Scientific package of practice:

Improved native breeds or a cross of native breed with exotic would be a good proposition to replace the existing low producing scavenging local stocks. Either of the four types of improved germplasm viz. CARI Nirbheek, CARI Shyama, Hitcari and Upcari developed with four Indian native breeds Aseel, Kadakanath, Naked neck and Frizzle respectively, having the look of respective breeds and potential to produce 160-210 eggs and to attain 1700-2000 g body weight at 20 weeks of age, developed at Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar may be used successfully. The chicks need brooding and rearing under intensive system for 6-8 weeks of age in-group by the chick rearer/Government organization/NGO. During this period birds are fed (ad-lib) the balanced chick feed and are vaccinated against the Marek’s, Ranikhet disease and Fowl Pox at appropriate ages. After 6-8 weeks chicks are sold to key rearers (farmers) in limited number of 5 to 25 birds depending on the open yard available in the vicinity for scavenging of the birds. Birds are let free for scavenging in the backyard/open field surrounding of the house whole day. During initial acclimatization, care needs to be taken to make them used to reaching the nest in the evening for night shelter. Night shelter should provide good ventilation and protection from the predators, which can be prepared from the low cost locally available materials. First two-three days birds should be provided sufficient feed (mixture of grains) and there after it should be gradually reduced to 35-40 g/bird/day. But the quantity may be increased or decreased depending on the availability of natural feed resources, which depends on season of the year and the prevailing rainfall. Larger numbers of birds more than 25 may not be much advantageous, as it will require more amount of feed to be supplemented as the availability of natural resources remain limited and thus will reduce the profitability. Availability of plenty of clean water around the clock is essential. Since the birds scavenge in the free range, there is a possibility of parasitic infestation. Therefore, periodical deworming at 2-3 months interval is required. It is also recommended that males should be sold or used for domestic purposes at the age of 15-20 and new lot should be added in the flock.

PERFORMANCE OF DIFFERENT GENOTYPES IN VILLAGES

CARI, Izatnagar (Lead centre) – Co-PI : Dr.D.P.Singh

RAU, Bikaner* (Cooperating centre) – CCPI : Dr.R.S.Choudhary

* Rajasthan was under severe draught since two consecutive years

GAU, Anand (Cooperating centre) – CCPI : Dr.Kuldeep Khanna

CCS HAU, Hisar (Cooperating centre) – CCPI : Dr.B.S.Chhikara

Impact Evaluation

Economic evaluation and other impacts of the project were evaluated on the basis of data collected from 50 beneficiaries (10 from each of 5 villages) selected randomly out 490 beneficiaries belonging to 16 villages in three blocks of Bareilly district in Uttar Pradesh. Records of various parameters have been presented in tabular form which includes only part time 20 weeks productivity and thus partial profitability. Benefit cost ratio of 3.01:1 was obtained for part time productivity which will further increase if calculated with annual productivity. The other recorded impacts are as follows: