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The Heritage Poultry Conservation Debate

2016/5/3 16:28:52

Gene manipulation has of late made an entry into most food production sectors to address the demand of the expanding population. Genetically modified organisms can be customized with genes that control aspects such as weight, colour, disease resistance and other physical characteristics. The existence of indigenous breeds such as heritage poultry has of late come under the threat of extinction due to the hybrids. heritage poultry

the fowl market is dominated by genetically modified hybrids that are raising a lot of concern among nutritionists. They are favored by producers due to their fast growth rate and ability to supplement their food with antibiotics. Analysis of their flesh has indicate the presence of molecules of bad cholesterol that are responsible for cardiac complications.

to avoid the risk of the gene alterations in poultry spilling over into human genetic pools, specialists in health are advising people to reintroduce heritage poultry recipes in their homes. Their flesh is much healthier since it has low bad cholesterol levels and has no accumulation of compounds to toxic levels. Creating a market demand for them will entice farmers to start rearing them again.

Most farmers obtain day old chicks from hatcheries to set off their flock. Since most hatcheries get eggs from the same suppliers year in year out, chances of in breeding and gene repetition are high. A species with rampant inbreeding loses diversity as offspring will be mere and more similar. This creates an ideal environment for disease that can wipe out large flocks as well as obliterate the original genes.

The best way to reintroduce these breeds and build on their genetic diversity would be by involving even the small scale subsistence keepers. By using their own breeding techniques and natural brooding, they can start a line of their own. These birds should be reared in free range where they forage for themselves.

the benefits to be reaped from adopting heritage poultry are present for both farmers and consumers. This is because they retail at a better price and hence are bound to rake in the profits for farmers given that they are reared free range. Since their meat is tastier and has less concentrates that that of hybrids, eating it need raise concerns about your cholesterol.

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