This guideline will help you maintain and enhance the presence of blue egg genes in your flock, avoiding genetic loss and inbreeding. By following this guide, you can achieve breeding pens where 100% of the birds are homozygous for the blue egg (oocyan) gene, thus having two copies of the blue egg gene, within three years. Even if some birds initially have no blue egg genes, it is crucial to ensure that at least some birds in your starting flock have two blue egg genes.
First Step
Get your birds genetically tested to determine their status—whether they have one, none, or two blue egg genes. This knowledge is essential for planning your breeding matches. For more information on how to conduct genetic testing in South Africa, see this guide: Guide to DNA Testing on Chickens
Off to a Bad Start
If you are unfortunate and do not have any birds in your flock with two blue egg genes, you cannot start with Year 1. Your first year will actually be a preliminary year, and Year 1 will effectively become your second year. You will need to either acquire a bird with two blue egg genes from another breeder to join in Year 2 or prepare for an extra year of effort.
In your preliminary year, if you have at least two birds (one hen and one rooster) that each have one blue egg gene, pair them with each other. This will result in 25% of the offspring having two blue egg genes. Unfortunately, this means you will need to conduct twice as many tests to identify a sufficient number of birds with two blue egg genes from your offspring. You will need to reference the section “Breeding the Second Generation (F2)” on Breeding for the Blue Egg Gene.
First Rule: At Least One Bird with Two Blue Egg Genes per Match
Always ensure that at least one bird in any pairing has two blue egg genes.
Second Rule: Only Move and Swap Birds with Two Blue Egg Genes
If you are working in a group with other breeders, such as a collective effort to clean up the genetic lines of the Silverudd’s Blue to have two blue egg genes, ensure that you only move and swap birds between breeders that have two blue egg genes. This prevents duplicating efforts and wasting money on tests for the same match. Each breeder should individually sort out birds with none or one blue egg gene and then only share birds that have two blue egg genes.
Third Rule: Avoid Inbreeding by Retaining Genetic Diversity
In order to avoid inbreeding, do not breed sibling to sibling. The aim is to maintain as much genetic diversity in your flock as possible. Birds with no blue egg genes or only one blue egg gene are considered for breeding at the start of this programme; in fact, it is encouraged to retain their genetics. However, it is important to select only those birds with none or one blue egg gene that match the breed standard. This ensures you do not compromise the general characteristics of the breed.
Fourth Rule: Keep Offspring Separate
From every match—whether it is two blue egg genes matched with two blue egg genes, one blue egg gene, or none—keep each group of chicks from their match combinations separate or marked/tagged to avoid unnecessary testing.
Year 1
- 2 Blue Egg Genes x 2 Blue Egg Genes: These offspring will serve as your base breeding stock for the next season. Select birds that are closest to the breed standard.
- 2 Blue Egg Genes x 1 Blue Egg Gene: Select those offspring closest to the breed standard. Conduct genetic tests on the selected birds. Keep only those with two blue egg genes for breeding next season.
- No Blue Egg Gene Birds: Only breed these birds if they are very close to the breed standard. Pair them only with birds that have two blue egg genes. Keep offspring that meet the breed standard exactly for breeding next season. No DNA testing is needed as they will have only one blue egg gene.
Year 2
- 2 Blue Egg Genes x 2 Blue Egg Genes: These offspring will be your base breeding stock for the next season. Select birds closest to the breed standard.
- 2 Blue Egg Genes x 1 Blue Egg Gene: Select those offspring closest to the breed standard. Conduct genetic tests on the selected birds. Keep only those with two blue egg genes for breeding next season.
- No Blue Egg Gene Birds: Do not breed these birds.
Year 3 and Onwards
- 2 Blue Egg Genes x 2 Blue Egg Genes: These offspring will continue to be your base breeding stock for future seasons. Select birds closest to the breed standard.
- No or Only 1 Blue Egg Gene Birds: Do not breed these birds unless introducing a new bloodline. When introducing new bloodlines, start back at Year 1 and repeat from there.
By following this structured approach, you can ensure the continuation and enhancement of blue egg genes in your flock, while adhering to the best breeding practices.