Bred to Perfection

In this episode of Bred to Perfection, we reveal The 10 Commandments of Breeding—the foundational principles every serious breeder must follow to create a true, lasting strain. Whether you're just getting started or you're a seasoned breeder looking to refine your program, these commandments will guide you toward building a strain that is healthy, uniform and consistent, and repeatable for generations to come. Join Kenny and the team as they break down the core philosophies and time-tested strategies that separate great breeders from the rest. From prioritizing health and selecting for desirable traits, to maintaining detailed records and breeding with purpose, this episode is packed with essential knowledge that will transform your breeding journey. You’ll learn: Why health should always come first—and how to ensure it How to select for the right traits, while avoiding defects The power and risks of inbreeding—and how to do it right Why record-keeping is critical to your success The underestimated value of the hen, as the true foundation of your strain How to practice effective biosecurity Why nutrition is key to revealing your birds’ full potential The importance of continuous education and understanding the science of breeding We also dig into the often-overlooked topics of epigenetics, outcrossing myths, strain purity, and more—touching on “The Lost Tablets” of breeding wisdom that every breeder should know. Whether you're aiming to build a family from scratch or improve an existing line, this episode will help you breed with purpose, avoid common pitfalls, and set your strain on the path to long-term success. Perfect for beginners and experienced breeders alike. Tune in and learn how to create a legacy—not just a flock. Available now on all major podcast platforms. Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Join us on Bred to Perfection Live, Friday’s at 6pm PST or 9pm EST on YouTube, as we discuss the benefits of creating your own strain. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"  We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

Breeding Terms Simplified is your go-to resource for demystifying the complex world of breeding terminology. This episode delves into key glossary terms, scientific principles, and advanced concepts related to breeding—whether you're a novice or a seasoned breeder. This episode also unpacks critical terms, like gene recombination, selective breeding strategies, polygenic traits, and hybrid vigor, helping you expand your breeding knowledge and improve your vocabulary. Perfect for anyone looking to refine their understanding of genetics and inheritance, this podcast offers clear explanations and expert insights to enhance your breeding practices and genetic literacy. Tune in and start mastering the language of breeding today! Show Highlights: Learn the science behind selective breeding, meiosis, and inheritance patterns Understand complex terms like crossover, gene linkage, and genetic drift Explore breeding strategies like line breeding, crossbreeding, and hybridization Master advanced topics such as epigenetics, mitochondrial DNA, and disease resistance Improve your breeding vocabulary and apply it to your practices Perfect for breeders, or anyone passionate about the science of inheritance and what it takes to create a true strain! Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Join us on Bred to Perfection Live, Friday’s at 6pm PST or 9pm EST on YouTube, as we discuss the benefits of creating your own strain. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"  We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

In this continuation of our series The 12 Key Challenges in Breeding and Creating a Strain, Episode 150 dives deep into the complexities of establishing a true, purebred strain—examining the connection and similarities between evolutionary biology and selective breeding practices. Breeders striving for perfection face a wide range of challenges, from genetic issues to environmental influences, and this episode uncovers the scientific foundations and practical strategies for overcoming them. We'll explore the 4 Mechanisms of Evolution identified by Charles Darwin—variation, inheritance, overproduction of offspring, and differential survival and reproduction—and how these principles relate directly to selective breeding. As breeders select for specific traits, understanding these natural processes is key to creating a healthy, viable strain over time. Challenges #6-8 focus on: Dealing with Epigenetics: The way environmental factors, such as geography, nutrition, and management, can influence genetic expression in ways that go beyond traditional inheritance. We’ll break down how breeders can harness epigenetic mechanisms for the betterment of their strains, while managing the effects of undesirable traits. Gene Flow and Genetic Instability: How the continuous influx of external genes through practices like outcrossing and crossbreeding can affect the purity of a strain. Learn how breeders can manage and even halt gene flow to avoid genetic dilution and ensure the integrity of their breed. Genetic Drift: The unpredictable changes in genetic composition that occur in small populations. Discover how breeders can use genetic drift to their advantage, preserving and enhancing strains during periods of reduced numbers, while avoiding its pitfalls, such as bottlenecking. By understanding the science behind selective breeding and the biological forces that drive evolution, breeders can make informed decisions that will help them create strong, sustainable strains. Whether you're a seasoned breeder or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you navigate the challenges of breeding for excellence. Tune in for a deeper understanding of how evolutionary biology intersects with breeding practices and how you can apply this knowledge to your own breeding program. Don't forget to bring your questions—we’re here to help you grow your breeding knowledge! Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Join us on Bred to Perfection Live, Friday’s at 6pm PST or 9pm EST on YouTube, as we discuss the benefits of creating your own strain. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"   We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

In Episode 255 of the Bred to Perfection Podcast, host Kenny Troiano of the Breeders Academy—joined by co-host Frank Bradley and Nancy Troiano—talk about the most common and critical challenges breeders face when developing a pure strain of chickens or gamefowl. Whether you're starting with hybrid stock or looking to refine an existing bloodline, this episode offers practical advice, expert insights, and proven breeding strategies to help you take your program to the next level. Learn why controlled inbreeding, eliminating genetic defects, preserving type and conformation, and selecting for natural health are essential to building a line that breeds true and thrives for generations. Discover the dangers of over-medicating, the myths of outcrossing, and the importance of selecting birds for more than just performance. This episode also highlights Kenny’s Founder's Program, a structured breeding method designed to transform even hybrid birds into high-quality, sustainable strains. Key Topics Include: The fear and facts about inbreeding Why random outcrossing can ruin your progress Building from hybrid stock without hidden defects The importance of type, structure, and conformation Eliminating genetic flaws through ruthless selection Selecting for natural disease resistance and vigor Breeding for the complete package—not just one trait If you’re ready to ditch outdated methods and master the science of strain creation, this is the episode for you. Prepare to cull hard, select smart, and breed with purpose! Listen now and join the journey to becoming a master breeder. Hashtags for Social Media and YouTube: #PoultryBreeding #InbreedingFacts #GamefowlBreeding #ChickenBreeding #BackyardBreeders #SelectiveBreeding  Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains.  Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.  Join us on Bred to Perfection Live, Friday’s at 6pm PST or 9pm EST on YouTube, as we discuss the benefits of creating your own strain. See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy"    We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.  If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.  We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com