Local Chicken (Deshi) Rearing System Under Backyard Farming Condition in Jamalpur Sadar Upazila, Jamalpur

Abstract

The study was conducted across various areas of Jamalpur Sadar Upazilas, Jamalpur, with the aim of observing the local chicken rearing practices in relation to the socioeconomic status of farmers. The investigation covered aspects such as the phenotypic characteristics of indigenous chickens, their production and reproduction performance, and the occurrence of diseases. Rural inhabitants preferred raising indigenous chickens due to their minimal care requirements, low input, and resource demands. These chickens served as a valuable source of high quality protein and contributed to the farmers' marginal income. While indigenous chickens were not prolific egg layers (around 45 eggs per year) and didn't yield substantial meat quantities, they exhibited resilience and thrived in the challenging rural environment. Among the rural chicken varieties, some possessed untapped superior genetic traits. Poultry shelters in rural settings were constructed using local materials, and the birds were fed with household leftovers, while also spending a significant portion of their time scavenging for food. The absence of organized breeding programs led to close inbreeding within indigenous chicken stocks. On average, these chickens reached sexual maturity around 234 days, and their eggs weighed approximately 45 grams each. The lack of adequate feed and a high prevalence of diseases posed significant challenges to the advancement of rural poultry farming. The response rate to vaccines stood at roughly 40%. Despite these obstacles, indigenous chicken production in the country was predicted to continue growing due to escalating demands for both eggs and meat.