Comparative performances of indigenous, Vanaraja and crossbred (PB2xIndigenous) chicken under different systems of rearin

Abstract

A study has been conducted on a total 1200 no. of chicks out of which 600 numbers (200 each of Indigenous, Vanaraja and Crossbred) were reared under intensive system. All the types of chicken were fed uniform diet of Chick (0-8 weeks), Grower (9-20 weeks) and Layer (above 20 weeks) rations. Remaining 600 numbers (200 each of Indigenous, Vanaraja and Crossbred) were distributed among 30 beneficiaries for backyard system of rearing. Significant (P≤0.05) differences in body weights were recorded among the different types of chicken at all the specified ages. The overall mean body weight was found to be significantly (P≤0.05) higher in Vanaraja (2816.80 ± 26.05 g) followed by Crossbred (2333.70 ± 16.11 g) and Indigenous (1412.70 ± 12.61g) chickens at 52 weeks of age. Irrespective of types of chicken, significantly (P≤0.05) higher body weight was recorded under intensive system (2356.03 ± 30.02 g) than that of backyard system (2019.43 ± 27.65 g) of rearing. The average total feed consumption was significantly (P≤0.05) higher in Vanaraja than Crossbred and Indigenous chicken up to 20 and 52 weeks of age. The FCR was found to be better in Vanaraja (4.30 ± 0.12) followed by Crossbred (4.69 ± 0.15) and Indigenous (6.02± 0.40) chickens.