Practical and logical breeding
In gamefowl breeding, practical knowledge, not in-depth genetics, is most important. There is yet no science on the study of roosters’ fighting ability which 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.
However, science can help a lot. Knowledge in science of breeding is also a must. Science complements art and makes practical breeding easier and simpler and result more predictable.
Scientists use two methods of logical thinking: inductive reasoning and deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning is logical thinking that uses observations and evidence to arrive at a model or pattern. Whereas, deduction is hypothesis-based. In deductive reasoning, the pattern is in the opposite direction to that of inductive reasoning. Induction draws conclusion from scientific studies or evidence. Deductive reasoning start from a scientific hypothesis or theory and work on to forecast results using logical thinking, scientific principle or scientific law. Using this as foundation RB Sugbo put together some theories on breeding by drawing connections between conclusions developed from practical experience and the scientific hypothesis, theories and principles of genetics
In gamefowl breeding people advance observations without any supporting explanations. And many accept such observations without asking for explanations. How many times have we heard the observation that stags take their traits from the mother? How many times have we heard that the hen contributes 60-70% to the traits of the offspring? Likely these observations are true. However, have we heard enough explanation, why? None, or very vague explanations, if any. Yet, these observations must have a grain of truth as these have been handed down from one generation of breeders to another, virtually uncontested.
Actually, breeders during the pre Mendelian era had unconsciously benefited from then already existing but yet unknown laws of inheritance of chicken genes. They reached specific instances without being aware of scientific principles. No wonder, the master could not tell us then, because they themselves did not know about these principles. Now we have the knowledge of these principles of genetics, why don’t we apply knowledge to reach specific goals?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
