Comparative study of the performance of Giriraja and indigenous poultry birds under backward farming system in Manipur, India

Abstract

A comparative field study was conducted to find out the performance of Giriraja and indigenous/ desi poultry birds under backyard farming system in nine valley and hill districts of Manipur. Data with respect to age at first egg production, egg weight, annual egg production, live body weight at 48th weeks of age and mortality rate were collected from the 180 farmers rearing minimum of 20 birds. The average age at first egg production was found to be 155 days and 184 days with average egg weight of 52 gm and 40 gm respectively for Giriraja and desi chicken. The average egg production, live body weight at 48th weeks of age and mortality of Giriraja was found to be 136 numbers, 3.1 kg (male), 2.3 kg (female) and 14% respectively. While that of desi birds was 53 numbers, 1.6 kg (male), 1.2 kg (female) and 8% respectively. The backyard poultry farming with improved variety like Giriraja birds provide a source of livelihood and food security.