Potchefstroom Koekoek
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.
| Conservation status | Vulnerable |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Traits | |
| Weight |
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| Skin color | Yellow |
| Egg color | Brown |
| Comb type | Red |
| Classification | |
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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]
References
- "SOUTH AFRICAN COUNTRY REPORT ON FARM ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES" (PDF). Department of Agriculture (South Africa). July 2006. p. 19. Retrieved 23 June 2011.
- "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). Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 23 June 2011.