Body Form in Growing Chickens.II. Growth of Cornish Bantams

Abstract THE Cornish Bantam has possibilities of being suitable for economical market poultry production. Standard weights (American Poultry Association, 1938) for males and females under one year of age are 30 and 24 ounces, respectively. At the present time only a few of the smallest Dark Cornish Bantams approach these standard weights. By four months after hatching the majority of the cockerels reach two pounds live body weight and the pullets about 1½. pounds. At these sizes the body is much plumper and better proportioned than that of the common breeds. Assuming that changes in the proportions of fat and muscle to bone occur at approximately the same ages, the Cornish Bantam should have a higher percentage of flesh and fat at the 1½ to 2-pound sizes than larger-bodied breeds at the same size. This resultant dressed carcass, then, would have a better market finish and be worth a higher price . . .