Ep259 - HOW TO DESTROY YOUR STRAIN: What breeders don’t know, can hurt them
Release Date: 08/25/2025
Ep275 - The Role of Nutrition in Unlocking Genetic Potential
Bred to Perfection
In this episode, we explore the relationship between nutrition and genetic potential in gamefowl and chickens. While genetics play a foundational role in a bird’s growth and development, egg production, immunity, and overall performance, it’s optimal nutrition that truly allows these genetic traits to shine. Each stage of a bird’s life requires specific nutrients to ensure they reach their maximum potential. We’ll dive into the importance of proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals—understanding how these nutrients influence growth, development, feather quality,...
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Ep273 - The Importance of Test Matings and Testing the Progeny
Bred to Perfection
A Critical Tool for Creating a Successful Strain In this episode, we dive deep into the world of test matings, an essential practice for any breeder involved in chickens and gamefowl, poultry of all kinds, livestock, or other species with valuable genetic traits. Test matings are a vital tool for evaluating the genetic makeup of animals and making informed decisions about breeding practices. Without this knowledge, breeders risk making choices based on assumptions, which can hinder progress, especially when developing new strains or improving existing ones. We’ll explore the key functions of...
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Ep272 - Improving Your Bloodline: Breeding and Health Care Q&A
Bred to Perfection
Brood Fowl Selection, Breeding Strains, and Health Care. Just in Time for the Holidays Christmas is almost here, and with the holidays upon us, it’s the perfect time to slow down and connect. In this special Christmas Q&A episode, we’re taking an easy day and answering your questions. It’s been a while since we’ve done a Q&A, and we thought the holiday season was the ideal moment to bring it back. Have questions about selecting the right brood fowl? Curious about breeding practices and creating your own strain? Wondering about poultry health care and management? Gather your...
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Ep271 - CLEANING UP THE GENE POOL - Essential Steps to Purify Your Bloodline and Create the Strain You Desire
Bred to Perfection
In this episode, we tackle one of the most critical steps in breeding: cleaning up your gene pool. Many breeders aspire to create strong, healthy strains, but often find themselves working with birds that have multiple faults. Whether you’re thinking of infusing outside blood or relying on random breeding, there’s a crucial cleanup process you must follow before you can start developing the strain you desire. Join us as we explore the essential first steps for purifying your bloodline and creating the perfect strain. What if you already have birds that aren’t ideal or have multiple...
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Ep270 - The Principles of Strain Creation in Animal Breeding
Bred to Perfection
In this episode, we talk about the six foundational principles of strain creation in animal breeding, crucial knowledge for anyone serious about starting or improving a breeding program. Whether you're breeding birds, livestock, or other animals, understanding these principles can help you develop strains that not only represent their breed, but are genetically strong, healthy, and productive. We start by giving a brief recap of the six principles, Consolidation, Maximization, Fixation, Duplication, Stabilization, and Isolation—and explain how they work together to form the backbone of...
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Ep269 - Thanksgiving Special - A Conversations with Kenny Troiano and Brian Reeder
Bred to Perfection
Settle in, loosen that belt, and get ready for a Thanksgiving-sized conversation! In this special holiday episode of Bred to Perfection, Kenny Troiano and Brian Reeder team up once again for an unscripted, open-ended, and always entertaining deep dive into the world of breeding and poultry genetics. If you’re stuffed with turkey and looking for the perfect show to veg out to, this is it. Join us as we “Talk Chickens,” swap insights on breeding practices, explore genetic principles, and answer your questions live in the chat. Who knows how long we’ll go? When Kenny and Brian get...
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Ep268 – Avian Influenza & Biosecurity: What Every Poultry Breeder Must Know
Bred to Perfection
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rodrigo Gallardo, poultry veterinarian from UC Davis, to unpack the critical connection between biosecurity and the prevention of Avian Influenza (AI) — a highly contagious and potentially devastating disease for all chickens and gamefowl breeders and their bloodlines. Whether you're a breeder or raiser, understanding how AI spreads and how to block it at the source is essential. We explore the differences between Low Pathogenic (LPAI) and Highly Pathogenic (HPAI) strains, the role of wild birds in transmission, and the economic and animal welfare...
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Ep267 – An Exhibition Built for Breeders: Inside the 3rd Annual American & Oriental Gamefowl Show
Bred to Perfection
A Conversation with Jim Anderson and Amanda Hughes of the Southern California Poultry Club In this episode of the Bred to Perfection, we sit down with Jim Anderson and Amanda Hughes of the Southern California Poultry Club to spotlight one of the most breeder-focused events in the country—the 3rd Annual American & Oriental Gamefowl Show, happening Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds in Perris, California. This APA- and ABA-sanctioned event is truly a show built for breeders, featuring specialty classes for American Games, Oriental Games, and Seramas—complete with...
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Ep266 – Genetics and Beyond - A Conversation with Brian Reeder
Bred to Perfection
What he’s planning for himself, and the next generation of chickens, and why it matters to you. In this in-depth episode, Kenny Troiano sits down with renowned breeder, author, and genetic enthusiast Brian Reeder for a masterclass in poultry breeding. Brian shares the story behind his lifelong passion, diving into his groundbreaking research on immunogenetics, coloration, and the science that drives strong, resilient flocks. From the realities of culling and maintaining genetic quality to the often-overlooked importance of disease resistance, Brian explains what it really takes to breed with...
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Ep265 -The 15 Rules of Selective Breeding: Building Your Own Bloodline from the Ground Up
Bred to Perfection
Building Superior Bloodlines and Strains In this episode, we talk about the art and science of selective breeding—the true foundation of every great bloodline. Whether you’re breeding chickens, gamefowl, or other poultry, these 15 proven rules will help you to create healthier, stronger, and more consistent birds generation after generation. We’ll break down everything from choosing your Seed Fowl and pairing the right cock to the right hen, to mastering culling, disease resistance, and record-keeping. You’ll learn why breeding for the complete package, health, vigor, type, and...
info_outlineMany breeders operate under the assumption that they’re making informed decisions, yet often they are unaware of the crucial knowledge gaps that can lead to the downfall of their strains. It's essential to recognize that sometimes, the greatest risks come from what we don’t know we should be doing—or avoiding—in our breeding practices.
The journey of improving an established strain is rarely straightforward; it involves navigating a maze of complexities. While some choices may seem innocuous, they can have devastating effects on the integrity of a strain. Poor breeding decisions, neglecting essential practices, or failing to adapt to new information can all jeopardize your efforts and ultimately diminish your strain’s quality.
As breeders, our responsibility extends beyond merely creating a strain; we must strive to develop strains that stand the test of time. This involves not only improving our strains with each generation, but also ensuring their sustainability for the future. A solid foundation of best practices is crucial to achieving this goal.
Today, we’ll talk about the various pitfalls that can lead to the destruction of your current strain or thwart your aspirations of developing a unique one. Understanding these risks is the first step toward making informed, beneficial choices that will foster the longevity and success of your breeding endeavors. Let’s explore how you can protect and enhance your strain for generations to come.
Make sure to follow and watch our future shows. We plan to dive deep into the world of breeding and genetics, nutrition and health management, and provide essential tips, so you too can create high quality strains. Whether you're breeding domestic chickens, gamefowl, or various types of livestock, this show is for you.
Join us on Bred to Perfection Live, Friday’s at 6pm PST or 9pm EST on YouTube, as we discuss the benefits of creating your own strain.
See ya there!
Kenny Troiano
Founder of "The Breeders Academy"
We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl.
If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place.
We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.
If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com