American Standard of Perfection

American Standard of Perfection

The American Standard of Perfection is a comprehensive guidebook for the breeding and exhibition of purebred poultry in the United States. It serves as the official reference for breed standards and is widely used by poultry enthusiasts, breeders, and judges to evaluate and compare different breeds and varieties of chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys.

History

The American Standard of Perfection was first published in 1874 by the American Poultry Association (APA), a national organization dedicated to the advancement of poultry breeding and exhibition. The book was initially created to establish a uniform standard for judging and classifying poultry at exhibitions and fairs across the country.

Over the years, the American Standard of Perfection has undergone several revisions and updates to reflect changes in breed characteristics and to incorporate new breeds and varieties. The most recent edition, as of 2021, is the 2010 edition, which includes detailed descriptions and illustrations of over 500 recognized breeds and varieties.

Content

The American Standard of Perfection provides detailed descriptions of each recognized breed and variety of poultry, including information on their physical characteristics, color patterns, comb types, feather quality, and other defining traits. It also includes guidelines for evaluating and judging poultry based on these standards.

The book is organized into sections for different types of poultry, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Each section is further divided into breed categories, with individual breed descriptions listed alphabetically. The descriptions are accompanied by illustrations and photographs to aid in visual identification.

Importance

The American Standard of Perfection plays a crucial role in maintaining breed standards and preserving the genetic integrity of purebred poultry. It ensures that breeders and exhibitors have a common reference point for evaluating and selecting breeding stock, as well as for showcasing their birds at exhibitions and competitions.

By adhering to the standards outlined in the American Standard of Perfection, breeders can work towards improving breed characteristics and maintaining breed purity. The book also serves as a valuable educational resource for newcomers to the poultry hobby, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the different breeds and their specific traits.

See Also

• American Poultry Association
• Poultry farming
• Breed standard