STUDY ON THE PIGEON FARMING SYSTEM IN THE URBAN AREAS OF CHITTAGONG

Abstract

An attempt was made to investigate the pigeon farming system in urban area of Chittagong. In this study, 10 households were selected randomly and data was collected by questionnaire from the pigeon raisers. Collected data were different breeds, housing, feeding, disease management, marketing of pigeon and problems of farming. The data showed that different type of pigeon breeds were reared in both intensive and extensive system where dovecote were made of commonly iron, wood and canister. Dovecote size varies from 0.6 sq. ft. to 2.5 sq. ft. according to the differences in breed and size of pigeon and system of rearing. Rice, wheat, maize and different types of pulse (grain) were given as feed in both individual and grouped birds. The average feed intake was from 30 gm to 60 gm per bird. The average body weight of per squab was found in between 150 gm to 300 gm. Common diseases were ND, Pox, Salmonellosis and mineral deficiency affected the birds. Around 40% of the households did vaccination by BCRDV and 60% household did not do any vaccination. The 50% of household had mortality rate of 3 to 20%, where another 50% had no mortality. Selling price varies from 100 Tk to 700 Tk per squab and 300 Tk to 1500 Tk per adult bird. The total income varies from 2000 Tk to 25000 Tk due to difference in number of reared pigeon, feed intake, mortality and selling price.