A Class Participation Project in Poultry Breeding

Abstract

LABORATORY sections of introductory poultry courses should be taught in such a way as to be both stimulating and interesting. Student participation can be utilized to a high degree if laboratory sessions are planned accordingly. In a recent attempt to improve undergraduate poultry instruction at the University of Wisconsin, an opportunity was afforded to utilize these principles in the designing of a new laboratory session in poultry breeding geared to the introductory student level.Eggs from at least ten unusual breeds or varieties are purchased every January. The eggs are normally delivered around the middle of February for hatching in early March. Varieties are selected which will demonstrate such factors as different skin colors, feather colors and patterns, and comb types to function as a part of a breed and variety identification exercise which is held during the second laboratory session each year. Since these birds are kept through their…