Native chicken production in India: present status and challenges

Abstract

Native chickens are the mainstay of backyard or free range systems of farming in India. They contributed about 11.5% to the total egg production ofthe country in the year 2019. Over the years their contribution to the total egg production is declining. Furthermore, they were neglected due to theirlow production potential and given least importance in the past. However, in recent years native chickens are gaining importance due to increasingdemand for their meat and eggs. Consumers are willing to pay higher price for meat and eggs of native chickens due to their perceived healthbenefits. A total of 19 breeds were recognized and registered as native chicken breeds at breed registry (ICAR-NBAGR). They are known to behardy, able to thrive under adverse climatic conditions and also reported to be resistant to bacterial and parasitic diseases. Studies on some of thesenative breeds carried out at intensive system indicated that there is high genetic diversity and they possess unique characteristics which are lacking inthe improved or commercial chickens. In this paper the status of native chicken production with respect to characterization for growth and productiontraits, immune competence/ disease resistance carcass and meat quality traits, nutrient requirements and improvement studies and challenges to thenative chicken production in the country are discussed. Authors believe this information could be useful for characterization and improvement of theperformance of native chicken breeds in India and other developing countries.