Flock composition and pattern of entry and exit of village chickens in Punjab (Pakistan)

Abstract

The present study was conducted with the objectives to describe flock composition and pattern of entry and exit of village chicken through in-depth monitoring in six randomly selected villages belong to two sites in Punjab, Pakistan. Initial survey and six monitoring visits of the selected household in each village were made after fixed intervals for a year. The data collected on population size, sex and flock composition of various age groups of six chicken types/breeds. The number of birds in the flock fluctuated across visits and a large number of laying hens compared to other bird categories were observed in the flock. The causes of flock dynamics indicated diseases as the major reason for all bird groups. Sale of birds provided the source of income to the farmers. Improvement in management and veterinary care are suggested to enhance flock productivity and thereby increase family income. Tropical Agricultural Research Vol. 26 (3): 448 – 455 (2015)

Keywords

• chicken diseases, flock composition, in-depth monitoring, initial monitoring, village chicken