Potchefstroom Koekoek
| Conservation status | Vulnerable |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Traits | |
| Weight | Male: 4.2 kg |
| Female: 3.6 kg | |
| Skin color | Yellow |
| Egg color | Brown |
| Comb type | Red |
| Classification | |
|
Chicken Gallus gallus domesticus | |
The Potchefstroom Koekoek is a South African breed of chicken[1] developed in the 1960s at the Potchefstroom Agricultural College in the city of Potchefstroom by Chris Marais. It was developed by cross breeding a number of other breeds like Black Australorp,[2] White Leghorn,[2] and Barred Plymouth Rock to obtain specific characteristics of each, making the resulting breed more suitable to Southern African conditions.
The breed was intended as a dual purpose, free ranging chicken with laying capabilities as well as a large structure for meat production. Pure Koekoeks have a black-and-white barred appearance, with the chicks sexable soon after hatching due to distinct sex markings. Potchefstroom Koekoeks maintain good egg production even with poor quality or insufficient feeding.[3]
See also
References
- ↑ "SOUTH AFRICAN COUNTRY REPORT ON FARM ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES" (PDF). Department of Agriculture (South Africa). July 2006. p. 19. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
- 1 2 "Potchefstroom Koekoek". Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (South Africa). Retrieved 23 June 2011.
- ↑ "The indigenous poultry breeds of SA". Agricultural Research Council (South Africa). Retrieved 23 June 2011.