At RB Sugbo science complements art
We, at RB Sugbo Gamefowl Technology, apply a little science to complement the art of gamefowl breeding.
In gamefowl breeding, practical knowledge, not in-depth genetics, is most important. After all, there is no science on the study of roosters’ fighting ability. Unless one is an expert on the gamefowl per se, his Degree, Masteral and Doctoral on Genetics are virtually useless when it comes to determining good fighting ability. And fighting ability is one of the most important factors in gamefowl breeding.
Truth is up to now, gamefowl breeding has remained more of an art than science. Breeding is all about fixing good traits, yes. But in the absence of a science that deals on how to fix good traits of a gamefowl, which means traits that contribute to good fighting ability, then the ability to select good game fowl or the art of selection, prevails. This, notwithstanding, knowledge in genetics is important. A good practical breeder with some knowledge in the science of breeding will enjoy big advantage as science will complement art.
The application of science allows the chicken industry—meat and egg in particular-- to progress much. Modern day breeding programs, based on sound genetic principles, facilitate the emergence of better chicken meat and eggs.
But it is hardly the case in gamefowl breeding wherein progress is registered in logistics, infrastructures and nutrition, but not in genetics. Of course, because it is easier to understand the genetics behind egg laying or fast growth, than the genetics of a gamefowl’s fighting ability. And, also, the chicken meat and egg sectors are big business worldwide, gamefowl breeding is not. Giant companies and the best minds are not interested in such expensive research into the genetics of gamefowl.
Thus, game fowl breeding remains mostly an art. Even today when research and development in genetics and nutrition is constructive in improving chicken’s performance in the layer and broiler industries, many of the gamefowl breeders are able to produce good gamefowl, not by learning genetics, but by the sheer art of selection. And maybe, logical thinking.
The driving force of art is beauty while of science it is curiosity. Artist imagine of something and then create this something. Scientists seek to understand how things operate or come into being.
Most experienced gamefowl breeding start with their practical observation and work their way to infer something out of these observations. But without knowledge of scientific principles they usually end up with nothing. Not a few old timers would contend that the hen, not the cock, contributes more traits to the offspring, although genetically both parents contribute 50% of the offspring’s genetic information. This is their practical observation, and they maintain this without knowing why because of the lack of support of a scientific study.
Another common observation in gamefowl breeding is that the stag gets its traits, especially fighting ability, from the mother. Another common observation is that black roosters are speed roosters and dark legged greys are strong and game. Likewise, they cannot explain why.
Perhaps genetics can. By combining practical knowledge in gamefowl breeding with the science of genetics, we, at RB Sugbo Gamefowl Technology were able to draw connections between conclusions developed from practical experience and the scientific hypothesis, theories and principles of genetics. We applied the science of genetics in aid of the art of selection, hoping to make selection easier and more scientific. And, results more predictable.
This is an instance wherein science complement art.
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