Vol. 10, Special Issue 8 (2025)

Author(s): P Vikrama Chakravarthi and B Mohan

Abstract: Rural poultry farming involves rearing of improved chicken varieties under free range, semi intensive or intensive conditions. The annual egg production of native chicken varieties adopted in free- range backyard conditions are in the range of 50-60 eggs only. The total income received from rearing of desibirds is not sufficient for the farmers to raise their livelihood status. At this juncture, to increase the income level of farmers, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Namakkal conducted a On Farm Trail (OFT) on Namakkal Chicken -1, which was developed by Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. One hundred-day old chicks were procured from VCRI, Namakkal poultry farm and after two weeks of brooding they were given to five progressive farmers of Namakkal district. Farmer was rearing birds under semi-intensive system and fed grains, concentrate feed and adlibitum greens. Birds were vaccinated against Newcastle disease and Fowl Pox. The feed intake, egg production and mortality rate were recorded daily and weight gain was recorded once in a week. The weight gain at 16^th week of age was 1734.60 ± 13.78 grams for male birds and 1508.60 ± 6.66 grams for female birds. The egg production was 157 ± 1.14 numbers at 72 weeks of age. The production performance was at par with other crossbred varieties of desibirds. Hence it was concluded that the Namakkal Chicken -1 bird is suitable for crossbred desibird farming in Namakkal district for higher profits.