Backyard poultry are primarily reared for egg and meat production in rural areas of the country and can be advantageously promoted in rural areas. Grama Priya, Vanarajaand Srinidhi, a dual-purpose chicken breed developed by the Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad (Telangana) promoted by KVK by adopting specific breeding strategies to make them available to rural farming community. These birds have potential to produce more eggs and meat than desi chicken.
Promising Features of Improved Breeds
Vanaraja (Male& Female)
>> Alternative multi coloured plumage
>> High general immune competence
>> Low cost of production
>> Perform on low plane of nutrition
>> Grow faster and produce more eggs than desi chicken
>> Produce brown eggs like desi birds
Gramapriya
>> Attractive feather pattern
>> Moderate in body weight
>> More egg production than desi hen
>> Low predator threat
>> Produce brown shell eggs
Srinidhi
>> Longer shanks
>> High general immune competence
>> Perform on low plane of nutrition
>> Grow faster than desi chicken
>> produce more eggs which are brown in colour
Nursery Management:
Brooding is essential for the improved breeds i.e.,Srinidhi,Vanaraja, Gramapriya etc. From hatchery to up to six weeks of age depending on the season to provide the required temperature, feed and protection from predators.
Brooders: spread the clean litter material (Groundnut husk/Paddy husk) of 2-3 inches thickness uniformly. Spread the newspaper on the litter. Arrange the feeder and drinkers alternatively
Feed: Complete balanced feed containing all essential nutrients should be given while rearing the birds under nursery management.
Health care: through improved breed has better immune competence, they need protection against the Ranikhet disease and fowl pox.
Vaccination Schedule
Age | Name of the vaccine | Strain | Dose | Route |
In the Hatchery | ||||
1st Day | Markers disease | HVT | 0.20 ml | Sc Injection |
In the Nursery | ||||
5th Day | Ranikhet Disease | Lasota | One drop | Eye |
14th Day | Infectious Bursal disease | Georgia | One drop | Oral |
21st Day | Pox | Fowl pox | 0.20 ml | Sc Injection |
28th Day | Ranikhet Disease | Lasota | One drop | Eye |
In the field | ||||
9th Week | Ranikhet Disease | R2B | 0.50 ml | Sc injection |
12th Week | Pox | Fowl pox | 0.20 ml | Sc Injection |
Performance of Improved Poultry Birds:
Economic trait | On farm | Field |
Body Weight | ||
6th week | 600-700 g | 450-500 g |
20thWeek(Restricted feeding in farm) | 1.9-2.1 kg | 1.7 -2.0 kg |
40th Week | 2.3-2.5 kg | 2.2 -2.3 kg |
Age at First Egg | 150th Day | 170th Day |
Annual Egg production | 220 no. | 110 no. |
Survivability(%)Up to 6th Week | 98% | 94% |
Brooding activity carried out in KVK for 1day chicks
Small scale backyard poultry unit at KVK
