Comparative Evaluation of Production Performance in Improved Chicken Varieties for Backyard Farming

Abstract: The growth and production performance of 4 chicken varieties developed for backyard farming were evaluated in the present study. The body weights were significantly (p<0.05) varied in 4 chicken varieties. The body weights were significantly higher in C and Vanaraja and lower in Gramapriya. The C and C crosses1 2 1 matured early at the age of 145.72±1.11 and 154.67±0.81 days, respectively. The egg weights were significantly (p<0.05) higher in C cross throughout the laying period. The egg weights ranged from1 57.06±0.27 g (Vanaraja) to 58.58±0.29 g (C cross) and 60.07±0.28 g (Vanaraja) to 61.34±0.35 g (C cross)1 1 at 40 and 64 weeks of age, respectively. The egg production in C cross was significantly (p<0.05) better than1 Vanaraja and C cross at all ages, however the egg production was on par with Gramapriya at 64 and 722 weeks of age. C cross has substantial production capabilities as dual purpose bird suitable for rural and1 backyard farming in the country. Key words: Backyard poultry, improved crosses, body weights, egg productio