The performance of a rooster on the fighting pit depends significantly on its genetic build passed on from the qualities of its parents, which is achieved through breeding. The main objective of breeding is to improve the next generation of gamefowls in terms of gameness, endurance, cutting ability, speed, power, and stamina. Modern breeders improve the bloodlines of great families of gamefowl through a basic understanding of genetics.
Crossbreeding is an effective method in producing superior gamefowls. It is the mating of two different breeds of gamefowls whose main objective is to identify new combinations of characters or genetic potential that will lead to the formation of a new and better breed. One example is the combination of unrelated strains like a Hatch and a Sweater.
Many of the most successful battle crosses are produced through crossbreeding of inbred family of fowls. The combination of these superior gamefowl through crossbreeding took full advantage of heterosis or hybrid vigor—a phenomenon observed in plants and animals where the first generation of hybrids exhibit characteristics superior to their parents. The gamefowls that benefited from this are faster, smarter, and stronger than their parents.
Here are the three variations of crossbreeding:
- Straight Cross is when two strains are mated—for example, breeding a Ruble Hatch and a Black Traveler to take advantage of their power and speed blend.
- A Three-Way Cross, for example, is the matching of an even cross with good power and cutting ability like a Hatch–Claret with a Kelso who has a superior wallop and is a power-hitter.
- A Four-Way Cross matches two straight crosses like the mating of a Hatch-Claret to a Kelso-Roundhead.
Crossbreeding improves the overall health of the flock through genetic diversity as introducing a new breed can solve the challenge of lack of breeding improvement of the flock.
When starting, it is best to source a specimen from a breeder with good history and reputation who maintains a closely inbred strain. Through observation in the fighting pit, the breeder can learn the weaknesses and strengths of his fowl in terms of fighting style, speed, and cutting ability. Make the cross if the broodstock is free from defects, has strong disease resistance, and has the desired body conformation, temperament, and performance.
However, the genetic potential of the gamefowls can only be maximized by providing them with the right environment and proper growing management. Breeder and Alas ng Salto Dr. Marlo Lasutaz emphasized that the characteristics of the parents will be expressed better if the fowls received high-quality feeds and nutrition. Gallimax 21 Chicken Breeder Ration optimizes egg production, fortified with Selenium, Vitamin E, and Liver Protech for better liver health, stress and disease resistance and results in stronger power and stamina.
Engr. Arturo Bona praises Salto Stag Developer, which is specially formulated for the development of bones and muscles that helps his gamefowl achieve the ideal body frame.
“Tama ang timplada ng feeds at ang nutrition na naibibigay ng Salto. Nakita ko na maganda resistance ng mga manok ko. Mula noon ay iniwan ko na ang dati kong produkto at ipinagpatuloy ko na ang Salto.” LSBBA 2019 Breeder of the Year and Alas ng Salto Engr. Arturo Bona stated.
References:
Crossbreeding: Advantages and Disadvantages. August 10, 2020. Breeders Academy. Retrieved August 29, 2021 from https://www.breedersacademy.com/crossbreeding
Alas Tips. Salto. Retrieved August 29, 2021 from https://www.salto.com.ph/blog/alas-tips/
Basic Breeding for Gamefowl: Inbreed to Fix Traits, Cross Breed to Add Traits. February 10, 2014. Reach Unlimited. Retrieved August 29, 2021 from http://www.reach-unlimited.com/p/763910690/basic-breeding-for-gamefowl–inbreed-to-fix-traits-cross-breed-to-add-traits
The Gamecock – Basic Breeding Concepts and Considerations. March 22, 2013. Gamecock Care. Retrieved August 29, 2021 from https://gamecockcare.wordpress.com/2013/03/22/the-gamecock-basic-breeding-concepts-and-considerations/