The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
Hybridization results in better gamefowl
(This series is part of lessons at Advanced Breeding Academy. To enrol PM RBS Premium on FB. Photo: Peruvian-American hybrid by RB Sugbo.)
1st of a series: The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
The intial stages of creating a new better breed of gamefowl almost always involve the phenomenon “the whole is greater than the sum of its part.” This phenomenon is due to the genetic law stating that diversity usually leads to heterosis or hybrid vigor. In non-genetic term it is synergy.
Animal and plant breeders aspire for and take advantage of the effects of genetic diversity to produce better types of animals and plants called hybrids. To achieve more genetic diversity or variation is the reason for hybridization. Thus, we have heard of hybrids in cattles, hybrids in hogs, hybrids in chickens.
Hybridization is the process of producing a plant or animal by crossing two different types of plant and animals. The bigger the difference between the two types involved in the process the more genetic variation is achieved in the new population.
A few decades ago, American infused with some Aseel blood appeared. These hybrids fared well in steel weapon competitions in the US. Why did the aseel manage to further improve the great American Game in steel weapon competition?
The main reason is genetic diversity. Hybridization may produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. Or, in short synergy.
Remember that American game is a breed of gamefowl belonging to the Continental (Bankivoid) class. The Aseel is a breed of gamefowl belonging to the Oriental class (Malayoid). The American Game and the Aseel are entirely two different breeds of gamefowl each belonging to entirely different class from the other.
It is not the case if you mate a roundhead with a kelso. Both roundhead and kelso are just strains of the same breed, the American Game. No matter how you crisscross the different strains of American game, the genetic variation is limited. In fact, in small populations, such as farm level, the gene pool will quickly become stale. When you mate individuals of different breeds, there is much variation or diversity in their genetic constitutions.
When combined, the genetic variation in the offspring is wide. And, those who know science of breeding will tell us that genetic diversity contributes to genetic fitness of a population.
This is also the case when you cross Peruvian Navajero with American Game. The Peruvian is likewise a breed different from the American. It is sort of a mixed class that includes both Oriental and Continental breeds. It is said that the Peruvian Navajero came about by blending several breeds, both Orientals such as Aseel and Shamo and Continentals such as the Spanish, French and Belgian Gamefowl. The Peruvian by itself is already a study on genetic diversity.
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