Exploring the Evolution of Cornish Chickens
Cornish Indian Game chickens have significantly influenced both cockfighting and the poultry industry through their unique genetic makeup and history. Originally intended to create a superior fighting breed through the combination of Asil and Lord Derby’s Black Breasted Red Game, the outcome instead pivoted towards a breed that became a cornerstone of the broiler industry.
Historical Insight into Cornish Indian Games
The journey of the Cornish Indian Game began around 1820 in England when Sir Walter Gilbert experimented by crossing a Black Breasted Red Game with a Red Asil. While the intention was to enhance cockfighting capabilities, the result was a breed that diverged significantly from its gamefowl origins, creating a distinct and new type of chicken.
Initially known as the Indian Game, the breed underwent several name changes in America, from Indian Game to Cornish Indian Game in 1905, and finally to just Cornish in 1910. This was to alleviate confusion about its gamefowl status and its non-Indian origins. In regions like Australia, the United Kingdom, and Europe, it still retains the name Indian Game.
Defining Characteristics of Cornish Chickens
Cornish chickens are distinguished by several key physical traits:
The Role of Cornish Chickens in the Poultry Industry
Today, the Cornish Indian Game is celebrated not for its fighting prowess but for its contribution to the poultry industry. It excels in two main areas:
- Cornish Game Hen: Young Cornish birds are harvested early for their tender, tasty meat, typically weighing around one pound.
- Cornish Rock Broiler: This is a hybrid between Cornish and White Plymouth Rock chickens, forming the backbone of America’s broiler chicken supply, renowned for their rapid growth and substantial meat yield.
Why Cornish Chickens Aren’t Suited for Cockfighting
Cornish Indian Games, despite their impressive size and stature, are often considered unsuitable for the rigors of the cockfighting arena. These birds, a cross between the Cornish and the Indian Game breeds, inherit the heavy body and gentle temperament of the Cornish, making them ill-equipped for the intense and aggressive nature of cockfights.
Their large size, while impressive to look at, can be a disadvantage in the cockpit. Cornish Indian Games may struggle to move quickly and effectively, hampered by their weight and bulk. This can make them easy targets for more agile and nimble opponents, putting them at a significant disadvantage in a fight.
Additionally, their docile nature works against them in a fighting scenario. Unlike breeds known for their aggressiveness and fighting spirit, Cornish Indian Games are more likely to retreat or submit in a confrontation, lacking the fierce determination and tenacity required to succeed in the cockpit.
Future of Cornish Chickens in Breeding
The optimal use of Cornish breeds lies not in fighting but in enhancing the poultry industry. Filipino breeders are encouraged to leverage this breed to strengthen the Philippine agricultural sector, potentially developing new broiler breeds or enhancing existing ones.
Conclusion
Originally bred with the ambition of dominating the cockfighting world, the Cornish chicken has instead become a pivotal breed in meat production. For breeders looking to contribute positively to agriculture, focusing on these birds for meat production is advisable. If you’re interested in exploring more about unique breeds or even placing bets on cockfighting, PH Sabong offers a platform for betting on online sabong. Join us at PH Sabong and experience the excitement of sabong betting from the comfort of your home.
