Vol. 9, Issue 5, Part C (2024)

Author(s): Malik Raies Ul Islam, Gazanfer Gani, Ajaz Ahmed Ganie, Saima Paul, Shahid A Shergojri, Ishtiyak A Mir and Raiz A Lone

Abstract: The present observational study aimed to assess the production performance of van raja birds in comparison to Desi (indigenous) chickens, under backyard scavenging system. 120 farming families were provided 15 vanraja birds each Under Front Line Demonstration programme. These selected farmers were also provided hands on training on scientific poultry farming including feeding management, health care, first aid treatment, bio-security, record keeping, data collection and calculation of farm economics. The data collected was analyzed statistically by using standard statistical analysis techniques Vanraja chickens demonstrated significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) growth rates, with an average body weight of 2720 g at 52 weeks compared to 1380 g for Desi birds. Vanraja hens produced more eggs (p ≤ 0.05), with an annual average of 137.15 eggs compared to 76.35 eggs from Desi chickens. The age at sexual maturity was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) for Vanraja than Desi chickens. Vanraja eggs also had greater weight, reaching 58.37 g at 52 weeks, compared to 45.08 g for Desi chickens. Hatchability rates were similar for both breeds, with Vanraja slightly higher compared to Desi. Mortality rates during the early stages were higher for Vanraja chickens. Economically, Vanraja chickens were more profitable, yielding a net income of ₹520 per bird and a benefit-cost (BC) ratio of 1:1.39, compared to ₹330 and a BC ratio of 1:1.06 for Desi chickens. Overall, Vanraja chickens outperformed Desi chickens making them more suitable for commercial poultry production, while Desi chickens remained a viable option for low-input systems.