Core Insights - The article highlights the remarkable recovery and growth of the Qingyuan chicken industry, which has achieved a comprehensive output value of 11.196 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 26.3% year-on-year increase and entering the "billion club" of China's geographical indication agricultural products [1][2]. Group 1: Historical Context and Recovery - Qingyuan chicken, known as "Lingnan's first chicken," faced near extinction in the 1990s due to disorganized production and poor breeding practices [1]. - The turnaround began in 2005 when Zhang Zhengfen, an animal nutritionist, took over the national-level breeding farm and implemented scientific breeding techniques, significantly improving the survival rate of purebred Qingyuan chickens to 96%-99% [1][3]. Group 2: Breeding and Genetic Purity - The breeding program at Tian Nong Group employs advanced genetic selection methods, including whole-genome scanning to identify purebred traits and a dual verification system combining phenotypic and molecular data [3][4]. - The company has successfully eliminated many hereditary diseases, raising the survival rate of Qingyuan chickens and increasing their annual egg production from 50-60 eggs to approximately 150 eggs per chicken [5][6]. Group 3: Technological Advancements in Farming - Tian Nong Group utilizes rigorous biosecurity measures and advanced environmental control systems in their breeding and hatching facilities to ensure the health and productivity of the chickens [7][8]. - The company conducts regular health checks and nutritional assessments, ensuring that each chicken receives the appropriate diet and care throughout its growth cycle [8][9]. Group 4: Economic Impact - The revival of Qingyuan chicken farming has created job opportunities for 80,000 people and increased income for 10,000 farming households, transforming the industry into a significant contributor to local economic prosperity [2][6]. - The breeding farm has expanded its stock from over 3,000 original breeding chickens to 50,000, providing substantial quantities of breeding stock to support the industry's growth [6].