Backyard Poultry Farming is the need for better livelihood & Nutritional Security in Rural India

January 8, 2023

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Backyard Poultry Farming is the need for better livelihood & Nutritional Security in Rural India

Definition of backyard poultry Backyard poultry is nicely described by Mandal et al. 2006 . As defined by them it is a low input or no input business and is characterized by indigenous night shelter system scavenging system with little supplementary feeding natural hatching of chicks , poor productivity of birds local marketing and no health care practice.Backyard poultry production is an age old practice in rural India. Most of the backyard poultry production comprises rearing of indigenous birds with poor production performances.

The potentiality of indigenous birds in terms of egg production is only 70 to 80 egs/ bird/ year and meat production is also very less. However, the backyard poultry production can be easily boost up with improved varieties of chicken and can promise a better production of meat and egg.

To improve the socio-economic status of the traditional farmers, backyard poultry is a handy enterprise with low-cost initial investment, but high economic return along with guarantee for improving protein deficiency among the poor.

Backyard poultry in Indian Scenario

In Indian scenario the development in poultry production owes to various factors such as growth in income and urbanization, progresses in processing technology and improvements along the marketing chain . According to the OECD-FAO Agricultural report 2008-2017 has estimated that Indian demand for poultry products will be enhanced at 4.8 percent whereas the supply of poultry products will grow at 5.2 percent per year over the decade which is faster than any other type of animal product. According government of India report the eggs and broilers productions has been reported to increase at a rate of 8-10% per annum but the growth has been mainly limited to commercial poultry and the contribution of backyard poultry is negligible. However, this growth in the poultry sector has not been able to contribute much to poverty reduction and improved nutrition in rural India . Pica-Ciamarra and Otte, 2008 revealed that statistically a landless poor agricultural family unit keeps 1.2 non-descript low yielding local birds in the backyard, which would sum up into an average flock size of 8 to 9 birds per poultry keeping household. This type of backyard flocks only make a very negligible contribution to rural livelihoods, as the net income per bird per month ranges was very low. But the low input requirements to backyard poultry farming a reason to attain an inexpensive and reasonable source of highly nutritious food items at low cost

Why to go for backyard poultry farming?

Low initial investment but higher economic return.
A unit can be started with as low as two chickens to a large flock.
Feed cost is negligible due to better utilization of agricultural by-products and leftover feed and grains.
Egg and birds can be sold in local market with high price, because there is a growing demand for local chicken.
And the consumers are willing to pay higher prices for high quality desi chicken meat or egg.
Boost up in family income for better utilization of family laboures who are not able to perform other agricultural works like old family member or children.
Backyard poultry farming acts as an ‘ATM’, because as per family need the birds and eggs can be sold at anytime anywhere with cash in hand.
Quality of chicken and egg is better in terms of organic farming as the birds are raised in stress less environment with natural input.

Limitations of indigenous backyard poultry

Slow growth
Low body weight
Late sexual maturity
Low clutch size, thus low egg production
Low egg size
Prolonged broodiness

Improved strain of poultry birds for backyard farming

Desi or indigenous birds are generally poor performers in egg and meat production. To obtain maximum profit from backyard poultry farming there is a urgent need in the country to improve the status of backyard poultry farming with improved strain of poultry birds, who performs an excellent result when raised in backyard with low inputs. Improved chicken that can be introduced in backyard poultry farming should have following characters-

Adaptability in village condition
Self propagation
Good brooding capacity
Mothering ability
Well body conformation
Hardy in nature
Good scavengers
Attractive and coloured plumage
Escaping capacity from predators
Disease resistance

Considering the above characteristics, the verities that can be recommended for backyard poultry farming are- Gramapriya, Vanaraja, Giriraja, Girirani, Krishna – J etc.

The annual egg production capacity of Gramapriya and Vanaraja birds are 200 to 220 and 200 to 230 egg/ bird/ year, respectively. First egg lays at 200 to 230 days depending on plane of nutrition and other managemental parameters. Egg weight varies from 55 to 60 gram. Mature body weight 2.5 to 3.5 kg.

Breeds and variety suitable for backyard poultry farming

Rural poultry farming using native breeds is being practised in many developing and underdeveloped countries throughout the world. Desi or indigenous birds are generally poor performing in egg and meat production. In rural areas of India, chicken reared in backyard are mostly Desi type with low egg and meat production (Ghosh, et. al., 2005) and there is need of introduction of improved dual purpose bird having capacity to lay more eggs and gain higher body weight than the local or Desi birds. To obtain maximum profit from backyard poultry farming there is a time demand to introduce the most suitable type of poultry breeds and variety in backyard farming, which can perform better at low inputs in natural conditions. Improved chicken than can be introduced in backyard poultry farming should have following characteristics

Good scavengers
• Hardy in nature
• Self propagating
• Broody in nature
• High mothering ability
• High Disease resistance
• Well body conformation
• Coloured and attractive plumage
• Flight & escaping capacity from predators
• Better adaptability to local climatic conditions

Considering the above said characteristics of backyard type poultry the following breeds or variety may be recommended for backyard poultry farming

CARl Debendra – This is a medium-sized dual-purpose bird suitable for backyard poultry production. It was developed by crossing coloured synthetic broiler line as male line and Rhode Island Red (RIR) as female line at Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh. The bird achieves moderate body weight of 1200 g at eight weeks of age with economic feed conversion ratio of 2.5-2.6. The meat has lower carcass and abdominal fat than broiler meat, which makes it a consumer’s delight. It is a suitable bird for rural poultry because of its better survivability and moderate egg production ability. Annual egg production of CARI Debendra is 190-200 eggs.

CARI Nirbheek – It is a cross of Indian native breed Aseel with CARI Red developed for free range as well as backyard poultry production. These are very active birds, large in size, aggressive in nature with high stamina and majestic gait. They are able to save themselves from predators due to their fighting characters and activeness. They are also adopted to all climatic zones of the country for backyard production. Annual egg production of CARI Nirbheek is 198 eggs.

CARI Upcari – Has been developed utilizing Indian native chicken with Frizzle plumage. These are multicoloured birds with single comb and medium body size. Presence of Frizzle plumage helps in fast dissipation of heat due to which birds are better adopted specially in tropical climate in arid zones under backyard production. Annual egg production of CARI Upcari is 220 eggs.

CARI Hitcari – This variety has been developed utilizing Indian native chicken with naked neck plumage, which are adapted to tropical climate especially for hot and humid coastal regions of the country. These multicoloured birds have single as well as pea comb and birds are larger in built. Annual egg production of CARI Hitcari is 200 eggs.

CARI Shyama – It is a cross of Kadaknath breed of Indian native chicken with CARI Red. Birds have plumage of various colours dominated by black. The skin, beak, shank, toes and soles are dark gray in colour. The peculiarity of this bird is that most of the internal organs (muscles and tissues) show the characteristics black pigmentation. The black colour of muscles and tissues is due to deposition of melanin pigment, which causes increase in protein and decrease of fat and muscle fibre. Annual egg production of CARI Shyama is 210 eggs whereas in SA PPLPP (2009) report Kadaknath hens start laying eggs 6 months onwards and eggs are laid in two to three clutches in a year with 25 to 30 eggs per clutch thus 80 to 90 eggs are produced in a year. So CARI Shyama is better performer than Kadaknath having same characteristics of Kadaknath fowl.

Giriraja and Swarnadhara – Varieties were developed by Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Bangalore. The hybrid coloured chicken variety named Giriraja was developed for backyard rearing by College of Veterinary Science, Bangalore. The birds have a high egg production potential along with better growth compared to local varieties and are suited for mixed and backyard farming. Giriraja female lays about 130-150 eggs a year. The eggshell is brown in colour and thicker than that of other commercial eggs and does not break easily

Swarnadhara chickens – Have a high egg production potential along with better growth compared to other local varieties and are suited for mixed and backyard farming. The bird can be reared for its eggs and meat. It attains maturity from the 22-23rd week after hatching. Hens attain a body weight of about 3 kg and cocks about 4 kg. “Swarnadhara hens lay about 180-190 eggs in a year. When compared to Giriraja, this breed yields 15-20 eggs more in a year. The eggshell is brown in colour and thicker than that of other commercial eggs and does not break easily. The eggs can be stored for 8-10 days at room temperature during summer and during winter for about 15 days. The birds are sturdy and have a high longevity.

Vanaraja – is a backyard type bird developed by the Project Directorate on Poultry (PDP), Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh). It is a multi-coloured dual purpose bird with attractive plumage. The male parent has been developed for moderate juvenile body weight, long shanks and good immuno-competence. The female parent has been developed for high egg production, better egg size, high hatchability and immune competence. The plumage pattern and colour of Vanaraja bird is very attractive and closely resembles that of the desi fowl. Due to their relatively light weight and long shanks, these birds are capable to protect themselves from predators which are otherwise a major problem observed in birds reared in backyard. Vanaraja males attain moderate body weight at 8 weeks of age under regular feeding system and the pullets produce around 160-180 eggs in a laying cycle with minimum supplementation of locally available feed ingredients and other managemental inputs.

Suggestions for obtaining high returns from backyard poultry farming

a) Protect from predators.
b) Provide additional concentrate feed.
c) Provide clean and fresh drinking water.
d) Provide optimum space to avoid overcrowding.
e) Proper vaccination, de-worming and veterinary care.
f) Regular disinfection of poultry house and surrounding.

Housing management for backyard poultry farming

No elaborate housing is required for backyard poultry farming but, it should protect the birds from sun, rain and predators. If free range system is practiced the birds are let loose in day time for foraging and at night sheltered in shed. For better production performances certain criteria that can be considered are –

The poultry house should be in east-west orientation to protect from summer wind and cold stress and also for direct sunlight in winter months.
During summer direct sun light should be avoided to reduce the summer stress in birds.
Low cost housing material like wood, bamboo, grass, thatch etc can be utilized.
The poultry house should be free from water seepage or moisture.
Floor should be in elevated land or above ground level (minimum 2ft) and free from water crack, easily cleaned, rat proof and durable.
There should be free air movement in upper part of the shed to reduce gas formation inside the shed.
Height of the side wall in poultry house is generally 7 ft to 8 ft. The centre height is 9 ft to 12 ft with slope in either side.
Roofing material like thatch, tiles, asbestos etc can be used.
Brooder house should have easy ventilation and wire netting which is used for open air ventilation.
Provision of bulb fitted above the ground as hoover may be utilized to keep the chicks worm.

Brooding of Chicks

There are two types of brooding viz. Natural brooding and Artificial brooding that can be adopted for backyard poultry farming.

Natural brooding

If natural brooding is practiced the local broody hen is used as the indigenous hens are very good sitters. Improved variety of fertile eggs is put into incubation. The hen is provided with nesting materials. Food and water supply is given throughout the incubation period.

A broody hen can easily take care for brooding and hatching of 12 to 15 chicks. After hatching the chicks are let loose along with mother for scavenging. There should be provision for separate place inside the shed for young chicks and mother at night.

Artificial brooding

In artificial brooding provision of artificial heat is necessary. Artificial heat can be provided with electricity, gas, kerosene, wood, sawdust etc. ‘Bukharies’ also can be used as a source of artificial heat. Wood, charcoal or sawdust is used in ‘Bhukaries’ and it is an ideal source of artificial heating when there is acute shortage of electricity, gas and kerosene.

The optimum temperature is 95⁰ F in first week and it can be reduced 5⁰F per week up to 6 week till 70⁰F. Two watt/ chick heat is required up to 6 week in brooder house.

The necessity of light in brooder house is to increase feed consumption for maximum growth in a short period and also to prevent stampeding or piling if scared. Initially (up to 6 weeks) there should be provision for at least continuous light up to 48 hours in brooder house and in growing stage (8 to 18 weeks) light hour is 10 to 12.

But in laying period light should be for 15 to 16 hours. The provision for extra light may be in the morning or evening or may be morning and evening both. To prevent direct contact with heat a chick guard made up of card board or metallic guard can be used in brooder house.

The height of chick guard is 15 to 18” is placed in circular shape at a distance of 3’ away from the hover.

Feeding management

The feed cost alone is 70% of total expenditure in poultry production. In backyard poultry farming the feed cost is considered to be minimum. Hence, the birds are let loose for scavenging in the open yard and collect the required protein, energy, minerals and vitamins etc from insects, snail, termites, seeds of grasses and weeds, leftover grains, crop residues and household wastes.

Feed ingredients like broken rice, ground nut straw, wheat or job’s tear grain, rice bean etc also can be given to the birds. During rainy season poultry feed should not be stored more than 1.5 months to avoid fungus growth (Aflatoxicosis). In backyard poultry farming generally two times feeding is practiced; once at morning and another at evening.

The space requirement for feeder is 2 to 7 cm at brooding period, 7 to 10 cm during growing stage and 12 to 15 cm / bird at laying stage. The water space should be 0.5 to 1.5 cm during brooding, 1.5 to 2.5 during growing and 2.5 cm during laying period.

The birds may be supplied with extra concentrate ration @ 30 to 60 gm/ day/ bird for better performance.

The balanced ration may be formulated with appropriate percentage of maize, rice polish, wheat bran, ground nut cake, fish meal, shell grit or lime stone along with salt, minerals and vitamins or may be with locally available ingredients. The poultry feed should contain at least 20% protein in starter level, 16% in grower and 18% in laying stage with energy level (ME) 2800 kcal/kg feed in starter, 2600 kcal/kg at grower and 2650 kcal/kg in layer ration.

Health care management

For better health care in backyard poultry farming the birds should be vaccinated against virus diseases in time. The diseases that mostly effect the birds are Ranikhet disease, Marek’s Disease, Fowl pox, Gumbroo disease etc.

Regular vaccination schedule may be followed in a poultry farm (Table 1). Deworming for internal and external parasites also should be done to maintain a healthy flock. Other diseases that may affect the poultry birds are Coccidiosis, infectious coryza, Salmonellosis etc.

Table 1. Vaccination schedule for poultry birds

Sl. No.	Age of birds	Name of Vaccine	Name of Disease	Doses	Route of Vaccination
1	Day old Chicks	HVT MD Vaccine	Marek’s Disease	0.2 ml	S/c or I/m
2	4 to 7 days	F-1/ Lasota	Ranikhet Disease	One drop	Eye or nostril
3	14 to 18 days	Intermediate plus	Gumboro disease	–	Drinking water
4	35 days	F-1/ Lasota	Ranikhet Disease	One drop	Eye and nostril
5	6 to 7 weeks	Chicken embryo adopted	Fowl Pox	0.5 ml	Wing stab method
6	8 to 10 weeks	Strain killed vaccine	Ranikhet Disease	0.5 ml	S/c or I/m

Finger tips suggestion for backyard poultry farming

Disease free, improved strain, dual purpose poultry birds may be procured for back yard poultry farming.
Periodical vaccination should be done on regular basis.
Clean drinking water and fungus free feed should be supplied to the birds.
The poultry shed should be regularly cleaned and free from moisture and humid condition.
Overcrowding should be avoided.
If possible there should be separate space for different age group of birds.
Sick bird should be immediately separated/ culled from healthy flock.
Poultry equipments particularly waterer and feeder should be regularly cleaned and disinfected.
There should be restriction for outsider into the poultry shed or farm.
The birds should be free from predators and should not be scared by other animals.
Before procuring new flocks the shed should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
There should be provision for footbath in front of poultry shed.
During summer and winter months the shed should be protected from hot or cold wind by hanging curtain around the side of the wall or shed. In summer months water sprinkling also can be done.