The CPU Breeding Philosophy: Science meets cultural heritage

 

The CPU breeding system is designed to preserve the "cultural heritage" of native chickens while improving traits essential to commercial success: disease resistance, enhanced meat quality, and uniform growth. 

1. Phenotypic selection and molecular-assisted purification. The Center employs a rigorous selection process to ensure that only the best traits are passed down: 

• Elimination of runts. A strict protocol to ensure that weak or slow-growing birds are eliminated from the breeding pool immediately. Only healthy, round-bodied chickens are retained.  
• Phenotypic matching. Breeders are selected based on distinct characteristics to maintain group purity and market standards. 
• Molecular marker-assisted selection. A process whereby the phenotypically selected stocks are further purified through the biotechnology technique to ensure higher efficiency of selection. 

2. Controlled mating ratio. To maximize fertility and minimize bird stress, the Research Center is practicing a standardized breeding ratio: 

• The 1:7 ratio. The ideal ratio is one rooster for every seven hens.
• Family penning. Breeder stocks are housed in CPU-developed housing measuring 4ft x 8ft. 

3. Optimized reproductive performance. The practices at the CPU Research Center are shifting from natural incubation to artificial incubation and brooding.

• Daily egg collection. This practice prevents the hens from going "broody" (stopping egg production to sit on eggs), which significantly increases the total number of eggs a hen can produce in a year. 
• Lighting program. Breeder houses are equipped with lighting (at least 3-watt LED bulbs per pen) to maintain a 12-hour light cycle. This mimics long-day conditions, which naturally stimulate the hens' reproductive system. 

4. Nutrition for reproduction. Breeder stocks are fed with CPU Native Chicken Breeder Feed, which is scientifically formulated with: 

• Standardized protein, higher calcium. Essential for strong eggshells and the health of breeder stocks. 
• Phytomedicines. Plant extracts are mixed into feed and water to boost immunity, ensuring that the parent stock is robust enough to produce hardy chicks without the constant use of synthetic veterinary drugs. 

5. Genetic conservation. Beyond commercial production, the CPU Research Center for Philippine Native Chicken serves as a "living library" for local genetics. By encouraging the use of regional genetic resources, the Center helps farmers identify traits - such as resistance to viral infections - that are most suitable to local conditions.