Heritage Breeds List?

[HEChicken]

I am

if there are already a hundred threads on this (although I did do a search and nothing jumped out at me) but with all the posts on heritage breeds lately, I started wondering if there is a list somewhere of all the breeds that are considered to be "heritage" breeds?

 

[JamesA]

This is not a list but a definition.Note some breeds are heritage breeds but the ones you buy from a hatchery are not heritage birds.

Heritage Chicken must adhere to all the following:

1. APA Standard Breed. Heritage Chicken must be from parent and grandparent stock of breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association (APA) prior to the mid-20th century; whose genetic line can be traced back multiple generations; and with traits that meet the APA Standard of Perfection guidelines for the breed. Heritage Chicken must be produced and sired by an APA Standard breed. Heritage eggs must be laid by an APA Standard breed.
2. Naturally mating. Heritage Chicken must be reproduced and genetically maintained through natural mating. Chickens marketed as Heritage must be the result of naturally mating pairs of both grandparent and parent stock.
3. Long, productive outdoor lifespan. Heritage Chicken must have the genetic ability to live a long, vigorous life and thrive in the rigors of pasture-based, outdoor production systems. Breeding hens should be productive for 5-7 years and roosters for 3-5 years.
4. Slow growth rate. Heritage Chicken must have a moderate to slow rate of growth, reaching appropriate market weight for the breed in no less than 16 weeks. This gives the chicken time to develop strong skeletal structure and healthy organs prior to building muscle mass.

Chickens marketed as Heritage must include the variety and breed name on the label.

Terms like “heirloom,” “antique,” “old-fashioned,” and “old timey” imply Heritage and are understood to be synonymous with the definition provided here.

Abbreviated Definition: A Heritage Egg can only be produced by an American Poultry Association Standard breed. A Heritage Chicken is hatched from a heritage egg sired by an American Poultry Association Standard breed established prior to the mid-20th century, is slow growing, naturally mated with a long productive outdoor life.

The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy has over 30 years of experience, knowledge, and understanding of endangered breeds, genetic conservation, and breeder networks.

 

[JamesA]

This is the difference.I hope I do not get in trouble for copy and pasting this but it really does a good job of breaking down the differnce in a heritage breed and a production breed.

Heritage Chicken vs. Industrial Chicken Comparison
Heritage Chicken Industrial Chicken
Heritage Chickens are from parent and grandparent stock of breeds recognized by the American Poultry Association’s American Standard of Perfection. The APA is the oldest agricultural organization in the United States.
Industrial chickens have been derived, over time, from multiple breed crossings.

Heritage Chickens are akin to the open pollinated varieties of heirloom fruits and vegetables that belong to no one and everyone. This is the source of genetic diversity.
Industrial chickens are carefully controlled proprietary genetic lines. Ten large companies produce more than 90 percent of the nation's poultry. This results in the loss of genetic diversity.

Heritage Chickens are naturally mating, producing fertile eggs.
Industrial breeds of chickens are naturally mating, through artificial insemination can also be used. Industrial turkeys are completely reproduced through artificial insemination and it is possible that chickens could end up with the same fate.

Heritage Chicken has a rich chicken flavor and a firm texture without being tough.
The flesh of industrial chickens is very soft and bland. The modern chicken serves primarily as a vehicle for other flavors.

Heritage Chicken is raised outdoors on green pasture. They actively forage for insects. Pasture production is the humane and appropriate way to raise Heritage Chicken.
Industrial chickens are typically raised indoors in confined settings. Their genetic makeup makes living outside on pasture difficult, and in some instances, inhumane.

Heritage Chickens have long, productive lives.Breeding hens will be productive for 5-7 years for hens and roosters for 3-5 years.
Industrial chickens are short lived, with breeding animals generally lasting only one reproductive cycle before being processed.

Heritage Chicken grows at a more natural and normal rate, allowing the bird time to build healthy bodies and giving flavor and texture to the meat.
Industrial chickens have been selected for very fast growth, which has resulted in increased mortalities due to leg, cardiovascular, and respiratory difficulties, and producing softer, blander meat.

A thin intestinal lining, as documented by a study done at North Carolina State University, makes the low feed and rapid growth of the industrial chicken possible. However, it also makes the birds vulnerable to infection and reduces disease resistance.

Heritage chickens take 16 or more weeks to reach market weight. (112 days or more)
Industrial chickens take 7 weeks (48 days) to reach market weight.

“If a [person] grew as fast as a chicken, [he] would weigh 349 pounds at age two.” (University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service)

Heritage Chickens look different. They have longer bodies and longer legs. They have more dark meat (thighs, legs and wings).
Industrial chickens are round and short legged. They have more white breast meat.

Heritage Chicken should be cooked slowly, and generally at a lower temperature. Fast cooking will make the meat dry and tough.
Industrial chicken may be quickly seared with high heat, in addition to being prepared slowly, at low temperatures.