Heritable Differences in Conformation of Adult Female Fowl

A DIVERSITY of body outlines as depicted by the feather contour exists in breeds and varieties of domestic fowl. Poultry husbandmen have generally considered that these plumage outlines reflect the underlying body contours of the bird. Visually, breeds differ in abundance of feathers (for example, Cochin) as well as the closeness with which they lie against the body surface (for example, Cornish). Breeds of chickens are classified according to these plumage outlines which are based upon artists’ and photographic ideals. During recent years considerable importance has been placed upon body shape of fowl when prepared for the table. This emphasis has been accentuated by the increasing practice of selling at a higher price per pound those dressed birds which possess qualities desired by the consumer. The classification and tentative specifications for United States standards and grades, for dressed chickens (1938) describe the characteristics commonly considered to supply evidence of table . . .