Characterization of native chickens of Ranchi district of Jharkhand

Abstract

The present research work was conducted on indigenous chicken of Ranchi district of Jharkhand during March 2019 to March 2020. The field survey design and data collection procedure of this study were performed according to the guidelines of NBAGR, Karnal. Structured questionnaire was designed to collect data and the interviews were conducted at farmer’s house. The birds had elongated body with long shank and long neck. The male birds were fast movers, energetic and capable of fighting for long time. Cocks generally had mixed plumage and hens had brown plumage. The colour of ear lobe and comb was red whereas the skin was white in colour in both the sexes. The type of comb was mostly single followed by pea and rose. The shank colour was generally yellow. Average body weight of an adult cock and hen were 1738.58±42.856 and 1302.24±23.48 g respectively. The hen laid about 44.90±0.61eggs/annum. The current study has set a new dimension for further studies for establishment of a distinct breed in future. However, molecular characterization, genetic similarity or divergence with other Indian breeds and efforts must be taken toconserve the indigenous chicken population.

Keywords

• Backyard
• Characterization
• Chickens
• Native
• Performance