Comparative Performance of Different Varieties of Chicken in Eastern Hill and Plateau Region of India

Abstract

A comparative performance of different varieties of chicken namely Divyan Red, Vanaraja, Kaveri and Kadaknath was conducted during 2018-19 to find out an economical variety for rearing of poultry in Eastern Hill and Plateau Region of India. Chickens were randomly distributed into 4 groups of 100 each. The birds were reared under uniform and standard managemental practices. The study was conducted for 16 months (480 days) till the egg laying was ceased by the chickens. Various parameters were recorded at timed interval. The external and internal egg quality traits of different varieties were also determined. Significantly (P<0.05) higher egg weight (60.56 ± 0.83g), shape index (77.16 ± 0.56), egg shell weight (5.96 ± 0.07g), shell % (12.57 ± 0.51), albumen index (9.12 ±0.32 %), and yolk index (51.41 ± 0.43 %) was found in Divyan Red followed by Vanaraja, Kaveri and Kadaknath respectively. The highest number of egg production was recorded in Vanaraja (168.66 ±14.01) followed by Kaveri (159.77 ±13.88), Divyan Red (157.47 ±13.55) and least in Kadaknath (105.45 ±11.52) respectively. The body weight was found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher in Divyan Red (2194.21 ±21g) followed by Vanaraja (2168.56 ±53.16g), Kaveri (1936.29 ±50.12g) and Kadaknath (1605.24 ±49.21g). Total weight gains (g) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Divyan Red (1926.64 ± 53.73) and least in Kadaknath (1424.34 ±47.21). Similarly, significantly (P<0.05) higher average daily weight gain (g/bird) was also recorded in Divyan Red (8.03 ± 0.17) and least in Kadaknath (5.94 ± 0.10). The total feed intake (kg/bird) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Divyan Red and Vanaraja as comared to other two varieties of chicken. However, the FCR values were significantly (P<0.05) better in Divyan Red and Vanaraja than the Kaveri and Kadaknath. It was concluded that the chicken varieties Vanaraja, Divyan Red and Kaveri were equally better in respect of egg production and age at first egg in Eastern Hill and Plateau Region of India.