Fowlertype

Fowlertype is a term used in poultry science and breeding to describe a conceptual classification of domestic fowl based on morphological and behavioral traits intended for selection in breeding programs. It serves as a framework for organizing birds by production goals and physical characteristics rather than as a formal, universal taxonomy.

It is not a standardized system shared worldwide; instead, it is used variably by breeders and extension services to group birds by objectives such as meat production, egg production, or ornamental display. The typology considers factors including body size and build, leg conformation, feathering and plumage patterns, comb type, and temperament, as well as production traits like growth rate, feed efficiency, and egg yield.

Common categories include meat-type (broiler-type) birds with rapid growth and heavier frames; egg-type (layer-type) birds with efficient egg production and leaner bodies; dual-purpose types designed for a balance of meat and egg production; ornamental or show types with distinctive plumage and conformation; and bantams, smaller versions used for exhibitions and small-scale farming. Some classifications also acknowledge functional or hardy types selected for foraging ability and environmental resilience.

In breeding practice, fowlertype guides selection decisions, housing and management plans, and market positioning. It facilitates comparison across strains and within breeds, but critics caution that rigid fowlertype schemes can obscure genetic diversity and welfare considerations, and that many birds exhibit intermediate traits rather than fitting neatly into discrete categories. Usage varies by region and evolves with changing breeding goals.

See also poultry breeding, chicken breeds, broiler, layer, dual-purpose chicken, bantam, ornamental fowl.