I read that a few years back, and it resonated with me then. That probably illustrates my interest and position as well any. I am most interested in seeing these breeds put back to work.
I question how practical the notion really is, but I would like to see an alternative to the status quo.
Call it nostalgia, or whatever, but I am most interested in using Standardized pure breeds. I am interested in non standard breed as well, but I do tend to think we should take care of what we have.
I will use the Minorca for example. I do not think there is any good old time Rose Combed White Minorca out there. They were common at one time. It would be nice to see a good looking flock on quality pasture doing what they were bred to do. No, they aren't as efficient as the Leghorns, but they were famous for their extra large eggs.
The article mentioned the oldest breeds, and how they were replaced by our more modern Standard breeds. They did get replaced by more productive breeds, that were developed in a time when we had a surplus of grain.
The oldest breeds might be less productive, but they could be potentially be more productive under a more rugged setting. Many of the oldest breeds were better suited for a low input management style. How we kept poultry changed with the times also. Are they genetically capable of such now? That would be debatable because we have not kept them like for a long time.
One thing I have wondered about is with all of the interest in being more sustainable or preparing for harder times (prepping), all of the interest is in the highest input breeds. I have wondered about this. The most "sustainable" breeds, are the ones no one is interested in.