Poultry Breeds : Aseel

The Aseel is not bred in U.S. and is of interest only in a historical way. The Aseel was the forbear of the Cornish. The Cornish is not only extensively bred by fanciers , but has exerted a big influence on a number of newer breeds, such as Chanticleers, Buckeyes, Partridge Rocks, etc. It is the old dash of Oriental Game blood, which has been so often injected in the past, either derived from the Malay or the Cornish, and both of these breeds trace directly to the older Aseel, one of the purest pure-breds in the world.

Anyone familiar with the modern exhibition Cornish, short in leg, very broad in chest and shoulders, hard feathered, with narrow stern, has seen a replica of the Aseel. For a long time, Cornish were classified as "Orientals," but because of their English origin, have of recent years, been listed as members of the English class. However, the Aseel type of Cornish has become so common and so popular among fanciers, that the breed is virtually an "Oriental." the breed is probably the oldest in existence today.

 The Aseel is bred in various colors of plumage, including Black, White, Duckwing, Red Spangled, Pyle, etc. It has yellow or white skin, small head appendages with pea shaped comb; The females lay eggs with tinted shells, and are sitters. The birds have small intestinal tubes, are plump and firm int the head, and short, hard feathered. In fact, an Aseel with long, soft feather, or one that isn't hard muscled and "as heavy as lead," is not typical and of no special value.

 The Aseel has broad, prominent shoulders, wide hips; narrow stern, but "thick and strong in hand at root of tail," this latter being a great indication of strength; full, broad, heavily fleshed breast; thick and muscular thighs. The breed should have moderately low carriage, not too "gamey" in general appearance, and powerful limbs. The small pea comb and practically no wattles are desirable points, as they give practically no opportunity for tearing to the enemy and preclude the necessity for dubbing. Desired weights are about 6 lbs. for cock and 5 lbs for hen. Aseels are being bred principally by British fanciers.

Reference:

Platt, Frank L. 1925. All Breeds of Poultry, Origin: History: Description, Mating and Characteristics. American Poultry Journal. Chicago.

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