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A Comparison on the Performance of Three Breeds of Hen in the Haor Environment

Dr. Md. Jasimuddin Khan
Professor (Livestock Systems Specialist)
Department of Animal Nutrition, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Average initial body weight of three genotypes of hens belonging to both supplementary and non supplementary feeding group from 120 days to 270 days of age. Similar trend in body weight gain was observed in non-supplementary hen groups. Highest body weight at the age of 270 days was observed in Isha Brown (1790.0g) followed by Hilly (1556 g) and Naked neck (1487 g). Average daily body weight gain by 180 days was highest in Isha Brown (3.75g) followed by Hilly (3.15g) and Naked neck (3.07 g). In comparison to non- supplementary group, supplementary feed group of hens attained about between 190 to 250 g more body weight at the age of 300 days. The live weights of the experimental birds at 300 days of age were 1.79 kg, 1.49 kg, 1.56 kg and 1.53 kg, 1.30 kg and 1.35 kg for Isha Brown, Hilly and Naked neck in supplementary and non supplementary feed group, respectively. The hens belong to three genotypes viz; Isha Brown, Hilly and Naked neck laid first egg at the age of 155, 160 and 165 days, respectively in the supplementary feed group. On the other hand age at sexual maturity in non supplementary group for Isha Brown, Hilly and Naked neck was 166, 170 and 182 days, respectively. It is evident from the result that supplementary feed group of hens laid more number of eggs, irrespectively of hen genotype, where highest number of eggs (135) were found in Isha Brown and lowest in Naked neck (70) by 270 days of production period..

Keywords: Productive performance, Three genotypes, Hens at farmers level, Haor area, Economic feeding and rearing.

Location: Purbo Tethulia, a Haor Village of Netrakona District

Start Date: 00-03-2010

End Date: 00-03-2013

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Chicken

Objectives:

To compare the productive performance of three genotypes (Isha brown, Naked neck and Hilly) of hens at farmers level.
To select a suitable genotype for the area.
To develop an economic feeding and rearing system

Methodology:

Twenty four farmers were selected from the Research Site to conduct the experiment with hen. The farmers were selected on the basis of their previous experience and interest on poultry rearing. The selected farmers were almost similar in socio-economic status. The farmers were divided into two groups of 12 in each for rearing two feed groups of hens viz., supplemental and non supplemental. All the farmers were given day long training on hen rearing system. Each farmer was given eight birds from any three (Isha brown, Naked neck and Hilly) genotypes of hen. Sexually mature hens of three genotypes viz., Isha Brown, Naked Neck and Hilly were distributed to the farmers in order to study the egg production performance and egg quality characteristics. Feeding trial was conducted at farmer’s house with conventional management practices in semi-scavenging rearing systems. The experiment was conducted following completely randomized design having 4 replicates (household) for each genotype of Isha Brown, Naked Neck and Hilly hens. The experimental ducks were reared under the existing husbandry practices conventionally done in the village when hens were allowed to scavenge from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm. Farmers were given training on feeding, housing, management and prevention of disease and birds were vaccinated against BCRDV and Gumboro before handing over to the selected farmers, and thereafter the birds were vaccinated in farmer’s house. Live weight of individual bird was recorded in every morning before feeding. Live weight of each bird was taken every fortnightly during four to six months and one month interval during six months and onward. Final live weight was recorded at the end of the experiment and weight gain was calculated by deducting the initial weight from the final weight. The survivability per cent of the birds was calculated separately for each replication at the end of the experiment, dividing the number of birds alive by the number of birds reared and multiplying by 100. Daily egg production, egg weight, age at first and peak egg production, egg mass production, total egg mass production etc., for each replication in each genotype was recorded.

Source of Information: SPGR Sub-Project Completion Report; LIVELIHOOD IMPROVEMENT OF FARMING COMMUNITY IN HAOR AREA THROUGH SYSTEM APPROACH; March 2010 to June 2013, Department of Agronomy, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. PIU-BARC, BARC Complex, Farmgate, Dhaka-1215,October 2013

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Farmers of Purbo Tethulia have been rearing hens for a long time as a part of their livestock production systems. Scavenging system of hen rearing was followed by almost all of the farmers in haor areas due to easy rearing system and availability of natural feeds for hens. Supplementation of feed to scavenging hens improves growth, egg productivity, gross margin and reduced mortality. Therefore, hen rearing with supplementary feed may be practiced as an income generating activity among rural haor people.

Knowledge Management: Report/Proceedings