Mastering Breeding: Genetics, Selection, and the Path to Purity

Welcome to Episode 254 of Bred to Perfection, brought to you by the Maximus Troy Publications Broadcasting Network! Join host Kenny Troiano, founder of The Breeders Academy, alongside Nancy Troiano and Frank Bradley, for a deep dive into the science and strategy of breeding.

Whether you're building a new strain from scratch or working to improve an existing line, this episode delivers everything you need to elevate your breeding program. We explore essential topics including:

• The truth about recessive genes and homozygosity
• The strategic use of inbreeding, line-breeding, and outcrossing
• How epigenetics and the environment influence gene expression
• Breeding tools like the Founder’s Program and subline development
• Managing hybrid vigor and understanding polygenic traits
• Selecting for health, vigor, and disease resistance without over-relying on medication

In a clear, no-nonsense format, the team breaks down complex genetics into actionable steps for breeders at every level. Plus, a listener Q&A tackles real-world challenges—from managing inbreeding depression to ensuring consistency in your bloodlines.

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned breeder refining your strain, this episode will help you build a healthier, more predictable, and genetically sound line of chickens or gamefowl.

Listen now and start breeding with confidence! #BredToPerfection #BreedersAcademy #GamefowlBreeding #GeneticsSimplified #InbreedingExplained #BackyardBreeding 

Welcome to Bred to Perfection with Kenny, Nancy, and Frank – the go-to podcast for serious breeders who want to master the art and science of selective breeding. Hosted by master breeder Kenny Troiano, his wife and co-host Nancy Troiano, and fellow breeder Frank Bradley, this show talks about the principles of genetics, strain development, health management, and everything you need to breed, raise and maintain high-quality chickens and gamefowl.

Each episode offers practical advice, expert interviews, live Q&A sessions, and real-world insight drawn from decades of hands-on experience. Backed by the Breeders Academy, our online learning platform, Bred to Perfection equips breeders of all levels with the knowledge and tools to build strong, sustainable, and productive breeding programs.

New to the show? We're glad you're here! Tune into today’s episode to get a feel for what Bred to Perfection is all about. Whether you're just starting out or refining your own strain, you'll find something valuable in every conversation.

Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTubeJoin Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

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

Breeding isn’t just about producing beautiful birds—it’s a long-term, science-driven commitment that demands grit, knowledge, and emotional resilience. In Episode 253, host Kenny Troiano is joined by Nancy Troiano and Frank Bradley to shine a light on the often-ignored realities of chicken and gamefowl breeding.

This episode takes a no-nonsense look at the hard truths every aspiring breeder must face—from the misunderstood role of inbreeding to the burden of culling. The hosts explore the science behind genetics, the dangers of misinformation, and the critical importance of selection, testing, and long-term planning.

You’ll learn:

• Why inbreeding, when done right, is a cornerstone of building true strains
• How excessive crossbreeding and hybrid vigor myths derail your program
• The importance of understanding monogenic vs. polygenic traits
• Why culling isn’t cruelty, but a breeder’s responsibility
• How overusing medications and supplements can weaken your bloodline
• The hidden influence of mitochondrial DNA and prepotency
• How to spot and manage conformation and structural defects

Plus, the team tackles false authorities, "miracle solutions," and other pitfalls that prey on newcomers.

Whether you're just starting or refining your line, this episode is your wake-up call to the real work behind successful breeding. Forget shortcuts—this is about discipline, science, and dedication.

Key Takeaways:

• Breeding is not for the faint of heart—it’s for those committed to lifelong learning.
• Misconceptions and poor practices are rampant; science and mentorship are your best allies.
• Consistency, not chaos, builds legacy strains.

“Inbreeding doesn’t ruin birds—ignorance does.” – Kenny Troiano

#ChickenBreeding #BreedersAcademy #GeneticsInBreeding #SelectiveBreeding #Gamefowl #PoultryScience #FowlHealth #CullingTruths

Welcome to Bred to Perfection with Kenny, Nancy, and Frank – the go-to podcast for serious breeders who want to master the art and science of selective breeding. Hosted by master breeder Kenny Troiano, his wife and co-host Nancy Troiano, and fellow breeder Frank Bradley, this show talks about the principles of genetics, strain development, health management, and everything you need to breed, raise and maintain high-quality chickens and gamefowl.

Each episode offers practical advice, expert interviews, live Q&A sessions, and real-world insight drawn from decades of hands-on experience. Backed by the Breeders Academy, our online learning platform, Bred to Perfection equips breeders of all levels with the knowledge and tools to build strong, sustainable, and productive breeding programs.

New to the show? We're glad you're here! Tune into today’s episode to get a feel for what Bred to Perfection is all about. Whether you're just starting out or refining your own strain, you'll find something valuable in every conversation.

Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTubeJoin Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

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

Join Kenny Troiano and his co-hosts, Frank Bradley – as they talk about the Breeding and Feeding of our fowl, as well as other issues that affect our fowl. In this episode of Bred to Perfection, we answered questions from the live show. 

This episode is packed with great information, and one you do not want to miss. I know you will enjoy this episode, and learn a lot too.

We specialize in the breeding of gamefowl and chickens, and other breeding related topics. This includes the proper use of breeding programs.

Also, it’s our mission to provide our members a greater understanding of poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of their fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are going to enjoy this show. 

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, advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

To Listen to the show, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

Why Every Breeder Needs to Document Everything

In this episode of Bred to Perfection, we’re going to talk about the crucial role of Record Keeping, in the creation, improvement and maintenance of your strain. Whether you're a veteran breeder or just starting out, you'll discover why meticulous record-keeping isn't just a formality—it's a cornerstone of a thriving breeding program.

Join us as we talk about the significance of keeping detailed records and how they can transform your approach to breeding. Think of it like this: managing a breeding program without proper records is like running a business without bookkeeping—utter chaos. Accurate records are essential for tracking progress, fine-tuning your methods, and pinpointing areas for improvement.

Join us for a discussion on this contentious yet crucial topic.

Welcome to Bred to Perfection with Kenny, Nancy, and Frank – the go-to podcast for serious breeders who want to master the art and science of selective breeding. Hosted by master breeder Kenny Troiano, his wife and co-host Nancy Troiano, and fellow breeder Frank Bradley, this show talks about the principles of genetics, strain development, health management, and everything you need to breed, raise and maintain high-quality chickens and gamefowl.

Each episode offers practical advice, expert interviews, live Q&A sessions, and real-world insight drawn from decades of hands-on experience. Backed by the Breeders Academy, our online learning platform, Bred to Perfection equips breeders of all levels with the knowledge and tools to build strong, sustainable, and productive breeding programs.

New to the show? We're glad you're here! Tune into today’s episode to get a feel for what Bred to Perfection is all about. Whether you're just starting out or refining your own strain, you'll find something valuable in every conversation.

Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTubeJoin Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

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

There are several breeding methods available to breeders for creating a strain. Each method serves a specific function and purpose. Understanding when and how to apply these methods significantly contributes to a breeder's success in establishing a true strain.

However, many breeders are hesitant to practice inbreeding due to concerns about inbreeding depression. Instead, they often resort to outcrossing, believing it to be a universal solution.

In this episode, we explore these breeding methods in depth, examining their respective forms and functions. Today, we challenge you to reconsider traditional breeding practices and their enduring impacts. Continual reliance on outcrossing risks disrupting the gene pool, thereby threatening the preservation of breeds and bloodlines.

Join us for a discussion on this contentious yet crucial topic.

Welcome to Bred to Perfection with Kenny, Nancy, and Frank – the go-to podcast for serious breeders who want to master the art and science of selective breeding. Hosted by master breeder Kenny Troiano, his wife and co-host Nancy Troiano, and fellow breeder Frank Bradley, this show talks about the principles of genetics, strain development, health management, and everything you need to breed, raise and maintain high-quality chickens and gamefowl.

Each episode offers practical advice, expert interviews, live Q&A sessions, and real-world insight drawn from decades of hands-on experience. Backed by the Breeders Academy, our online learning platform, Bred to Perfection equips breeders of all levels with the knowledge and tools to build strong, sustainable, and productive breeding programs.

New to the show? We're glad you're here! Tune into today’s episode to get a feel for what Bred to Perfection is all about. Whether you're just starting out or refining your own strain, you'll find something valuable in every conversation.

Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTubeJoin Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

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

What does it really take to become a successful chicken or gamefowl breeder?

Becoming a successful breeder involves a combination of education, experience, skills, and certain personal attributes. While a formal education isn't always a strict requirement, having a background in evolutionary biology and genetics, as well as knowing how to selectively breed for desired characteristics, can provide a solid foundation for understanding the principles of breeding. For example, understanding the principles of genetics is essential for effective breeding. This includes concepts such as dominant and recessive traits, as well as polygenic traits and expressions of traits due to epigenetics. Breeding and creating a new strain can be a long and challenging process that requires patience and persistence. It often takes many years to develop a successful new strain. In this episode, we will discuss what you will need to do and understand to become a true breeder. This is a show you do not want to miss!

Topics Covered:

• The role of genetics and understanding phenotype vs. genotype
• The critical importance of selection, culling, and breeding with purpose
• Why commitment to a single strain is essential for consistency
• How inbreeding, when done right, reveals and refines genetic potential
• The dangers of peddler marketing and scatter breeding
• Why no bird is perfect—and why that’s okay

This is more than just breeding advice—it's a roadmap for creating a legacy of excellence. If you're ready to approach breeding with clarity, integrity, and long-term vision, this episode is your starting point.

Tune in now and elevate your breeding program to the next level.

Welcome to Bred to Perfection with Kenny, Nancy, and Frank – the go-to podcast for serious breeders who want to master the art and science of selective breeding. Hosted by master breeder Kenny Troiano, his wife and co-host Nancy Troiano, and fellow breeder Frank Bradley, this show talks about the principles of genetics, strain development, health management, and everything you need to breed, raise and maintain high-quality chickens and gamefowl.

Each episode offers practical advice, expert interviews, live Q&A sessions, and real-world insight drawn from decades of hands-on experience. Backed by the Breeders Academy, our online learning platform, Bred to Perfection equips breeders of all levels with the knowledge and tools to build strong, sustainable, and productive breeding programs.

New to the show? We're glad you're here! Tune into today’s episode to get a feel for what Bred to Perfection is all about. Whether you're just starting out or refining your own strain, you'll find something valuable in every conversation.

Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTubeJoin Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

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

The Truth About Different Types Of Breeders

In this episode of Bred to Perfection Live, we will talk about how some believe they are breeders, but don’t know how to breed properly. We will talk about the different types of breeders that exist today, and how they affect the breed as a whole, this includes: Master breeders, Apprentice breeders, And, what we call, the 85 percenters. You can decide which one you are. Furthermore, we will talk about ways of improving the 85 Percentors, and what they should know, and why some will succeed and others will fail. This is a show you do not want to miss!

Welcome to Bred to Perfection with Kenny, Nancy, and Frank – the go-to podcast for serious breeders who want to master the art and science of selective breeding. Hosted by master breeder Kenny Troiano, his wife and co-host Nancy Troiano, and fellow breeder Frank Bradley, this show talks about the principles of genetics, strain development, health management, and everything you need to breed, raise and maintain high-quality chickens and gamefowl.

Each episode offers practical advice, expert interviews, live Q&A sessions, and real-world insight drawn from decades of hands-on experience. Backed by the Breeders Academy, our online learning platform, Bred to Perfection equips breeders of all levels with the knowledge and tools to build strong, sustainable, and productive breeding programs.

New to the show? We're glad you're here! Tune into today’s episode to get a feel for what Bred to Perfection is all about. Whether you're just starting out or refining your own strain, you'll find something valuable in every conversation.

Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTubeJoin Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

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

In this episode we address a belief many breeders share, and that is, “it’s better to introduce new blood rather than to create their own strain.” Listen in as we discuss why adding and infusing new blood is not the answer, and that there is a better way. There are many misconceptions that breeders use to justify this practice, and we address them here. This episode is packed with great information, and one you do not want to miss. 

We specialize in the breeding of gamefowl and chickens, and other breeding related topics. This includes the proper use of breeding programs.

Also, it’s our mission to provide our members a greater understanding of poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of their fowl.

If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are going to enjoy this show. 

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, advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl.

To Listen to the show, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com

A good mentor is like a guiding light, illuminating the path ahead with knowledge and experience. They help their mentees grow, develop and reach their full potential.

On the other hand, a bad mentor usually lacks the proper education and knowledge, which can skew their personal experiences, rendering their advice useless. This leaves the mentee feeling frustrated and lost.

When we compare the two mentors, one tends to provide conflicting advice, which can confuse or even undermine their mentees' confidence. While the other is based on science and common sense. Every step forward should be a validation that they are on the right path.

Welcome to Bred to Perfection with Kenny, Nancy, and Frank – the go-to podcast for serious breeders who want to master the art and science of selective breeding. Hosted by master breeder Kenny Troiano, his wife and co-host Nancy Troiano, and fellow breeder Frank Bradley, this show talks about the principles of genetics, strain development, health management, and everything you need to breed, raise and maintain high-quality chickens and gamefowl.

Each episode offers practical advice, expert interviews, live Q&A sessions, and real-world insight drawn from decades of hands-on experience. Backed by the Breeders Academy, our online learning platform, Bred to Perfection equips breeders of all levels with the knowledge and tools to build strong, sustainable, and productive breeding programs.

New to the show? We're glad you're here! Tune into today’s episode to get a feel for what Bred to Perfection is all about. Whether you're just starting out or refining your own strain, you'll find something valuable in every conversation.

Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTubeJoin Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

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

Welcome to Bred to Perfection with Kenny, Nancy, and Frank – the go-to podcast for serious breeders who want to master the art and science of selective breeding. Hosted by master breeder Kenny Troiano, his wife and co-host Nancy Troiano, and fellow breeder Frank Bradley, this show talks about the principles of genetics, strain development, health management, and everything you need to breed, raise and maintain high-quality chickens and gamefowl.

Each episode offers practical advice, expert interviews, live Q&A sessions, and real-world insight drawn from decades of hands-on experience. Backed by the Breeders Academy, our online learning platform, Bred to Perfection equips breeders of all levels with the knowledge and tools to build strong, sustainable, and productive breeding programs.

New to the show? We're glad you're here! Tune into today’s episode to get a feel for what Bred to Perfection is all about. Whether you're just starting out or refining your own strain, you'll find something valuable in every conversation.

Fridays at 6 PM PST / 9 PM EST on YouTubeJoin Kenny Troiano and guests as they explore advanced breeding techniques, poultry nutrition, health management, and genetic sustainability—all with one goal: helping you create high-quality, long-lasting strains.

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