1. Genetic Characteristics of Chickens

2. Some genetic characteristics you can SEE…

3. Feather Color Black Brown White Multi-colored
Genetic traits you can see…
Feather Color
Black
Brown
White
Multi-colored

4. Feather Length & Texture
Genetic traits you can see…
Feather Length & Texture
Short & Smooth
Course & Fluffy
Long & Thick
Fine & Fluffy

5. No feathers on legs and feet Feathers on legs and feet
Genetic traits you can see…
Feather Placement
No feathers on head
No feathers on legs and feet
Feathers on head
Feathers on legs and feet

6. Genetic traits you can see…
Comb
Single Comb
Pea Comb
Rose Comb

7. White, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Light Green
Genetic traits you can see…
Color of eggs they lay
White, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Light Green

8. Genetic traits you can see…
Size of Chicken
Large
Small

9. Genetic traits you can see…
Size of Egg
Large
Small

10. Some genetic characteristics you cannot SEE… Farmers research each breed of chicken and pick the best one for their farm. These characteristics can be measured.

11. A “Broiler” farm produces chickens for meat…
Farmers pick the best breed of chicken to produce quality meat.
These chickens grow quickly and have a lot of muscle to make:
Chicken Nuggets, Chicken Fingers, Fried Chicken, Chicken breasts, etc.

12. Time to grow to maturity
Genetic traits farmers look for…
Time to grow to maturity
8-10 Weeks
to reach 8-9 pounds
16-20 Weeks to reach 3-5 pounds
Which breed would a broiler farmer pick?

13. A “Layer” farm produces chickens for eggs…
Farmers pick the best breed of chicken to produce eggs.
How many foods can you name that have eggs in them?

14. Which breed would an egg farmer pick?
Genetic traits farmers look for…
Number of eggs
Average 6-7 eggs per week
Average 4 eggs per week
Which breed would an egg farmer pick?