AICRP on Poultry Breeding

(Rural Poultry)

Annual Report, 2019-20

CO-OPERATING CENTRE

Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding

DGCN COVAS, CSKHPKV Palampur -176062 (H.P)

AICRP ON POULTRY BREEDING (RURAL POULTRY UNIT, PALAMPUR)

ANNUAL REPORT, 2019-20 (April, 2019 to March, 2020)

Project Particulars (at glance):

1. Project Title All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry

Breeding : Rural poultry Unit, CSKHPKV, Palampur-176062 (HP)

2. Sanction No. F No. 1-9/PS/PA/PDP

3. Date of start 23.03.2009

4. Period under report April, 2019 to March, 2020

5. Institute CSK, Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (HP)

6. Cooperating Centre Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding,

College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences,

CSKHPKV, Palampur-176062 (H.P.)

7. Location CSKHPKV, Palampur

8. P.I. Dr Y.P Thakur, Professor (AGB)& Head

9. CO- PI’s Dr.Varun Sankhyan, Asstt. Prof

10. Revised Budget Allocation

for FY 2019-20

Rs 89.82 Lakhs (75% ICAR share = 67.35 Lakhs;

25% State share = 22.47Lakhs )

11. Total Budget for XII Plan

(As per approved EFC)

Rs 346.88 Lakhs ( 75% ICAR share = 260.16 Lakhs;

25% State share = 86.72 Lakhs )

Performa for Annual Report for Rural Poultry Centers:

Section “A”-General

1. Name of the Centre: CSK, Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya

Palampur

2. Name of the Project AICRP on Poultry Breeding

3. Strains/ stocks maintained DR parents, Native (G7 layers& G8 Growers),

DR X N Cross and Himsamridhi (DND)

4. Date of commencement of project 23.3.2009.

5. Period of report 01.04.2019 to 31.03.2020

6. Budget (RE) estimates for FY 2019-20 Rs 89.82 Lakhs (75% ICAR share = 67.35

Lakhs; 25% State share = 22.47 Lakhs)

Revised Budget Estimates of AICRP on Poultry Breeding, Palampur (In Lac Rs --)

Grant

–in-aid

Salary

Grant –in-aid; General Grant –in-aid; Capital Total 75%

ICAR

share

25%

state

share

TA RC TSP SCSP Works Equip. Livestock SCSP

42.67 1.36 21.33 13.33 2.67 5.33 1.0 0.80 1.33 89.82 67.35 22.47

7. Expenditure details (Tentative):

S. N. Head Allocation ( ) Expenditure ( )

1 Establishment charges (Pay and allowances) 42,67,000 47,18,184

2 TA ( Domestic) 1,36,000 1,30,962

3 TSP 13,33,000 13,32,811

4 Research &Operational ( Recurring contingency) 21,33,000 21,32,950

5 SCSP 2,67,000 2,63,616

6 Equipment 1,00,000 99,990

7 Livestock 80,000 80,000

8 Works 5,33,000 5,33,000

9 SCSP 1,33,000 1,32,120

Total 89,82,000 94,23,633

8. Revenue Receipts: Rs. 15, 61,770.00 only (66.03% of Feed cost of Rs 23.64 Lakhs)

9. Staff position:

Name Designation Pay Scale/Remarks

Dr Y P Thakur Professor Deployed Pay scale: 37400-67000

Dr. Varun Sankhyan Assistant Professor Deployed Pay scale: 15600-39100

Sh Vijay Kumar Clerk Deployed Pay scale : 5910-20200

10. Publication :

Research articles: 1 (Accepted)

Dinesh, Krishanender; Sankhyan Varun; Thakur Y P; Kumar Rajesh and Bhardwaj N

Gurdeep (2020). Estimation of Phenotypic Trend in Performance Traits of Dahlem Red

Chicken under intensive management in Himachal Pradesh. Journal of Animal

Research.

Abstracts: 1

Thesis : Nil

Others : 1

Compendium “Rural Backyard Poultry Farming: A tool for supplementary income

and nutritional security in hilly areas” for Model Training Course organized at

Palampur center sponsored by Deptt. of Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and

Farmers welfare, GOI

11. Any other relevant information:

Conducted 3-days training programme “Capacity building of tribal farmers for Rural

Poultry Farming” at KVK, Lari (L&S) from 26 Sep to 28 Sep 2019.

Conducted eight days (17th Dec-24th Dec, 2019) Model training course on “Rural

Backyard Poultry Farming: A tool for supplementary income and nutritional security

in hilly areas”. The training programme was sponsored by Deptt. of Extension,

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers welfare

240 contact hrs training on job role "Small Poultry Farmer” sponsored by Agricultural

Skill Council of India (ASCI) was organized in collaboration with Deptt. of Veterinary

& Animal Husbandry Extension Education (November 25-December 24, 2019

12. Infrastructure development:

Work Status

a. Construction of feed store at poultry farm Completed

b. Construction of additional layer house Process initiated

c. Construction of Poultry farm lab Submitted estimate

13. Collection of Native germplasm: No new collection of native germplasm was made during this

year. Selection was done in existing native germplasm and G7 native stock produced from G6 stock

and G7 native stock breeders/birds were evaluated for production performance during the year.

Section “B”: Technical

7. Objectives: Evaluation of local fowl germplasm and production of crosses suited to local climate.

8. Technical programme:

Preliminary surveys of local rural areas to know people’s preference for type of poultry stock

On the basis of surveys, the type of chicken stocks will be developed by the centre

Breeding plan for production of egg type chicken stock

Improved egg type stock; RIR/ DR (♂) X Local Native (♀)

Production of F1 (50% improved germplasm + 50% Native germplasm)

Evaluation of F1

F1 (♂) X DR (♀)

F2 (Terminal crosses; 75% DR + 25% Local Native) Evaluation under farm and field conditions

Propagation of (DR XN) X DR (F2 )/DND chicks to farmers

9. Technical programme carried out during the period:

Evaluation of pure lines (DR and Native).

Crossing of Dahlem Red X Native and production of Himsamridhi (DND) crosses, their

performance evaluation at farm and field level and distribution of cross chicks to poultry farmers.

Establishment of poultry units in tribal areas under TSP by extending input support (developed

strain, feed, medicine and equipment) to associated tribal poultry farmers for promotion of backyard

poultry production in tribal areas.

Selection and culling in different stocks to produce subsequent improved generation.

10. Work done during the year 2019-20:

A. Stock position:

The opening stock position was 2120 birds comprising 327 adult male (67 DR, 70 Native and 137

DR X N), 1639 adult females (1078 DR, 281 G5 and G6 Native, 152 DR X N and 128 Himsamridhi

); 154 Native growers and the closing stock position on 31.4.2020 was 3304 birds comprising 229

adult male (47 DR, 97 G7 Native and 85 DR X N), 1037 adult females (623 DR, 230 G6 and G7

Native, 118 (DR X N) and 66 Himsamridhi/DND); 378 growers (95 DR, 159 DR X N and 124

Himsamridhi) and 1184 chicks. Detailed stock position is tabulated in Table:1

1264 layer birds (580 DR parents, 390 Native (G7), 160 DN and 134 Himsamridhi/DND) were

evaluated for farm performance up to different stages during the year (Table 2).

186 layer Native parents (G6), from previous year (2018-19) completed their evaluation up to 72

weeks during this year.

74310 chicks of different stocks (17136 DR, 14266 Native, 37312 Himsamridhi/DND, 4112 DR

(DRX N) and 1484 (DR (DRXN) were hatched during 2019-20 Table: 6).

68597 chicks/growers of different stocks (13936 DR, 13149 Native, 36501 Himsamridhi/DND,

1484 DR (DRX N) and 3527 DR X N) were supplied to 694 poultry farm units (Table: 6).

B. Performance evaluation of different stocks:

(a) Evaluation of Pure line stock: 1306 Dahlem Red (DR) parents and 680 Native (G7) birds are under

evaluation for various growth and production traits (Table: 3). the salient performance parameters

are as follows:

The AFE in DR stock was 148 days while the age at 50% HHEP was 164 days. The HHEP up

to 40 weeks was 74.90 eggs / bird while corresponding HDEP was 86.88 eggs / bird

respectively. The egg weight at 28 and 40 weeks of age was 49.67±0.34 gm and 52.40±0.26gm

respectively (Table: 3).

In Native G7 birds; the AFE was 156 days and the age at 50% HHEP was 182 days. The HHEP

up to 40 weeks was 48.55 eggs / bird while corresponding HDEP was 50.12 eggs / bird

respectively. The egg weight at 28 and 40 weeks of age was 42.50±0.10 gm and 46.15±0.16gm

respectively (Table: 3).

Heritability estimate in native population (G6) from sire component for body weight at 8 week,

12 week and 20 week was 0.12±0.04, 0.22±0.08 and 0.16±0.05 respectively. (Table 9)

(b) Evaluation of different crosses:

Himsamridhi and DRXN crosses were produced and evaluated for growth and production traits at

farm level (Table 4) as well as under field conditions (Table 5). The results are summarized as

follows:

Farm evaluation of crosses:

The AFE in DR X N stock was 152 days and age at 50% HHEP was 178 days. The HHEP up to

40 and 52 weeks of age was 62.87 and 109.48 eggs/ hen respectively. The corresponding HDEP

up to 40 and 52 weeks of age were 65.33 and 115.65 eggs/ hen. The egg weight at 28, 40 and 52

weeks of age was 48.10±0.10 gm, 50.85±0.15 gm and 53.40±0.24 gm respectively (Table 3).

The AFE in Himsamridhi was 145 days, while age at 50% HHEP was 162 days. The egg weight

at 28 weeks of age was 49.26±0.17 gm.

Evaluation at Field (Farmer’s Flock):

Performance evaluation of developed location specific variety “Himsamridhi” was carried

under field condition covering different agro climatic region of the state. Body weights at 4 and

8 weeks of age were 225±2.18 and 478±5.25 gm respectively. The AFE was 178 days whereas

age at 50% HHEP was 210 days. The performance evaluation till 72 weeks of age is in progress.

C. Fertility and hatchability:

A 74310 chicks of different stocks (17136 DR, 14266 Native, 37312 Himsamridhi/DND, 4112

DR (DRX N) and 1484 (DR (DRXN) were hatched during 2019-20 Table: 6).

The overall fertility during the year was 86.26 % but varied among different stocks ranging from

84.41%for DR (DRX N)to 89.06% for DR XN birds ( Table : 5).

The overall hatchability was 66.77 % and 77.40% on TES and FES basis respectively. It varied

from a high of 73.14% on TES and 82.12% on FES basis in Native birds to a low of 64.13%

and 73.24% on TES and FES basis in Dahlem Red.

D. Chick production and distribution:

74310 chicks of different stocks (17136 DR, 14266 Native, 37312 Himsamridhi/DND, 4112

DR (DRX N) and 1484 (DR (DRXN) were hatched. Out of these, • 68597 chicks/growers of

different stocks (13936 DR, 13149 Native, 36501 Himsamridhi/DND, 1484 DR (DRX N) and

3527 DR X N) were supplied to 694 poultry farm units (Kangra, Mandi, Chamba, Kinnaur and

Lahaul & Spiti districts of the state (Table: 7).

The distribution of chicks among different categories of farmers showed maximum (147units;

27836 chicks) units among tribal farmers followed by General category (411 units; 20550

chicks). The chicks were also supplied to Rural Technology and Development Center (RTDC,

Voluntary Action Groups) Palampur under their rural development programme and Krishi

Vigyan Kendra, Kangra of HPKV, Palampur for demonstration unit.

E. Mortality Incidence causes and control measures:

The overall farm mortality (Table: 9) was 3.51 for chicks (0-6 weeks), 10.94 for grower (7- 20

weeks of age) and 3.56 % for adult (21-40 weeks of age).

Among different stocks, the incidence of chick mortality (0-6 weeks) was 3.56 % for DR

parents, 3.34 % for Native, 4.70 % for DR X N cross and 2.68 % for Himsamridhi/DND. The

mortality incidence in growers (7-20 weeks) was 11.36% for DR parents, 7.23% for Native,

3.08% for DR X N crosses and 12.28% for Himsamridhi/DND. The adult mortality between

21-40 weeks was 3.66% for DR parents, 3.61% for Native and 1.91% for DR X N cross

Among different causes of mortality in chicks, Omphalitis, Enteritis, Chilling stress were the

main causes along with non-specific causes like huddling, rodent mortality and non diagnostic

causes. In growers, Coccidiosis, Vent picking/cannibalism, Enteritis, Endoparasitic infestation

(Ascariasis), Oedema, Internal haemorrhages and injuries were main causes along with non-

specific lesions. In adult birds, Vent –picking/ cannibalism, Egg retention/ Egg peritonitis,

Colibacillosis, Enteritis, Endoparasitic infestation (Ascariasis), external injuries along with

non-specific lesion and undiagnosed causes (Annexure V).

The remedial measures adopted to control mortality included routine sanitation & hygienic

measures, disinfection, optimum management including feeding, timely vaccination against

prevalent viral diseases, judicious medication, nutritional supplements (Calcium (grit),

Kampro-H, Vimeral, Brotone) as per requirements, regular deworming against endoparasites

including drugs like Albomar, Piperazine, coccidiostat (Coccinil, Amprolium) and antibiotics

administration (Vendox, Lexin, Doxycycline etc.)

F. Work carried on under the TSP component:

During this year, 411 units with 20550 hicks were established in 77 villages of district Lahaul &

Spiti, Kinnaur, Chamba, and Kangra (Table: 8). 20550 chicks were supplied free of cost to all

units along with starter feed of 50 kg/unit, feeder, drinkers and medicines (Lexin, Albomar,

vimeral, Broton, Coccinil etc.).

Monitoring/performance recording of established units were also carried along with feedback

from tribal farmers. Survey was also done in tribal areas to identify more poultry farmers for

establishment of poultry units in coming year.

11. Management practices: Standard management practices were followed in housing, feeding,

watering, disease control, vaccination and lighting management for different types of stocks / breeds

under recommended norms for different categories of birds. The birds were reared on deep litter

providing adequate space/bird. Crumbled feed of standard make was offered to all categories of

birds (Chicks, Grower and layer birds). Routine health control measures were practiced at the farm

at all times. The post mortem examination of each dead bird was got done from Pathology

Department of the college to arrive at definite diagnosis and plan future treatment line.

12. Progress since inception:

Since 2009, when the project was started, the following activities related to infrastructure

development, strengthening of facilities and procurement, multiplication and propagation of poultry

germplasm were undertaken under the project:

Surveys to identify farmer’s preference for type of stock desired for backyard poultry

production in local areas was completed. The farmer’s choice was for a dual purpose coloured

bird.

Construction of Poultry hatchery (by modification of existing building in the department) and

an additional new building for providing 28 mating pens for planned pedigree breeding was

completed.

Purchase of major incubation equipments and machinery (setter, incubator and generator,

feeders, waterers etc.) was completed in 2010. The purchase of new equipments is being

carried on as per requirements and budgetary provisions from time to time

In the beginning, local poultry germplasm (594 birds) were purchased from farmers in

different rural areas of the state. Presently 7th generation (G7) is in evaluation stage. During

this year, 14266 Native X Native chicks were hatched out of which 13149 chicks were also

supplied on demand to farmers who were interested in rearing Desi birds.

The performance of different pure lines (Vanaraja, RIR, DR and Native) was evaluated earlier

at farm level. Different crosses including N X DR, N X RIR, DR X N, (DR X N) X DR (F2),

N X N and DR X DR has been produced. The performances was evaluated at farm and/ or

field level or is under different stages of evaluation and are being propagated at farmer’s level

to promote backyard poultry production. The performance evaluation of different stocks at

farmer’s level as well as farm condition is done.

Release of location specific poultry variety named Himsamridhi by ICAR. It has been evaluated

both under farm as well as farmer’s level and had shown good production potential under village

level poultry farming.

New brooder cum grower house is constructed which eased out space constraint.

Purchase of new setter cum hatcher

13. Any other relevant information:

FLD/Demonstration units were maintained at adopted villages of KVK, Kangra of University

to promote backyard poultry farming.

Conducted 3-days training programme “Capacity building of tribal farmers for Rural Poultry

Farming” at KVK, Lari (L&S) from 26 Sep to 28 Sep 2019.

Conducted eight days (17th Dec-24th Dec, 2019) Model training course on “Rural Backyard

Poultry Farming: A tool for supplementary income and nutritional security in hilly areas”. The

training programme was sponsored by Deptt. of Extension, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers

welfare

240 contact hrs training on job role "Small Poultry Farmer” sponsored by Agricultural Skill

Council of India (ASCI) was organized in collaboration with Deptt. of Veterinary & Animal

Husbandry Extension Education ( November 25-December 24, 2019)

Exposure visit and hands on training was organized for 240 hr contact training on Poultry

organized by KVK, Kangra.

Five day exposure visit at university poultry farm and hatchery complex was organized for

farmers from different SHGs

14. Germplasm supply:

Total germplasm supply for the year was 68597 including of different stocks (13936 DR, 13149

Native, 36501 Himsamridhi/DND, 1484 DR (DRX N) and 3527 (DR X N) to 694 poultry farm

units established in different districts (Kangra, Mandi, Chamba, Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti)

of the state for performance evaluation and adopting backyard poultry farming.

15. Major constraints:

Unavailability of backup generator facility affects hatchery operation. Generator installed in

hatchery is worn out and experience frequent breakdown. There is need to install new

generator/power back up facility at hatchery.

The old poultry sheds for housing birds are in highly dilapidated condition and heavily infested

by rodents resulting in mortality losses in young stock. The construction work of feed store is

under process which will be of help in alleviating the rodent attack and feed losses.

Work under TSP remained suspended in winters due to extreme cold and non-accessibility of

most tribal areas. Egg incubation, brooding and chick distribution activities were adversely

affected during extreme winter months.

Tables depicting progress of the center during 2019-20

Table: 1. Stock Position (opening and closing balances) during the year 2019-20

Stock Opening Balance on 01.04.19 Closing Balance on 31.03.20

Adult Grower Chicks Total Adult Grower Chicks Total

M F M F

DR 67 1078 --- --- 1145 47 623 95 936 2081

NXN 70 281 154 --- 505 97 230 --- 248 753

DR X N 190 152 --- --- 342 85 118 159 -- 342

Himsamridhi --- 128 --- --- 128 --- 66 124 -- 128

Total 327 1639 154 --- 2120 229 1037 378 ---- 3304

Table: 2. Annual Stock position for the year 2019-20

Strain/ Line /

Cross

Chicks hatched during

the year 2019-20

No. of layers

/Breeders evaluated

21-72 weeks

Germplasm

Supplied during the

year 2018-19

DR X DR 17136 1018* +580 13936

Native ( N X N G6 & G7)

14266 281*+246 13149

Himsamridhi 37312 128*+110 36501

DR XN 4112 152*+87 3527

DRX(DRxN) 1484 1484

Total 74310 1639* + 1023 68597 * Continuing from previous year but completed laying period during this year (2019-20).

Table: 3. Performance of stocks (DR, N and DN cross) during 2019-20

Traits DR Native DN cross

N Mean ±SE N Mean±SE N Mean ± SE

Body Weight (g) at

day old

4 wks

8 wks

20 wks

40 wks

1306

1272

1224

580

500

36.50±0.25

255.35±5.00

608.68±8.81

1580.34±11.60

1650.05±22.50

680

594

580

390

328

32.50±0.50

189.64±3.90

490.50±20.15

1450.03±20.95

1490.20±23.80

460

446

435

415

160

34.20± 0.25

220.10±5.30

545.95±15.67

1495.30±22.40

1602.20±28.60

FCR (0-8 wks) 1063 3.90 745 4.80 196 4.30

ASM (d) 50% EP 460 164 316 182 151 178

Egg Weight (g) at

28 week

40 week

100

100

49.67±0.34

52.40±0.26

100

100

42.50±0.10

46.15±0.16

100

50

48.10±0.10

50.85±0.15

Egg Prod. EP 40 No

HH

HD

Survivors

580

500

495

74.90

86.88

87.76

160

155

150

48.55

50.12

51.78

152

146

141

62.87

65.33

67.15

Egg Prod. EP 52 No

HH

HD

Survivors

under evaluation under evaluation

152

140

125

109.48

115.65

118.20

Egg Prod. EP 72 No

HH

HD

Survivors

under evaluation

186

165

152

*Previous stock

89.14

100.15

109.07

under

evaluation

Table: 4. Performance of crosses Himsamridhi/DND at farm and field level during 2019-20

Farm Field

N Mean ±SE N Mean±SE

Body Weight (g) at

day old

4 wks

8 wks

20 wks

40 wks

200

188

144

134

130

33.70±0.21

230.18±3.35

536.20±7.35

1550.20±20.25

Under evaluation

550

510

370

---

225.35±2.18

478.30±5.25

1430.01±10.58

FCR (0-4 wks) 466 3.65 --- -----

ASM (d) 133 162 280 210

Egg Weight at

28 week

40 week

50

49.56± 0.17

Under evaluation

Under evaluation

Egg Prod. EP 40 No

HH

HD

Survivors

Under evaluation

Under evaluation

Egg Prod. EP 52 No

HH

HD

Survivors

Under evaluation

Under evaluation

Egg Prod. EP 72 No

HH

HD

Survivors

*Previous year stock

162.20 (133)

179.76 (120)

205.44 (105)

*Previous year stock

146

Table: 5. Fertility and Hatchability of different poultry stocks during the year 2019-20

Stock No. of Egg

set

No. of

Fertile eggs

% Fertility Quality chicks

hatched

% Hatchability

TES FES

Himsamridhi 55374 47737 86.20 37312 67.38 78.16

N X N 20724 18224 87.93 14266 68.83 78.28

DRXN 5622 5007 89.06 4112 73.14 82.12

DR (DR XN) 2314 23008 84.41 1484 62.87 74.47

DR 27256 2026 87.55 17136 64.13 73.24

Total 111200 96002 86.26 74310 66.77 77.40

Table: 6. Chick Production and distribution during the year 2019-20

Strain/ Stock Chicks

Hatched

Supplied to

farmers

Reared at

Farm

Mortality Remarks

(Balance)

Himsamridhi 37312 36501 428 383 --- N X N 14266 13149 680 189 248 DR X N 4112 3527 460 125 ---

DR (DRXN) 1484 1484 -- --

DR 17136 13936 1806 458 936 Total 74310 68597 3374 1155 1184

Table: 7. Category wise distributions of Poultry units established during 2019-20

Category No. of

Units

Germplasm Supply

(DOC/grower)

Remarks

General 147 27836

OBC 65 10331

ST 411 20550

SC 46 3680

Institutional (KVK)/NGOs

25 6200 KVK, Kangra and NGO of HP for demonstration.

Total 694 68597 22500 chicks provided free of cost under TSP (20550) and SCSP (2000)

*includes 180 women farmers (16590 chicks)

Table: 8. Mortality incidence in different category of birds during 2019-20

Strain Age interval

0 – 6 weeks 7- 20 weeks 21-40weeks 41-52 weeks

ND/NH % Mortality

ND/NH % Mortality

ND/NH % Mortality

ND/NH % Mortality

DR 226/4041 5.59 402/3779 10.63 47/1187 3.95 19/1074 1.76

NXN 67/845 7.92 53/778 6.81 26/725 3.58 10/373 2.68

DRXN 44/578 7.61 69/474 14.55 8/169 4.73 4/161 2.48

DND 53/544 9.74 18/491 3.66 10/346 2.89 4/242 1.65

Overall 390/6008 6.49 542/5522 9.81 91/2427 3.74 37/1850 2.00

Table 9. Heritability estimates for body weights in Native (G7) generation

S.N Trait Heritability estimate

1. 8 week body weight 0.15±0.06

2. 12 week body weight 0.21±0.09

3. 20 week body weight 0.12±0.08

Annexure: 1. Performance trends of AICRP over Last 5 years

Year Total egg

Production

Egg set for

Hatching

Fertile

eggs

Chicks

Hatched

Germplasm

supply

Total no. of

units established

Units

under

TSP

Chicks

supplied

under

TSP

%

Fertility

% Hatchability

TES FES

2015-16 162982 47827 42314 28895 26715 466 29 1710 88.47 60.41 68.28

2016-17 191395 71367 58801 39730 36599 672 240 12578 82.39 55.66 67.56

2017-18 154367 52458 38447 29981 26030 299 113 5914 74.25 54.52 73.43

2018-19 155332 71311 61320 49720 44584 557 283 15400 85.98 69.72 81.08

2019-20 185563 111200 96002 74310 68597 694 411 20550 86.26 66.77 77.40

Success story

Title: Young SHG member of NGO successfully incorporated backyard poultry

farming as remunerative enterprise in his mixed farming system

Challenge: Backyard poultry farming is an important activity in hill agriculture having

great potential under mixed farming system as practiced by majority of farmers in

Himachal Pradesh. However, contrary to rapid national growth, poultry production in

HP had grown slowly due to sluggish growth of organized commercial poultry. For

promoting backyard poultry production in rural areas, dissemination of improved

germplasm and establishment of backyard poultry units to targeted sections of

population (women, farmers and unemployed educated youth) is needed. Lack of

technical knowhow and suitable germplasm, decrease in availability of natural resources

of feed and inadequate veterinary support are the main constraints of traditional

backyard poultry production systems in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Identification of

skilled farmers who can take up rural backyard poultry activity with improved input and

management is another area which needs concern to increase productivity and

profitability of rural/backyard poultry farming. Sh. Himachal Pradesh involved in

multifarious agricultural activities including poultry farming as an integrated farm

enterprise.

Initiative: During training program organized for self-help group member of NGO,

Rural Technology Development Corporation the young farmer Shashi Kumar resident

of Baijnath, Kangra showed his willingness to include backyard poultry farming in his

farming portfolio. After knowing about the location specific poultry variety

“Himsamridhi” developed by AICRP on poultry breeding, (Rural unit) Palampur, during

training programme he became very much interested to start backyard poultry farming.

He was supplied 300 chicks in during May 2019 to start his backyard poultry rearing

venture and extended technical advice from time to time including preventive measures

against major diseases. The growths of the chicks supplied were periodically monitored

by on farm visit. During on farm visit, his concerns were also addressed and appropriate

technical guidance/inputs were provided. The mortality in his flock was very less (less

than 5%) during the chick and growing phases.

Key results/highlights/interesting facts: The birds started laying eggs in mid of

October, 2019 at around 5 months of age. He is retaining the laying hens till date with

few culling. The male birds/cockerels which attained body weight of 1.6-2.0 kg at about

5-months of age were sold as per need/demand @ Rs.500-600/per bird giving him

income of Rs 18000/- in six-month duration from sale of cockerels. According to Sh.

Sushil Kumar during the peak season he earned handsome returns by selling of cockerels

at premium price since country chicken is in great demand during the winter season. The

egg production of female birds was around 60-65 eggs per day from around 100 layers

during the peak production in winter months. During this period, he was able to sell eggs

@ Rs. 12-15 Rs per egg. At present, he is getting about 50-60 egg daily giving him

income of Rs. 500-600 per day.

He adopted mixed system of scavenging with grains for rearing poultry birds

keeping the input cost at bare minimum. Poultry litter was effectively utilized in his

other agricultural activities of mushroom cultivation. Earlier he was dependent on other

poultry farm for poultry litter purchase. He also practices supplementation with

vitamins, minerals and calcium from time to time. A portion of eggs produced and

cockerels were also consumed in the family to improve their nutritional quality.

Impact: Sh. Shashi Kumar is now making handsome profit in backyard poultry farming

with improved LIT birds of Himsamridhi. With his experience of farming activities he

up-scaled the backyard poultry activities under semi-intensive system. He has also

integrated mushroom cultivation to further maximise the gains. He is continuing with

this occupation adding small replacement batches of 100-200 chicks at periodical

intervals.

Supporting Quotes and Images

Eggs of Himsamridhi at farmer

Additional information:

The work was carried under All India Research Project on Poultry Breeding (Rural

Poultry Center, Palampur) with financial support received from ICAR-Directorate of

Poultry Research,

Contact Person: Dr Y P Thakur, Principal Investigator and Dr Varun Sankhyan (Co-PI)

Email: ypthakur@rediffmail.com; sankhyan@gmail.com

Phone: 9418458463, 9418534054

Himsamridhi birds at scavenging

Housing system at Farmer’s flock

Fig. 1 TSP unit (Himsamridhi birds in Kangra)

Fig 2: Himsamridhi field unit

Fig 3: Release of manual (TSP training) Fig 4: Backyard unit distribution under TSP

Fig: 5 MTC training on Rural Poultry Fig 6: Himsamridhi at state level exhibition