Performance Evaluation of Chabro Birds under Field Conditions in Pulwama and Srinagar Districts of Kashmir Valley
Ajaz A. Ganie *
KVK, Pulwama, SKUAST-K, India.
J. A. Mugloo
KVK, Pulwama, SKUAST-K, India.
Malik Raies Ul Islam
KVK, Ananthnag, SKUAST-K, India.
Mir Shabir Ahmad
KVK, Shopian, SKUAST-K, India.
Ishtiyak A. Mir
KVK, Srinagar, SKUAST-K, India.
Towseef A. Wani
KVK, Pulwama, SKUAST-K, India.
Syed Shujat
KVK, Pulwama, SKUAST-K, India.
Jahangeer A. Baba
KVK, Pulwama, SKUAST-K, India.
Gowhar N. Parrey
KVK, Pulwama, SKUAST-K, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: The Chabro breed, developed as a dual-purpose bird, has shown promising results in various agro-climatic zones of India. A clear knowledge gap exists regarding the growth performance, egg production potential, and survivability of Chabro birds under backyard rearing systems in the temperate agro-climatic conditions of the Kashmir region.
Aim: The study aims to evaluate the field performance of Chabro birds under backyard rearing conditions in the Pulwama and Srinagar districts of the Kashmir Valley.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted from March 2022 to February 2024 under the Front Line Demonstration (FLD) programme of KVK Pulwama and KVK Srinagar.
Methods: A total of 1200 day-old Chabro chicks were distributed among 80 farmers, with 15 birds to each farmer across eight selected villages. The birds were reared under semi-scavenging backyard conditions. Performance evaluation was carried out in terms of growth traits, production performance, survivability, economic returns, and farmers’ perception regarding the adaptability and acceptance of the breed.
Results: The results revealed a consistent and satisfactory growth pattern, with body weight increasing from 36.42 ± 0.45 g at day-old to 2410.15 ± 18.25 g at 20 weeks of age. The birds attained sexual maturity at 172.50 ± 3.10 days, with an average body weight of 2385.40 ± 22.15 g at first egg. The annual egg production was 158.40 ± 4.25 eggs per bird, while the average egg weight at 40 weeks was 54.12 ± 1.20 g. Survivability up to 20 weeks and from 20–52 weeks was 90.20% and 89.50%, respectively, indicating good resilience under backyard conditions. Economic analysis on a per-farmer basis (15 birds) showed a net profit of ₹8,102 with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.31:1. Farmers’ feedback indicated high acceptance, high disease resistance, and expressed high overall satisfaction.
Conclusion: Chabro birds are highly suitable for backyard poultry farming under the temperate agro-climatic conditions of the Kashmir Valley, offering significant potential for nutritional security, income generation, and livelihood improvement among smallholder farmers.
Keywords: Chabro, backyard poultry, body weight, egg production