In the picturesque Tiantai County of Zhejiang Province lies a unique chicken breed known as the all-black-eared chicken, a rare and precious local treasure. He Yujuan, a resident of Xiali Village, has played a pivotal role in preserving and nurturing this breed. Her innovative approach and resourcefulness have been key to its survival and growth. As she puts it, her "smart mind" has been the driving force behind her success.
When He Yujuan began breeding these chickens back in 2008, she faced significant challenges. The breed suffers from what is called the "three lows and one long" phenomenon—low hatching rates, low survival rates, low egg production, and a long breeding cycle, which typically lasts between eight months to a year. Initially, the incubation rate was alarmingly low, with an average hatching success rate of less than 30%. Determined to improve these numbers, He Yujuan embraced a novel technique: steam incubation. By carefully maintaining the incubation temperature at 38°C, she managed to boost the hatching rate to an impressive 70-80%.
Her ingenuity didn't stop there. He Yujuan discovered another secret to enhancing the breed's quality—feeding the chickens mulberry leaves. This simple yet ingenious method significantly increased the taurine and amino acid levels in the chickens' bodies. These nutritional benefits not only make the meat more nutritious but also offer health advantages for humans, particularly in boosting immunity and aiding recovery from conditions like diabetes and postpartum weakness. This discovery led to the creation of a new and highly sought-after product: the Tiantaishan Mulberry Black Chicken.
Thanks to He Yujuan’s efforts, the all-black-eared chicken breed is no longer just a relic of the past. Instead, it has become a thriving part of the local agricultural economy, offering both economic opportunities and nutritional value to those who consume it. Her story is an inspiring example of how innovation and dedication can breathe new life into traditional practices, ensuring their survival for future generations.
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