The Relation between Heredity, Sexual Activity and Training to Dominance- Subordination in Game Cocks

Abstract

Common domestic fowl display less courage, aggressiveness, and shiftiness than, do gamecocks, and these attributes seem to be inherited. Other observations suggest that the methods of attack employed by different vars. of gamecocks may also be inherited. Dominance can be stimulated by training the gamecock or by isolation and sexual activity. Since training seems to increase aggressiveness and stamina, these factors may be closely correlated with dominance. Dominant gamecocks, each with a flock of hens and a wide foraging range, seldom engaged in unprovoked fighting. Social organization in gamecocks is compared with that in grouse.