, but what about the Rhode Island White? While some non-ag people are familiar with the Araucana, or Easter egg chicken, do they know about the Spitzhauben? Delaware, Dominique and Dorking chickens may share the first letter of their names, but that’s where similarities end. While consumers are amazed by the variety of eye-catching, colorful poultry breeds at a fair, probably aren’t aware that these birds have been carefully cultivated by individuals dedicated to their preservation and ongoing efforts that contribute to these breeds’ survival. According to Ohio Ag & Natural Resources Extension Educator Heather Neikirk, preserving heritage breeds is a critical aspect of poultry genetics. Commercial poultry production with large, fast-growing birds provides an economical menu option for consumers, but these birds lack genetic diversity. Many of today’s poultry heritage breeds that are in decline were originally selected for hardiness, disease resistance, strong foraging instincts and longevity. “As certain breeds evolved, we selected for larger genetics in commercial poultry,” Neikirk said. “Heritage breeds have foundational genetics that help support sustainable and more resilient animal systems.” Much of the work to preserve heritage breeds has been accomplished by the Livestock Conservancy. The mission of the Conservancy is to “protect endangered livestock and poultry breeds from extinction.” The organization monitors breed numbers of chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys and maintains a conservation priority list to help protect these resources. Conservancy work helps support the protection of maintaining diversity in poultry. Each year, the organization updates breed information on their priority list. “Having genetic variation and maintaining those breeds, even in small numbers, gives us the ability to not lose poultry species and to have both heritage breeds and specialized commercial breeds,” Neikirk said. “We are trying to preserve traits so we can support a more sustainable genetic pool.” Genetic integrity through traditional breeding designates heritage breeds. These breeds typically thrive in pasture-based or low input settings. Heritage breeds are usually maintained by hobby breeders who have a bit of land; they’re also ideal for small-scale youth projects. “Heritage chickens have some special requirements that are outside the realm of other poultry breeds,” Neikirk said. “They are required to be from parent and grandparent stock and the breeds must be recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA).” She referenced the book “American Standard of Perfection” for those interested in learning more about all poultry breeds. Neikirk explained that heritage breeds must have received recognition by the APA prior to the mid-20th century. They must be produced and sired by an APA standard breed through natural mating (rooster and a hen) with the hen sitting on and hatching the eggs. “A heritage chicken that is hatched from eggs sired by one of the standard breeds prior to the mid-20th century must be slow growing and have a long, productive outdoor life,” Niekirk said. “Hens’ lifespan should be five to seven years; roosters should live for three to five years. Birds must reach market weight for the breed in no less than 16 weeks.” Breeds are listed as Critical, Threatened, Watch or Recovering. Categories reflect population numbers, breeding activity and global risk. These lists help producers choose breeds that suit their production model while benefitting from ongoing stewardship. “Critical means there are fewer than 500 breeding birds present in the U.S., with five or fewer primary breeding flocks of 50 birds or more and an estimated global population of less than 1,000,” Neikirk said, referring to the Conservancy’s designations. “Threatened means fewer than 1,000 breeding birds in the U.S., with seven or fewer primary breeding flocks and an estimated population of less than 5,000.” Breeds on the Watch list include those with fewer than 5,000 breeding birds, with 10 or fewer primary breeding flocks and a global population of less than 10,000. The Watch list can also include breeds that present genetic or numerical concerns or have a limited geographic distribution, such as a small or mid-sized population in a specific area. Recovering breeds are those previously listed in another category, but current numbers exceed those of the Watch category. These breeds will be monitored until numbers indicate they are well-established. The Conservancy also designates breeds as imported before or after 1900. Heritage breeds offer practical benefits. Research conducted by the Livestock Conservancy and Cooperative Extension show that heritage breeds thrive in a low-input, pasture-based systems. The Conservancy helps both adult and youth producers interested in marketing pasture-raised heritage breeds and specialty eggs. “They’re also helpful with on-farm education and agritourism,” Neikirk said. “When there’s a bird no one has seen, there’s an opportunity to talk about it – describing its characteristics. People learn that way.” Integrating heritage breeds in an operation involves identifying farm goals and reviewing land management choices. Decide whether poultry will be bred for show, to sell to other heritage breed enthusiasts or for egg/meat production. Match birds’ traits to the farm environment, management system and producer abilities to determine whether the breed is a good fit. Neikirk suggested staring with a small group to maintain a manageable system. Those who raise poultry outdoors should use predator protection, whether it’s livestock guardian dogs or fencing that prevents predators from grabbing birds above or along the fence. “Build your knowledge,” Neikirk said. “The Livestock Conservancy has some great comparison charts of their pick lists. A lot of heritage groups have breed groups for peer-to-peer learning.” For more information about the traits of poultry listed by the organization, visit livestockconservancy.org . by Sally Colby