The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1929-10-24
COUNTY AGENTS COLUMN.
]. H. CARTER,
Resident County Agent,
Oakland, Nd.
Poultry Certification Grows

Often we see some terms or phrases
used which are meaningless to US as
far as Interpretation of the term or
phrase is concerned. However, when
we find out the true meaning we be-
come much more interested and the
term or phrase will become valuable
to US in our vocation.
The poultry industry is growing and
poultry certifcation has become just
as important in the poultry business
as the registration of purebred ami
mails in livestock.
As in former years the certifca-
ton of poultry breeding focks in
Maryland is experiencing a healthy
growth. Paul A. Raper, certification
inspector, is very busily engaged in
inspection work in the State. Caro-
line county alone is expected to have
at least fifteen thousand certified
birds or more than the total number
in the whole State last year. A large
percentage of the breeders are also
having their focks tested for Pull
lorum Disease (bacillary white diar-
rhea).
Many of the Maryland breeders and
hatcherymen will be able to offer an
even higher grade Of eggs, chicks and
stock than ever before and more of it
during the coming season.
Some late applications are still
coming in, but it will be late in the
season before some of these appli-
cants can have the work done for
them.
Certifcation, as the term applies to
poultry, means the identification or
selection and approval Of certain
birds or fiocks as being superior and
especially desirable for breeding.
This, in Maryland, involves rigid eX-
animation of each bird for both breed
standard and productive qualities, and
banding and recording of birds meet
ing the requirements with Maryland
Certified Bands.
This, also involves the inspection
of houses, yards and premises, as well
as management practices; all of
which have a direct bearing on the
quality and condition of the f1ocks.
Inspection to enforce regulations may
be made at any time.
Qualifications for CertifcatiOn
/. The members.-All applicants
must be members of the Maryland
State Poultry Association and be ap-
proved by the Directors, as to the
poultry experience and ability of the
applicant; his character, responsibility
and business integrity.
2. General Excellence of Stock in
Constitutional Vigor and Both Stan
dard and Production Breeding.-This
is interpreted to mean that breeding
birds shall evidence a high degree and
variety in size, type and color; and in
addition, show productive capacity.
Particular superiority is left for each
breeder to prove for himself, exhibit
ton quality in show room, or egg
production in the trap nest or laying
I contest.
s. Plant Sanitation and Manage
ment Conducive to Health and Free
dom from Disease.-The health of the
stock upon inspection is the ultimate
basis of judgment as to adequate san
itary practices and effective hus-
bandry. The houses, yards, premises,
and equipment, as well as the stock,
must meet the inspectors approval.
Cost of CertificatiOn
The fees charged must be sufficient
to cover costs of the work. The costs
are: two cents per bird for each bird
handled, and five cents additional for
each bird which meets the require
ments and is banded and recorded.
The cost of eliminating culls may be
expensive, but it eliminates the par
ents of "drone chicks" that must be
added to the cost of cheap chicks.
Bonded Hatcheries
1. Bonded Hatcheries, first class,
are those hatcheries which incubate
on their premises only eggs produced
by officially certified birds.
2. Bonded hatcheries, second class,
are those hatcheries which incubate
and offer for sale eggs and chicks
from certified focks in addition to
other grades.
Blood Testing for Bacillary White
Diarrhea
Bacillary White Diarrhea causes
enormous losses in baby chicks. This
disease is transmitted from the infect
ed hen through the egg to the chick
and also from chick to chick. There
is no known cure for the malady.
The only methods available then for
preventing the heavy losses from this
disease are those of prevention. These
methods consist of sanitation, rigid
culling and the use of breeding stock
free from the infection.