Optimizing poultry integration in litchi orchards: A comprehensive evaluation of Vanaraja, Shipra and Kadaknath chicken for dual-purpose sustainability and economic viability Singh Sanjay Kumar1,*, Pandey Shesh Dhar1, Kumar Pankaj2, Nath Vishal1,3 3ICAR-National Research Centre on Litchi, Mushahari Farm, Muzaffarpur, 842 002, Bihar 1IARI, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand 2Head, Department of Veterinary and A. H. Extension Education, Bihar Animal Science University (BASU), Patna *Corresponding author Email: sanjay.singh3@icar.gov.in
Online Published on 15 January, 2024. Abstract Three different poultry breeds as Vanaraja, Shipra and Kadaknath were evaluated for its suitability under fruit orchard backyard poultry rearing system. It was evident that the colour synthetic broiler variety Vanaraja birds attained the highest body weight of 1.85 kg in 24 week period compared to that of other breeds (1.53 kg, 1.04 kg for Shipra and Kadaknath, respectively). The egg production potential was also found to be highest in case of Vanaraja breed i.e. 174 eggs/bird/year followed by Shipra (163 eggs/bird/year) and Kadaknath birds (104 egg/bird/year), which performed well as meat purpose breed. In the orchard, the cost on plant protection reduced by 1/3rd and fertilizer application to the tune of half of RDF (as N, P and K content of orchard soil improved by over 20 % than the normal orchard). Due to Ca deficiency the shell thickness of egg was reduced by 50 % which was compensated with mixing (5 %) crushed snail shell in the feed. The fruit yield in HDO improved by >30 % due to desi bird rearing in litchi orchard while in rejuvenated block, the yield was enhanced by over 20%. The average fruit weight under HDO with poultry was 28.89 g and in rejuvenated block (with poultry), it was 25.89 g. The control block has average fruit weight as 20 g and 21 g, respectively. The fruit acidity was also reduced and TSS, pulp content, vitamin C content was enhanced after free range chick’s rearing in litchi orchard. Therefore, the Vanaraja birds were best suited under the local agro-climatic condition i.e. microclimate of litchi orchard and serve better as a dual purpose. The economics of rearing Vanaraja and Kadaknath poultry birds at farmer’s house was found to be beneficial for income generation from litchi orchards and can contribute to rural livelihoods and a solution to food security to the rural masses. Top Keywords HDP, Kadaknath, Litchi, Nutrient, Poultry, Rejuvenation, Vanaraja. Top |