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