Production performance and economics of CARI Nirbheek chicken for backyard farming under semi-arid ecosystem in central Gujarat, India

The present study was conducted to evaluate the production performance and economics of CARI Nirbheek chickens for backyard farming under semi-arid ecosystem in central Gujarat. The overall mean body weights of CARI Nirbheek chickens at 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 40 weeks of age were 515.06±9.97, 698.90±16.32, 951.78±18.24, 1139.32±26.96, 1372.73±43.51, 1542.87±49.61, 1721.82±46.35 and 2244.13±51.22 g, respectively. Differences in body weights between male and female chickens were found to be significant. The mortality in CARI Nirbheek chicken during the period from 6 to 20 weeks and 21 to 40 weeks of age was recorded 12.20 and 5.09 per cent, respectively. The average age at first egg laying was recorded 157.46±1.19 days while age at sexual maturity was recorded 173.36±2.71 days. The average hen day egg production up to 40 and 72 weeks of age were recorded 54.94±0.41and 167.89±1.42, respectively. The value for different egg quality traits clearly indicated that the eggs produced from CARI Nirbheek are of superior quality. The benefit cost ratio was recorded 1:4.68 per family for rearing under backyard farming system. From the present study it may be concluded that CARI Nirbheek chickens could be suitable with respect to reproductive and productive performance as well as adaptability in the semi-arid ecosystem.