CSKHPAU develops a new poultry stock to promote poultry farming
The scientists of CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University have developed a new poultry stock (variety) and named it 'Himsamridhi'. It has been developed by the scientists of the Department of Animal Genetics & Breeding, Dr.G.C.Negi College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences.
'Himsamridhi' has been developed by crossing a red-colored dual purpose poultry breed (Dahlem Red) with selected native (Desi) chicken of the State. The research work on development of this new location specific poultry variety was being carried on under the aegis of ongoing All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry Breeding (Rural Poultry Unit) centre at the university and its coordinating unit at Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- Directorate of Poultry Research, Hyderabad. This AICRP on Poultry Breeding centre was sanctioned by the ICAR during 2009-10 and was further extended for XII five-year plan period. A major objective of this project was evaluation of local fowl germplasm and production of poultry crosses suitable for rural poultry farming under local climatic conditions with focus to improve rural backyard poultry farming in hilly regions.
The on-farm and field performance of 'Himsamridhi' has been evaluated. It has proved as a promising egg type poultry stock suitable for rural backyard poultry farming in this area. The important characteristics of this stock are; attractive reddish brown plumage colour, good growth, early feathering, adaptability, good for aging and scavenging, early start of laying, large brown shelled egg and reasonably good egg production. The adult (20 weeks) body weight in a male and female bird is 1.750 kg- 2.200 kg and 1.500 kg - 1.750 kg, respectively. The egg production in hens starts at 18-20 weeks of age. The birds are able to lay 160-180 eggs / bird in a laying year. The eggs are brown shelled and weigh 55-60 gms. This stock is being preferred by farmers in this area for rearing as colored egg type bird under backyard production.
The department has been hatching and supplying chicks of this stock DND [(DR X N) X DR] to the poultry farmers for rearing under backyard poultry with increasing acceptability. During 2016-17, the department had supplied approximately 35000 chicks of this stock to over 450 farmers for rearing. This included poultry units established in the agro climatically harsh tribal areas of the state, where these birds have survived and performed well. This new stock has been released as a new location specific poultry variety named 'Himsamridhi' for further propagation in the state after approval from the ICAR.
Source:http://www.hillagric.ac.in/
