ALL INDIA COORDINATED RESEARCH PROJECT ON ON POUPOULTRY BREEDING (RURAL POULTRY) PROPOSAL FOR

Transcription

1 ALL INDIA COORDINATED RESEARCH PROJECT ON ON POUPOULTRY BREEDING (RURAL POULTRY) PROPOSAL FOR RECOGNITION AND RELEASE OF LOCATION SPECIFIC POULTRY VARIETY HIMSAMRIDHI SUBMITTED TO Icar-directorate of poultry research, Hyderabad Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, DGCN College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 0 CSKHPKV Palampur (HP)

2 Description ofproposed crossbred/ composite type chicken to be releasedas new location specific variety for hilly areas General description Characteristics 1 Name of the variety/strain/ line Himsamridhi; DND 2 Since when it is developed Specific trait/purpose for which developed Layer type birds suitable for rural backyard poultry in hilly areas 4 Unique characteristic that distinguish it from other variety/strain/ line Appears like native, colored (reddish brown) plumage and good escaping ability and scavenging habits 5 Most closely related varieties/strain/ line in appearance Native (desi) birds 6 Origin: Breeds/ varieties/strains/lines used Native and Dahlem Red breed 7 Organization Responsible for its development CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur ( H P ) 8 Types of stock commercial others/ specify Dual purpose stock for rural backyard poultry farming 9 Are birds of these lines are available with the farmers/ entrepreneurs? If Yes a. Places of distribution Different districts of Himachal Pradesh (Kangra, Hamirpur, Kullu, Mandi and tribal districts Kinnaur, Lahaul & Spiti and Chamba) b. Type of management Semi-intensive/ Extensive c. Intensive production/ Backyard or farmyard Backyard and Scavenger production/ scavenger 10 Utility of the stock (Eggs/Meat/Meat & Eggs/other) Eggs and meat 11 Any other information Suitable for village production system with adaptability to hill and mountainous agro-climatic conditions and good acceptability by farmers. Eggs fetch premium price due to consumer s preference. 1

3 Summary: Himachal Pradesh is primarily an agriculture dependent state and rural backyard poultry farming is one of the allied agriculture activities having great potential in prevalent mixed farming systemof hills. But contrary to fast national growth, poultry production in HP had grown slowly due to sluggish growth of organized commercial poultry.the role of rural backyard poultry farming is now gaining recognition in augmenting local requirements of eggs and poultry meat in interior areas of the state and in providing quality food products at reasonable prices to local consumers. This necessitates development of suitable location specific poultry variety suitable for village level poultry farming. To meet this objective as envisaged under AICRP on Poultry Breeding, preliminary surveyswere conducted in three districts of the state to know people s preference. The results indicatedfarmer s preference forcolored bird with good growth, early feathering, good egg production, brown shelled egg with large size, low mortality and good foraging andscavenging habit. For development of desired variety, native birds were procured from different regions of the state to establish as foundation stock for development of pure line of native birds for further use in breeding plan. Based on people s choice and after comprehensive evaluation, breeding plan was formulated for production of proposed variety that involved mating of improved egg type Dahlem Red (DR) parent stock male birds to selected native hens and evaluating the progeny performance. Selected first generation crossbred males were then mated to parent DR hens to produce the desired cross with 75% DR and 25% Native inheritance. This DND [(DR X N) X DR)] crossafter comprehensive on-farm evaluationwas further refined, stabilized and tested at farmer s level to be released as a location specific poultry variety to be named as Himsamridhi. The birds of developed variety are akin to native birds in appearance and plumagecolor. These birdsdemonstrated comparatively better growth than native (Male kg and Female kg at 20 weeks; Male kg and Female kg at 40 weeks) at farmer s flock.himsamridhi birds mature early (180 days), lay larger eggs (50-55gm) with annualegg production potential of eggs/bird under farmer s flock and eggs/ bird under farm rearing conditions.over a period of time, there is increasing demand for these birds because of their ability to providegood economic returns under similar inputs and rearing practices.till date chicks of proposed variety have been hatched out of which chicks were distributed to farmers in different areas including high altitude cold temperate tribal areas of the state. A total of 647 backyard poultry units including 231 units under Tribal subplan (TSP) components has been established till date. The proposed poultry variety is well adapted to local agro climatic condition and is readily accepted by farmers as stock of choice for backyard poultry farming in rural areas. 2

4 Introduction: Himachal Pradesh is primarily an agriculture dependent state and 90% of its population is residing in villages. Animal husbandry, alongwith crop production and temperate horticulture has been an integral component of traditional farming in the state.75% of state s population is directly or indirectly engaged in animal husbandry related pursuits with high dependence on livestock as source of nutrition, income and employment. The contribution of animal husbandry towards state s economy is about 12% of its SGDP. Poultry farming is one of the allied activities of agriculture with vast potential in mixed farmingas practiced in the hills. But contrary to fast national growth, poultry production in HP had grown slowly due to sluggish growth of organized commercial poultry. The poultry population in Himachal Pradesh is lac birds (19 th livestock census, 2012). Although, the poultry population had increased by 36.55% during period but the per capita egg availability (22 eggs/ annum) is still far lesser than the national per capita availability of 55 eggs/annum and recommended dietary requirements (180 eggs/annum). Apart from topography and agro-climate, the major constraints associated with large commercial scale poultry in hills are unavailability of quality chicks of high performingstocks, non-availability and high cost of feed and feed ingredients, lack of technical knowhow and poor manage mental skill ofordinary rural poultry farmer, lack of organized marketing for poultry products and unavailability of finances to supportbigger poultry enterprises. This has resulted in commercial poultry production becoming unsustainable and economically non -viable in most interior areas of the state and restricting it to few pockets in areas adjoining Punjab and Haryana. Himachal Pradeshhas high and increasing local demand for eggs and poultry meat, a comparatively cheaper source of quality food proteins than mutton and chevon. This demand isbeing largely met through supplies from adjoining states at higher prices and risk of quality deterioration during transportation and storage. Further, the outside supply is restricted only to small towns. Thus, promotion of poultry farming as small scale backyard activity in rural areas can be a viable alternative to ensure nutritional security to village population along with an option for sustainable livelihood, employment and income generation. 3

5 The role of rural backyard poultry farming is now gaining recognition in interior areas of state in augmenting local supply of eggs and poultry meat and providing quality food products at reasonable prices to local consumers. To develop poultry, H P StateDepartment of Animal Husbandry is running a backyard poultry scheme under which 2-3 week old chicks of colored varieties (Chabro, Kroilers)are supplied to farmers ( chicks/unit) in rural areas with certain inputs. However, these stocks are mainly suitable as meat birds and farmers are not opting these birds for egg production. There are few NGOs undertaking socio economic developmental activities through promotion of backyard poultry in somerural areas of the state, as secondary objective but requires suitable germplasm for intended purpose and local conditions. It is now well established that local native or Desi chicken germplasm needs to be utilized as base germplasm to improve adaptability of poultry stocks to local conditions in any breeding programme for sustainable chicken production. This necessitates development of suitable location specific poultry variety infusing improved germplasm for enhanced egg production and utilizing native or Desipoultry germplasm to maintain adaptability. Baseline survey: For developinga location specific egg type poultry variety, as per people s choice, baseline surveyswereconducted in285 householdsin different villages across three (Kangra, Chamba and Hamirpur) districtsofhimachal Pradesh, India using stratified random samplingprocedure. Thesesurveys were aimed to study the attributes of prevalentrural backyard poultry farming system viz. flock characteristics, germplasm, production level, constraints, improvement strategies and preference of local farmers and consumers for type of poultry variety to be developed. Surveyed districts The survey findings revealed that majority of households Figure 1: (51.6%) Map showing have medium survey sized areas for family (family size 6-8) and were educated up to primary studying level (30.8%). status of Their backyard main poultry reason for undertaking backyard poultry farming is egg production for household consumption. The average flock size maintained was 9.4±4.6 birdsand the annual egg production ranged from 45 to 110 eggs. Farmers were using their indigenous technical know-how and wisdom for rearing of birds and incubating eggs.the average hatching ability and chick survival was 82.6% and 68.3% 4

6 respectively. Marketing system followed is simple and direct and birds with a particular plumage pattern werepreferred for certain religious ceremonies fetching higher prices. Losses caused bypredators were the major constraint followed by disease related mortality. Analysis of improvement strategies revealed that various agencies involved adopted multifaceted approaches resulting in strengthening of rural poultry farming and creating demand for improved birds. Majority of farmers (54%) indicated their preference for egg type bird with characteristics like colored Figure 2: Free range scavenging as plumage, brown-shelled eggs, large egg size, adaptability to local agro-climate, practiced in rural ability poultry to thrive on low input system, resistance to diseases, escaping ability and better egg production than localdesi hens. Major survey findings: Socio economic profile: The surveys indicated that majority of farmers (51.6%) have medium family size (6-8 members) and educated up to primary level (30. 8%).Theannual income of most householdsengaged in rural poultry farming is less than Rs / per annum,but few farmers belonged to medium income category. Almost all family members were involved in poultry rearingcontributing labor for chicken husbandry. Routine works like cleaning, feeding, collection of eggs etc. were mainlydone by females, whereas males were usually involved in construction and maintenance of shelter and scavenging activities. In some cases, children also participated in activities like provision of supplementary feed and water. Purpose of rearing chickens: The surveysindicated that most important reason for backyard poultry rearing in this region is egg production (54 %) mainly for household consumption (52%), followed by sale for supplementary income (32%) and hatching of chicks (18%). The purpose may vary depending upon factors like agro climatic region and communities involved in the activity. Flock structure: The studiedflocks were dominated by breeding hens, followed by growers, chicks andleast number of breeding cocks. The mean flock size was observed as 9.40 (SD4.6). Culling was practiced only for male birds; females were usually retainedtill in egg production. Housing, feeding and health management practices: The local chickenswere predominately reared under free range scavenging system. During day time, the birds freely scavenge in the vicinity of household using kitchen leftover, 5

7 insects, worms, crop residues, spilled grains and local grassesas feed materials. Most flocks (97.19%)are provided night shelter within or near to household. The poultry houses are usually single storied structures constructed of wooden material or other locally available housing material. Figure 3: Prevalent housing systems practiced for rural backyard poultry in Himachal Pradesh Pradesh Though, most farmers provided supplementary feeding along with scavenging by offering locally available feed resources (86.0%), but the quantity is variable. Maizeis the most common local feed ingredient, followed by wheat.only few (11.2%) farmers used commercial poultry feeds.there is free access to water but its quality was poor. Similarly, few farmers practiced proper cleanliness and hygiene of waterer, feeders, other equipment and poultry houses. Few farmers (26.7%) consulted veterinary institutions regarding diseases or other technical support. Vaccination was not done at farmer s level for diseases. No specific disease was reported as highly prevalent butas per symptoms, NCD may be quite prevalent.high mortality was recorded in winter season in young stock and in monsoon in adult stocks. Main causes of mortality in chicks are cold stress, huddling and in adult parasitic infestation as reported by the farmers. Generally culling is not done very often but whenever practiced, the major reasons were old age (40.1%), plumage pattern considered unsuitable by farmer based on indigenous knowledge (34.5%), injury leading to disability (15.5%) and surplus birds usually cockerel (9.5%). Most farmers use indigenous knowledge for culling of birds. Production and reproduction performance of local chicken: The survey indicated that free range scavenging issuccessfully exploited by farmers with minimum external inputs for rearing local chicken under wide range of management systems. As 6

8 per surveys, high variability ranging from 45 to 110 eggs (average 77.1; SD 14.2) was observed for egg production in farmer s flocks. The average age at first egg was 6.3months. The adult body weights for male and female birds were 1.2 kg and 1.8 kg respectively with high variationin male than female birds. The results revealed late maturity with low egg production in local birds. For hatching, local broody hens were used for eggs incubation, hatching and brooding of young chicks. The hatchability to natural incubation and survival (up to 6 weeks) was % and 68.30% respectively. Majority of farmers were using farm produced eggs for hatching with selection of hatching eggs done based on indigenous knowledge and experience. Most farmers prefer black plumage hens for brooding. Usually 1or 2 brooding hens are maintained in the flock for years and seldom they are sold. No records on flock performance or progeny was kept by farmers and identification was done on basis of plumage color and pattern. Methodology for development of Variety: The development of location specific variety was envisaged as an objective of the ongoing All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry Breeding (Rural Poultry) centerat Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, CSKHPKV,Palampur along with evaluation of local fowl germplasm and production of crosses suitable for rural poultry farming under local climatic conditions.before proceeding for variety development, bench mark surveys were carried on in different areas of state in the beginning of the project, to elicit people s preference for the type of poultry bird suitable to rural backyard poultry production and then proceed for developing desired type of stock based on survey results. In surveys, the farmers had preferred a colored bird with good growth, early feathering, good egg production, brown shelled egg with large size, low mortality and good foraging andscavenging habits. Afterwards, different improved poultry stocks developed in the country were evaluated for their production performance, adaptability and suitability under backyard poultry production. Based on people s choice and after comprehensive evaluation, a cross of Dahlem Red (a dual purposepoultry breed) and native chicken population of Himachal Pradesh having desired characteristics and favorable consumer preference was identified as promising poultry stock suitable for rural backyard poultry farming in this area. Breeding Plan for variety development: The breeding plan for production of proposed variety involved mating of improved egg type Dahlem Red (DR) parent stock male birds to selected native hens and evaluating the 7

9 progeny performance. Selected first generation crossbred males were then mated to parent DR hens to produce the desired back cross with 75% DR and 25% Native inheritance. This DND cross [(DR X N) X DR)] after comprehensive on-farm evaluationwas further refined, stabilized and tested at farmer s level to be released as a location specific poultry variety suitable for egg type backyard poultry farming in hilly areas. Breeding plan for production of egg type chicken stock Improved egg type stock; / DR ( ) X Local Native ( ) Production of F 1 (50% improved DR germplasm + 50% Native germplasm) Evaluation of F 1 F 1 ( ) X DR ( ) F 2 (Final cross with; 75% DR + 25% local Native inheritance) Evaluation under farm and field conditions Propagation of (DR XN) X DR (F 2 )chicks by supplying to farmers Procurement of local germplasm: Initially about 500 local Native/Desi birds were procured from different regionsof the staterepresenting a random sample of native fowl germplasm. These birds were then reared under farm conditions and selectedfor phenotypic uniformity to develop pure lines (Reddish brown and Black). About 1000 chicks were hatched from selected birds and after two year of purification, foundation stocks of desi birds were developed for two phenotypes; Reddish brown and black. The black line was dropped as suggested in AICRP review meeting. Figure The reddish 4: Procured brown local type germplasm desi birds were evaluated on farm for growth and production traits to generate baseline performance data. Since then, four consecutive selectedgenerations of native Desi birds have been produced and evaluated on farm for various traits with consistent improvement over the period. Performance of native birds over subsequent generations is presented in Table: 1. 8

10 Procurement and evaluation of improved germplasm: After Figure initial 5: Reddish evaluation brown uniform of different line of improved Native poultry Figure 6: Black uniform line of Native birds germplasms (Vanaraja, RIR, DR), the Dahlem Red (DR) was identified as the improver breed to be used in development of desired cross. To begin with, 200 female Dahlem Red (DR) parent stock chicks were procured from Central Poultry Development Organization (CPDO; NR), Chandigarh and evaluated under farm conditions. Thereafter, replacement Dahlem Red (DR) parent stock isbeing procured every year from CPDO (NR), Chandigarh,evaluated under farm conditions and used in developing crosses as per the technical program. Growth and productive performance of Dahlem Red (DR) parent stock birds over various evaluations is presented in Table: 2. Figure 7: Dahlem Red Parent stock birds 9

11 Table 1: Performance of Native/Desi birds over different generation under farm conditions Traits / Generation Generation 1 ( G 1 ) Generation 2 (G 2 ) Generation 3 (G 3 ) Generation (G 4 ) N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE Body Weight (g) at Day old 4/5* weeks 8 weeks 12 weeks 20 weeks 40 weeks ± *± ± *± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ±13.66 FCR up to 4 weeks 356 1: : : :351 up to 4-8 weeks 1: :5.61 ASM (days) Age at 1 st Egg Age at 25% HHEP Age at 50% HHEP Egg weight (g) at 28 week 40 week 52 week Egg production to 40 weeks Hen housed Hen day Survivor Egg production to 52 weeks Hen housed Hen day Survivor Egg production up to 72 week Hen Housed Hen day Survivor ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± Still under evaluation 10

12 Table 2: Performance of Dahlem Red stocks during different evaluations under farm conditions Traits Evaluation 1 ( E 1 ) Evaluation 2 (E 2 ) Evaluation 3 (E 3 ) Evaluation 4 (E 4 ) Evaluation 5 (E 5 ) N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE Body Weight (g) at Day old 4*/5 weeks 20 weeks 40 weeks ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± 2.24* ± ± FCR up to 5 weeks 220 1: : : : :3.42 ASM (days) Age at 1 st Egg Age at 25% HHEP Age at 50% HHEP Egg weight (g) at 28/32 week 40 week 52 week EP 40 weeks Hen housed Hen day Survivor EP 52 weeks Hen housed Hen day Survivor EP 72 weeks Hen housed Hen day Survivor ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± ± Still under evaluation 11

13 Production and evaluation of crosses: Development of 2-wayDahlem Red X Native [DN]cross: Selected Dahlem Red males were mated to selected native hensofreddish brown pure line stock. Thedeveloped cross (DR x N) progeny was evaluated under farm and field conditions for growth and production traits for two consecutive evaluations. Simultaneously, reciprocal cross (N x DR) was also produced and evaluated. Table 3: On- Farm performance of Two-way cross (Dahlem Red X Native) birds Batch First evaluation Second evaluation Pooled Body weight (g) N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE Day old ± ± ± week ± ± ± week ± ± ± week ± ± ± week Male ± ± ±13.21 Female ± ± ± week Male ± ± ±19.79 Female ± ± ±11.78 FCR up to 4-week 478 1: : :3.47 up to 8-week 397 1: : :5.65 ASM Age at first egg (days) Age at 25% HHEP Age at 50% HHEP Egg weight (g) at 28 weeks ± ± ± weeks ± ± ± weeks ± ± ±0.42 Egg production 40 weeks HHEP HDEP Egg production 52 weeks HHEP HDEP Development of proposed (DND)variety:Selected DN cross males were further mated to Dahlem Red females to produce [Dahlem Red X Native] X Dahlem Red progeny termed as [(DN) D]. Two evaluations of this proposed variety (DND) has been completed up to 72 weeks of age both under farm condition as well as farmer s flock and third evaluation is nearing completion. Based on the results of the on- farm and field evaluations for performance traits and 12

14 uniformity in morphological characteristics the cross is proposed to be recognized as new variety. Figure 8: DRXN crosses males for breeding Figure 9: Dahlem Red X Native] X Dahlem Red flock (DND) stock birds Salient features of Himsamridhi birds: The Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur under the aegis of All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry Breeding is proposing this new location specific poultry variety suitable as egg type bird for rural backyard poultry farming in hilly regions. This poultry stock named as Himsamridhi ( Him stands for snow/himachal and Samridhi for prosperity) has been thoroughly evaluated both on-farm and under farmer s conditions and foundwell adapted to local agro-climatic conditions. The birds are well accepted by local farmers for rearing under village level backyard poultry farming. The birds possess following prominent characteristics whichmake them popular among local farmers: These birds have attractive colored(reddish brown) plumage like native birds. Better scavenging ability along with sufficient escaping ability allowing them to be reared effectively under backyard, free range scavenging system. Produce large sized, brown colored eggs like desi hens which are sold at premium price in local villages or nearby urban settlements. Possess good immunity and can thrive well on low plane of nutrition. More egg production than desi birds. Comparatively heavier than desi birds with faster growth potential. 13

15 Management practices: Broodingmanagement:Chicksrequire brooding up to 4 weeks in lower hills while in higher hills brooding can be done up to 6 weeks ortill feathers grow to effectively manage body temperature. Thereafter, the chicks can be gradually shifted to scavenging system. During brooding, the chicksshould be offered finely ground Maize, Dalia or otherfinely ground local grains or commercially available chick starter ration as perfarmer s management system. Grower management: After 6-8 weeks of confined brooding, the birds are well adapted to free range scavenging and can pick up its food from backyard or surrounding areas. The birds can be supplemented with locally available gm. grains/day to ensure optimum growth, early start of laying and good egg production subsequently. Depending uponthe availability of scavenging area and density of vegetation and insects, grain supplementation can be increased or decreased. The commercial grower ration can also be fed if farmers can procure it at affordable cost to ensure optimum growth. Since, scavenging predisposes the birds to parasitic infestation, periodic deworming during growing stages with suitable drugs (Albendazole/ Fenbendazole/ Piperazine) is recommended. Layer management: In field conditions, the birds mature and start egg layingat about 6 months of age. To ensure optimum egg production, the layer birds are to be supplemented with layer feed.on exclusive scavenging, calcium may be providedas shell grit or lime 40 grams/10 layers at least twice a week to prevent shell breakage and egg eating vice. Deworming must be followed routinely at 3 month intervals. The birds should be vaccinated against Newcastle disease at 6-month interval or against other prevalent viral diseases in the area. Males attain marketable weight by 20 weeks and can be sold to earn income. Himsamridhi birds has shown around 60-70% HHEP under backyard farming provided they are supplemented with additional feed during laying period. With proper management, supplementation of feed and sufficient scavenging, the birds have demonstrated annual egg production up to eggs/ bird under farmer s conditions. Birds should be provided with night shelterfor protection from predatorswith adequate ventilation. Since day length, particularly in winters is reduced to around 8-10 hours in the region, therefore artificial lights should be provided in houses. It has been observed from farmer s feedback and monitoring of units that egg production sometimes falls steeply in winter season (December and January). This can be effectively countered by providing artificial light 14

16 for hours and enhance grain or feed supplementation. The local farmers feel satisfied with the performance of these birds and there is growing demand for chicks and growerbirds of this type. Physical Characteristics of Himsamridhi Male Females 1. Feather characteristics: a) Feather morphology Normal Normal b) Feather distribution Normal, thick Normal, thick c) Feather growth rate Fast Fast 2. Colour : a) Plumage colour Mixed (Brown and Reddish brown) Mixed (Brown and Reddish brown) b) Plumage pattern Solid Solid c) Skin colour Pinkish white Pinkish white d) Shank colour Yellow Yellow e) Earlobe colour Red Red f) Comb colour Reddish Reddish g) Eye colour Black Black 3. Comb type and size : Single, Medium to Single, small to large medium 4. Wattles Large Reddish Small Reddish Figure 10: Adult Male Himsamridhi (DND) bird 15

17 Figure 11: Adult Female Himsamridhi (DND) bird Performance of Himsamridhi birds (A) Growth Performance: Farm evaluation: The pooled estimates of body weights at 0, 4 and 8 weeks of age during farm evaluation were 38.88±0.19, ±1.28 gm and ±6.16 gm respectively. The adult body weight in males at 20 weeks and post maturity body weight at 40 weeks of age were ±13.59 gm and ±13.75 gm respectively, whereas adult body weight in females at 20 weeks and 40 weeks were ±10.40 and ±10.25 gm respectively. Field evaluation: The pooled estimate of body weights at 4 and 8 weeks of age were ±2.45 and480.90±3.54 gm respectively. In field evaluations the adult body weight in males at 20 weeks and post maturity body weight at 40 weeks of age were ±15.78 and ±25.75 gm respectively, whereas the body weights in females at 20 weeks and 40 weeks of age were ± gm and ±13.25 gmrespectively. (B) Production Performance: Farm evaluation: The pooled estimate of age at first egg was 137 days and forage at 25% HHEP and 50% HHEP were 146 days and 165 days respectively in farm evaluations. The average egg weights at 28 weeks, 40 weeks and 52 weeks of age were 50.32±0.35 gm, 53.92±0.28 gm and 55.81±0.34 gm respectively. The Hen day egg production (HDEP) estimates at 40, 52 and 72 weeks of age were 57.07, and eggs respectively. Field evaluation: The pooled estimate for age at first egg was 179 days and age at 50% HHEP was 207 days. The average egg weights at 28 and 40 weeks of age were 50.76±0.57and 53.34±0.38 gm respectively. The Hen day egg production at 40, 52 and 72 weeks of age were 41.05, 80.51and eggs respectively. (C)Mortality: The overall mortality incidence during 0-8 weeks, 8-20 weeks, and and above 40 weeks of age was 12.23%, 14.82%, 7.81 and 2.19% respectively. The mortality under field condition was 9.42%, 8.67%, 4.82% and 5.67% respectively. 16

18 Table 4: On farm performance evaluation of Himsamridhi [(Dahlem Red X Native) x Dahlem Red] birds Batch First evaluation Second evaluation Pooled Body weight (g) N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE N Mean ± SE Day old ± ± ± week ± ± ± week ± ± ± week ± ± ± week Male ± ± ±13.59 Female ±13.68) ±15.68) ± week Male ± ± ±13.75 Female ± ± ±10.25 FCR up to 4-week 288 1: : :3.52 up to 8-week 271 1: : :5.59 Shank length Male ± ± ±0.03 (cms) Female ± ± ±0.04 ASM Age at first egg (days) Age at 25% HHEP Age at 50% HHEP Egg weight (g) at 28 weeks ± ± ± weeks ± ± ± weeks ± ± ±0.34 Egg production 40 weeks HHEP HDEP Egg production 52 weeks HHEP HDEP Egg production 72 weeks HHEP HDEP Figure 12: DR parent stock under brooding 17 Figure 13: DR parents under farm evaluation

19 Table 5: Field performanceevaluation ofhimsamridhi [(Dahlem Red X Native) x Dahlem Red] birds Batch First evaluation Second evaluation Pooled N= 298 N=390 N=688 Body weight (g) Mean ± SE Mean ± SE Mean ± SE 4-week ± ± ± week ± ± ± week Male ± ± ±15.78 Female ± ± ± week Male ± ± ±25.75 Female ± ± ±13.25 Shank Male 8.62± ± ±0.64 length (cms) Female 7.19± ± ±0.46 ASM (days) Age at first egg Age at 50% Egg Production Egg weight (g) at 40 weeks 50.83± ± ± weeks 52.98± ± ±0.38 Egg Production up to 40 weeks HHEP HDEP Egg Production up to 52 weeks HHEP HDEP Egg Production up to 72 weeks HHEP HDEP Figure 14: Himsamridhi birds at evaluation under farmer s flock Figure 15: Himsamridhi birds scavenging in backyard 18

20 Photographs depicting activities carried on during field recording and farmer s interaction/response Figure 16: Recording of Body Weight at field unit Jia, District Kangra Figure 17: Recording of confirmation traits at field unit, Baijnath Kangra Figure 18: Grower birds weight monitoring at field unit Figure19: Exposure visit of Tribal farmers of district Kinnaur Figure 20: Feedback from farmer from SHG of CORD (NGO) at Dharamshala 19 Figure 21: Feedback from farmer of laying potential of developed variety

21 Photographs depicting activities carried on in tribal areas under TSP component of AICRP on poultry breeding Figure 22: Distribution of chicks, starter feed and other inputs under TSP at Udaipur, (Lahaul & Spiti) Figure 23: Distribution of chicks, starter feed and other inputs under TSP at Ribba, (Kinnuar) Figure 24: Distribution of chicks, starter feed and other inputs under TSP at Kullu (KVK Bajaura) Figure 25: Distribution of chicks, starter feed and other inputs under TSP at Jia, Kangra Figure 26: Interaction with Tribal Farmers at Kinnaur 20 Figure 27: Performance recording and monitoring of TSP units at KVK Mandi

22 Production and distribution of Himsamridhi The year wise production and distribution of germplasm (day old chicks) along with units established including TSP units during development of proposed variety till date are given below in Table 6. Till date chicks have been hatched out of which chicks were distributed. A total of 647 backyard poultry units including 231 TSP units were established till date. Table 6 : Chicks of proposed variety hatched and distributed to farmers Year Chicks hatched Chicks distributed No of units Units under TSP * Overall *up to Nov 2016 Impact assessment of Himsamridhi Increased productivity: Himsamridhi birds showed better egg production performance under field conditions in village level/backyard poultry management system under free range conditions Table 7 : Impact assessment of Himsamridhi birds compared to native Trait Native Himsamridhi % improvement 20-week BW (Kg) Male 1.4 ( ) 1.6 ( ) 15% Female 1.0 ( ) 1.3( ) 30% Pooled 1.2 ( ) 1.4 ( ) 17% 40-week BW (Kg) Male 1.8 ( ) 2.2 ( ) 22% Female 1.4 ( ) 1.6 ( ) 14% Pooled 1.5 ( ) 1.8 ( ) 20% ASM (days) 198 ( ) % Egg weight (gms) 45 (40-48) 53 (50-55) 18% Annual egg production 77 (45-110) 140 ( ) 82% The body weights in Himsamridhi birds under field conditions at 20 weeks and 40 weeks is higherby 17% and 20% respectively. Similarly, the Himsamridhi birds had 11% lower age at maturity than native birds. The egg weight is 18% higher as compared to native birds and annual egg production is 82% higher than the native birds. Economic assessment of Himsamridhi birds: Since the birds of developed variety are akin to native birds in plumage colour but showed better growth and production, they have potential to contribute effectively in income 21

23 enhancement of rural household involved in backyard poultry farming. Over a period of time there is increase in demand of these birds because they provide better returns under similar rearing practices. Better management, suitable housing, ventilation, feed supplementation and periodic health monitoring can further increase production potential. Based on farmer s feedback, the economics of 25 birds (modelunit of backyard poultry, assuming at least 10 females completed laying and 10 males reached marketable age) can be worked unit as below. Considering average mortality to be 15%, average selling price of 200 rupees /Kg and selling price of Rs10/egg and average egg production of eggs /birds/annum. Cost of rearing/labour has been considered nil for both the stocks but for Himsamridhi birds Rs 30/male and 80/female has been accounted for improved management like occasional feed/grain and medicine etc. Table 8: Economic assessment of Himsamridhi birds as compared to Native/desi birds Native Himsamridhi Income (sale) Males Eggs Females Total Cost of chick Labour and rearing cost under free range Expenditure on supplementary feeding etc Net profit (Rupees) Net profit compared to native unit 7200 Net profit compared to native unit/bird

24 Success Stories 1. Backyard poultry as a source of supplementary income in hill agriculture Sh. Rahul Sharma is a progressive agriculturist belonging to village Kandwari, District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh involved in multifarious agricultural activities. After coming in contact with AICRP on poultry breeding, (Rural unit) Palampur, it was found that he is interested to diversify his agriculturist activities. He was prompted by the project to undertake backyard poultry farming. He was earlier keeping 4-5 native birds for last two years. 23 During surveys and further interactions, he mentioned lack of good quality chicks and institutional support as major constraint for poultry farming and during interaction with AICRP staff he was motivated to include backyard poultry by rearing improved Figure 28: Rahul Sharma with his flock birds developed in the project. Sh. Rahul Sharma was supplied 170 straight run chicks during July 2015 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. The mortality in his flock was very less (less than 4%) during the chick and growing phases. The birds started laying eggs mid of December 2015 at 5- months of age. He is retaining the laying hens till date with few culling. The male birds/cockerels which attained body weight of gm. at about 6-months of age were sold as per requirement from time to Rs /per bird giving him a handsome income of Rs 25000/- in six-month Figure 29: duration. Housing The and egg rearing production system of female birds was around eggs per day during the peak production in winter months. During this period, he was able to sell eggs at the rate of Rs per egg making total sale proceed of Rs 35000/ till date. At present, he is getting about egg daily giving him income

25 of Rs per day. He adopted mixed system of scavenging with grains for rearing birds keeping the input cost at bare minimum. 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. Thus, with a small flock of around 170 birds, Sh. Rahul Sharma made a handsome income and proved that backyard poultry farming along with other agricultural activities can be an economically viable agricultural diversification for livelihood and income generation. Sh. Rahul Sharma is continuing with this occupation adding small replacement batches of chicks at periodical intervals 2. Sustainable backyard poultry rearing and income enhancement in remote tribal area in higher hills of Himachal Pradesh Sh. Dheeraj Kumar belongs to Gaddi schedule tribe community of HP and is a resident of Supa village in Bharmour region (Chamba District) of Himachal Pradesh. The village is located in between Budhil and Ravi valleys at altitude of 2200 meters above MSL 80 KM to the south-east of Chamba. The area is having temperate climate and witnesses moderate to heavy snow falls in winter season. In year 2013, Dheeraj Kumar visited University during an exposure visit. During a lecture he interacted with staff of AICRP Poultry and mentioned that he is actively involved in various farm operation namely vegetable, crop and apple farming, and is also willing to undertake poultry farming regularly. He further told that lack of good quality germplasm, feed availability and technical guidance was the major constraints due to which he was not able to continuously rear backyard poultry units, although he has reared one lot of backyard poultry distributed through state Animal Husbandry Department. According to him, many a times when he wants to rear chicks supply was not available and also there is lack of institutional and Figure 30: Housing and rearing systemadopted government support in the area. He was included as one of the beneficiary under TSP component and was supplied with 100 grower birds in October, 2013along with feed and other inputs. Apart from this, he was given practical knowledge for maintaining birds under cold climatic conditions of region 24

26 and preparation of supplementary feed with locally available grain. He remained in continuous touch with the project staff and many a times telephonically enquired about on various aspects of poultry management. Even after taking the stocks in almost at onset of winter, he was able to maintain birds during winters with good growth and sold surplus males during peak winter season at premium price in the region. By the end of March, 2014 surplus males were sold and female started laying. On subsequent feedback, it was revealed that he was pleased with the performance of stock. He was advised to rear next lot in the month of August, comparatively earlier than last year so that effect of cold stress can be countered and males were available for sale during winters. An increase in chick survival rate due to declined mortality was observed in second lot which in turn has led to increased profitability and more net income through selling of eggs and surplus birds. He was also advised that in case of non-availability of chicks due to road shutdown or any other reason he can hatchout the chicks from egg produced by using desi brooding hen available with him. Since, then Sh. Dheeraj Kumar continually involved in backyard poultry and was able to make little improvisation at his own. During a visit to his village, he showed that he was utilizing the fruit wastes and dry fruits from his orchards and vegetables left over from his farm. Also he has been incorporating the Azolla and quoted that it acts as a very good green supplement in winters when scavenging material is scanty. Every year he procures one lot of chicks from AICRP centre Palampur and now he was happy to take day old chicks since he has developed enough expertise to rear them even during winters. He also hatches few chicks at his own using desi broody hen whenever the need arise. He has expanded his poultry house and included the facility for proper ventilation and light as guided. Currently he is having around 120 layers of the developed location specific variety and is daily producing around eggs ( eggs/month). Presently, he is earning approximately Rs.6000 to 7000 net income per month through selling of eggs and surplus poultry birds (approximately Rs.500to 700 per bird (male) Rs. 400 to 500 (Female) and Rs. 10 per egg in winter Rs. 7-8 in summer). Up to March 2016, he had earned approx. Rs net income excluding self-use of 25 Figure 31: Eggs of Himsamridhi at farmer s flock

27 eggs and poultry birds. The farmer is now taking keen interest in poultry breeding and is quite satisfied with the progress of his stock and has plan to make double stories poultry house for with housing facility for 500 birds including separate brooding facility. Since no commercial farm exists in the region and there is lot of demand for poultry productsand eggs during winters, he wants to exploit the good egg laying potential of the developed variety. Project coverage and activities The AICRP on Poultry Breeding center is located at CSKHPKV Palampur in District Kangra located inmid hill agroclimatic zone around 1280 meters above mean sea level with mild temperate climate. The project activities are currently being taken up in 7 districts (out of 12 districts) of the state as per the following geographical description. Linkage with KVK for establishment of units has been developed for two KVK s one in Mandi and other in Kullu district. Some NGO s namely Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development (CORD), ERA headquartered at Kangra district and Rural Technology and development Center (RTDC, voluntary Action Groups) Palampur has also been associated to include backyard poultry in their village development schemes. In future the remaining district will also be covered under project activities along with the left out KVKs. Figure 32:Map highligting the project activites in Himachal Table 9: Geographical features of covered Pradesh districts under project S.N District Zone Climate Altitude Remarks 1 Hamirpur Shivalik Sub-Tropical, foothills and valley 2 Kangra Primarily Mid-hill Mild temperate AICRP center zone with some parts in shivalik NGO Linkage 3 Kullu Primarily Mid- hill Mild temperate KVK linkage zone 4. Mandi Mid Hill High Hill Zones climate Mild temperate Humid temperate AICRP Center District under TSP Covered districts NGO/KVK Linkage KVK linkage 26

28 5. Chamba Mid Hill Mild temperate TSP coverage Cold dry zones Above Kinnaur Cold dry zones Humid temperate Temperate Above 2200 TSP coverage 7. Lahual-Spiti Cold dry zones Temperate Above 2200 TSP coverage Extension Activities (A.) TV Talks/Live Phone-in Programs: Three programs were telecasted over Shimla Doordarshan Kendra during project duration on different aspect of backyard poultry farming. Table 10: TV Talks/ Live Phone in Program detail S.N Type Topic Telecasting/ Recording 1. Live Phone-in Program (Studio based) 2. Field based program for TV Telecast 3. Field based program for TV Telecast Scope of Rural Poultry Farming in state of Himachal Pradesh Backyard/Low input poultry farming based occupation Backyard poultry farming 26 Nov 2012 DD Shimla 4 December 2012 November 2014 Delivered/ Presented by Dr Varun Sankhyan Dr Varun Sankhyan Dr Y P Thakur Dr Varun Sankhyan (B). Training programs/expert Lecture:Training was imparted to poultry farmers under different training programsorganized at CSKHPKV, KVK Bara and other agencies (CORD, Chinmaya organization for rural development Dharmshala, ERA Kangra and Rural Technology and Development Center in Baijnath block in Kangra district and Seraj block in Mandi district) as per the following detail Figure 33: Training for SHG of NGO, CORD at Dharamshala Table 11 : Particulars of different training program/exposure visit S.N Training/ Exposure visit Lectures No of farmers 1. Exposure visit to Poultry under Visit to farm and sensitization 35 27

29 Extension Reforms training program (October 22, 2011) 2. Vocational training on Poultry farming at KVK Bara (20-21 April 2011) 3. Vocational training on Poultry farming at KVK Bara (13-14 February 2012) 4. Three day institutional training IWMP, Mandi on Poultry (26-28 October 2012) 5. Vocational training on Poultry farming at KVK Bara (26 Feb- 27 Feb 2013) 6. Three day Training Program on Poultry farming under watershed development agency Chamba at CSKHPKV Palampur (15-17 July, 2013) 7. Vocational training on Poultry farming at KVK Bara (19-20 August 2013) 8. Entrepreneurship development through village level poultry under National Mission, Government of India Ministry of food processing (23 September 2013) 9. Vocational training on Poultry farming at KVK Bara (2-3 June 2014) about backyard poultry 1. Strategies to augment production in backyard poultry a 2. Different poultry germplasm for backyard poultry 1. Strategies to augment production in backyard poultry 2. Different poultry germplasm for backyard poultry 1. Poultry germplasm and poultry system 2. Exposure visit to CSKHPKV Poultry farm 3. Strategies to augment rural poultry farming 1. Backyard poultry farming 2. Strategies to augment production in backyard poultry 1. Poultry germplasm and poultry farming system 2. Exposure visit to CSKHPKV Poultry farm 3. Exposure visit to hatchery unit 4. Diversification of rural poultry 1. Backyard poultry farming 2. Strategies to augment production in backyard poultry 3. Scope of village level poultry farming 1. Strategies to augment production in backyard poultry