Annual Report 2016-17

AICRP on Poultry Breeding

(Rural Poultry)

CO-OPERATING CENTRE
Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding
DGCN COVAS, CSKHPKV 1 Palampur -176062 (H.P)
AICRP ON POULTRY BREEDING (RURAL POULTRY UNIT, PALAMPUR)

ANNUAL REPORT, 2016-17 (April, 2016 to March, 2017)

Project Particulars (at glance):

1. Project Title All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Poultry
Breeding : Rural poultry Unit, CSKHPKV, Palampur-176062 (HP)
2. Sanction No. F No. 1-9/PS/PA/PDP
3. Date of start 23.03.2009
4. Period under report April, 2016 to March, 2017
5. Institute CSK, Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (HP)
6. Cooperating Centre Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding,
College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences,
CSKHPKV, Palampur-176062 (H.P.)
7. Location CSKHPKV, Palampur
8. P.I. Dr Y.P Thakur, Professor (AGB)& Head
9. CO- PI’s Dr. Varun Sankhyan, Asstt. Prof
10. Revised Budget Allocation Rs 65.00 Lakhs (75% ICAR share = 48.75 Lakhs;
for FY 2016-17 25% State share = 16.25 Lakhs )
11. Total Budget for XII Plan Rs 346.88 Lakhs ( 75% ICAR share = 260.16 Lakhs;
(As per approved EFC) 25% State share = 86.72 Lakhs )

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 Performa for Annual Report for Rural Poultry Centres:
Section “A”-General
1. Name of the Centre: CSK, Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur (HP)
2. Name of the Project: AICRP on Poultry Breeding.
3. Strains/ stocks maintained : DR parents, Native (G3& G4layers& G5 Growers), DR X N
Cross, (DR x N) X DR (F2)/DND cross and RIR
4. Date of commencement of project: 23.3.2009.
5. Period of report : 01.04.2016 to 31.03.2017
6. Budget (RE) estimates :Rs 65.00 Lakhs (75% ICAR share = 48.75 Lakhs;
For FY 2016-17 25% State share = 16.25 Lakhs)

Revised Budget Estimates of AICRP on Poultry Breeding, Palampur (In Lac Rs --)
Grant – Grant –in-aid; Grant –in-aid; Capital Total 75% 25% state
in-aid General ICAR share
Salary TA RC TSP Works Equip. Livestock share
25.00 1.00 21.00 11.00 3.00 3.00 1.00 65.00 48.75 16.25

7. Expenditure details(Tentative):
S. N. Head Allocation ( ) Expenditure ( )
1 Establishment charges (Pay and allowances) 25,00,000 23,19,640
2 TA ( Domestic) 1,00,000 98,022
3 TSP 11,00,000 10,98,042
4 Research &Operational ( Recurring contingency) 21,00,000 21,11,302
5 Equipment 3,00,000 3,00,000
6 Capital works (Livestock, building, equip.) 4,00,000 3,99,202
Total 65,00,000 63,26,208

8.Revenue Receipts: Rs. 12,63,857.00 only (73.37% of Feed cost of Rs 17.22 Lakhs)

9. Staff position:
Name Designation Pay Scale/Remarks
Dr Y P Thakur Professor DeployedPay scale: 37400-67000
Dr. Varun Sankhyan Assistant Professor Deployed Pay scale: 15600-39100
Sh. Ravinder Kumar/ Lab Assistant Deployed Pay scale : 5910-20200
ShBaljeet Singh
Sh Vijay Kumar Clerk Deployed Pay scale : 5910-20200

10. Publication :
 Research articles: Nil
 Abstracts: Two
 Thesis : Nil
 Others : Nil

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11. Any other relevant information:
 Proposal for release of location specific poultry variety was submitted to ICAR-DPR,
Hyderabad. The Proposed variety (DRXN) X DR (F2) / DND developed under AICRP on
poultry breeding has been extensively evaluated both under farm and field conditions with
satisfactory performance, adaptability and acceptability with farmers under local agro-
climatic conditions.
This “DND” [(DR X N) X DR)] cross after comprehensive on-farm evaluation was further
refined, stabilized and tested at farmer’s level to be released as a location specific poultry
variety to be named as “Himsamridhi”. The birds of developed variety are akin to native
birds in appearance and plumage color. These birds demonstrated comparatively better
growth than native (Male 1.4-1.7 kg and Female 1.2-1.6 kg at 20 weeks; Male 2.0-2.4 kg and
Female 1.5-1.7 kg at 40 weeks) at farmer’s flock. Himsamridhi birds mature early (180 days),
lay larger eggs (50-55gm) with annual egg production potential of 130-140 eggs/bird under
farmer’s flock and 160-180 eggs/ bird under farm rearing conditions. Over a period of time,
there is increasing demand for these birds because of their ability to provide good economic
returns under similar inputs and rearing practices. Till date 38624 chicks of proposed variety
have been hatched out of which 35977 chicks were distributed to farmers in different areas
including high altitude cold temperate tribal areas of the state. The proposed poultry variety is
well adapted to local agro climatic condition and is readily accepted by farmers as stock of
choice for backyard poultry farming in rural areas.

12. Infrastructure development:

Work Status
a. Construction of brooder cum grower house In progress (near completion)
b. Repair and renovation of existing poultry sheds Completed
c. Purchase of new setter and hatcher machines Order placed
d. Roof top painting of old poultry sheds Completed
e. Construction of feed store at poultry farm In process
13. Collection of Native germplasm: No newcollection of native germplasm wasmade during this
year. Selectionwas done in existing native germplasm andG4and G5 generation was produced from
existing G3andG4 native stock respectively. G4 native stock breeders/birds were evaluated for
production performance during the year.

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Section “B”: Technical
14. Objectives: Evaluation of local fowl germplasm and production of crosses suited to local climate.
15. Technical programme:
 Preliminary surveys of local rural areas to know people’s preference for type of poultry stock
 On the basis of surveys, the type of chicken stocks will be developed by the centre

Breeding plan for production of egg type chicken stock

Improved egg type stock; RIR/ DR (♂) X Local Native (♀)

Production of F1 (50% improved germplasm + 50% Native germplasm)

Evaluation of F1

F1 (♂) X DR (♀)

F2 (Terminal crosses; 75% DR + 25% Local Native)

Evaluation under farm and field conditions

Propagation of (DR XN) X DR (F2 )/DNDchicks to farmers

16. Technical programme carried out during the period:

 Evaluation of pure lines (DR and Native).
 Crossing of Dahlem Red X Native and production of (DRXN) X DR (F2) crosses, their
performance evaluation at farm and field level and distribution of cross chicks to poultry farmers.
 Establishment of poultry units in tribal areas under TSP by extending input support (developed
strain, feed, medicine and equipment) to associated tribal poultry farmers for promotion of
backyard poultry production in tribal areas.
 Selection and culling in different stocksto produce subsequent improved generation.

17. Work done during the year 2016-17:

A. Stockposition:
 The opening stock position was 2760 birds comprising 232 adult male (33 DR, 55Native; 115
DR X N and 29 DR F2), 927 adult females (320 DR, 221 G3 Native, 223 DR X N and 163 DR
F2); 1038 growers including (885 DR, 153 G4 Native) and 563 DR chicks and the closing stock

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 position on 31.3.2017was 1925 birds comprising 103 adult male (12 DR, 28 G4 Native and 63 DR
X N), 1471 adult females (795 DR, 298G3 and G4Native,184 (DR X N) x DR and194RIR); 70
growers (DR X N) and 281 chicks (27 DR and 254 G5Native). Detailed stock position is tabulated
in Table:1
 1740layer birds (1051 DR parents, 289Native (G3& G4), 86(DR X N) x DR (F2), 114DR X N and
200 RIR) were evaluated for farm performance upto different stages during the year (Table 2).
 1159 layer birds (353 DR parents, 276Native parents (G3), 192(DR X N) x DR (F2) and 338 (DR
X N) continuingin laying from previous year (2015-16) completed theirevaluation up to 72 weeks
during this year.
 39730 chicks of different stocks (167 DR,5668 Native, 27443 (DR X N) x DR (F2)/DND,814 DR
(DRX N) and 5638(DR X N) were hatched during 2016-17(Table: 7).
 36599 chicks of different stocks (137 DR, 4118 Native, 26286 (DR X N) x DR (F2), 735 DR
(DRX N) and 5323(DR X N) were supplied to 672 poultry farm units(Table: 7).

B. Performance evaluation of different stocks:

(a) Evaluation of Pure line stock: 1089 Dahlem Red (DR) parents and 495 Native (G4& G5)
birdsare under evaluation for various growth and production traits (Table: 3). The salient
performance parameters are as follows:
 The AFE in DR stock was 133 days while the age at 50% HHEP was 183 days. The HHEP up
to 40 and 52 weeks of age were 67.93 and 103.90 eggs / bird respectively and corresponding
HDEP was 72.48 and 115.62 eggs / bird respectively. The egg weight at 28 and 40 weeks of
age was 50.45±0.28 gm and 53.72±0.41gm respectively (Table: 3).
 In Native G4birds; the AFE was 152 days and the age at 50% HHEP was 203 days.The HHEP
up to 40 and 52 weeks of age were 40.10 and 60.62 eggs/bird and corresponding HDEP was
42.02 and 65.20 eggs/bird respectively. The egg weight at 28 and 40 weeks of age was
40.60±0.11 gm and 45.46±0.36 gm (Table: 3).
Apart from above, 560 DR parents layer birds from previous year (2015-16) that were evaluated up to
52 weeks during previous year and completed their laying up to 72 weeks during current year and
their egg production up to 72 weeks of age was were 111.38 eggs /hen and 142.88 eggs / hen
respectively on HHEP and HDEP basis.
(b) Evaluation of different crosses:
Two crosses produced during the year viz.DR X N and (DR X N) X DR (terminal cross) were
simultaneously evaluated for growth and production traits at farm level (Table 4) as well as under
field conditions (Table 5). The results are summarized as follows:

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Farm evaluation of crosses:
 The AFE in DR X N stock was 138 days and age at 50% HHEP was 174days. The HHEP up
to 40 and 52 weeks of age were 62.41 and 94.07 eggs/ hen respectively. The corresponding
HDEPup to 40 and 52 weeks of age were 63.03 and 98.16 eggs/ hen. The egg weight at 28 and
40 weeks of age was 49.10±0.80 gm and 50.20±0.50gm respectively (Table: 4).
 The AFE in (DR XN) X DR/DND was 152 days and age at 50% HHEP was 175 days. The
HHEP up to 40 weeks of age was 65.70 while the corresponding HDEP up to 40 weeks of age
was 70.28 eggs/ hen. The egg weight at 28 and 40 weeks of age was 51.20±0.20 gm and
53.30±0.33gm respectively (Table: 4).
Apart from above evaluation (DR XN) X DRbirds from previous year (2015-16) that were
evaluated up to 52 weeks during previous year and completed their laying up to 72 weeks
during current year and their egg production up to 72 weeks of age was were 148.54 eggs
/hen and 159.38 eggs / hen respectively on HHEP and HDEP basis
Further evaluation of both pure lines and crosses till 72 weeks of age is in progress at present.

Evaluation at Field (Farmer’s Flock):

 Performance of (DR X N)xN (F2)/DND, the proposed variety was evaluated under field
condition covering different agro climatic region of the state. Body weights at 4 and 8 weeks
of age were 175.53±3.45 and 403.76±1.63 gm respectively. The adult body weight in males at
20 weeks and post maturity body weight at 40 weeks of age were 1658.82±23.65 and
2150.49±34.93 gm respectively, whereas the body weights in females at 20 weeks and 40
weeks of age were 1248.39± 12.44 gm and 1524.28±16.68 gm respectively. The AFE was
186 days whereas age at 50% HHEP was 223 days. The Hen housed egg production at 40
weeks of age was 39.34 hen/egg. The performance evaluation till 72 weeks of age is in
progress.
 The average egg weight at 28 weeks, 40 weeks of age was 49.55±0.47, 52.63±0.56 gm
respectively

C. Fertility and hatchability:

 A total of 39730 good quality chicks of different stocks (167 DR, 5668 Native, 27443 (DR X
N) x DR (F2), 814 DR (DRX N) and 5638 DR X N) were hatched during 2016-17(Table:6) at
this centre.
 The overall fertility during the year was 82.39% but varied among different stocks ranging
from 64.41%for Dahlem Red to 87.22% for DR XN birds ( Table : 6).

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  The overall hatchability was55.66 % and 67.56% on TES and FES basis respectively. It
varied from a high of 66.81% on TES and 76.60% on FES basis in DR X N birds to a low of
18.23% and 28.30% on TES and FES basis in Dahlem Red.

D. Chick production and distribution:

 39730chicks of different stocks (167 DR, 5668 Native, 27443 (DR X N) x DR (F2), 814 DR
(DRX N) and 5638 DR X N)were hatched at the centre during 2016-17. Out of these,36599
chicks (137 DR, 4118 Native, 26286 (DR X N) x DR (F2), 735 DR (DRX N) and 5323 DR X
N) were supplied to 672 poultry units established in different districts (Kangra, Mandi,
Chamba, Hamirpur, Kullu, Kinnaur and Lahaul& Spiti districts of the state (Table: 7).
 The distribution of chicks among different categories of farmers showed maximum (240
units; 12578 chicks) units among tribal farmers followed by General category (135 units;
6819 chicks). The chicks were also supplied to NGO’s namely Chinmaya Organization for
Rural Development (CORD), ERA headquartered at Kangra district and Rural Technology
and development Center (RTDC, voluntary Action Groups) Palampurunder their rural
development programme and KrishiVigyanKendras of HPKV, Palampur for demonstration
units.
E. Mortality Incidence causes and control measures:
 The overall farm mortality(Table: 9) was 10.05% for chicks (0-6 weeks), 10.20% for grower
(7-20 weeks of age) and 7.51 % for adult (21-40 weeks of age).
 Among different stocks, the incidence of chick mortality (0-6 weeks) was 3.12% for DR
parents, 11.72% for Native, 13.20 % for DR X N cross,18.71 % for (DRX N) X DR (F2)and
11.53% for RIR. The mortality incidence in growers (7-20 weeks) was 4.36% for DR parents,
20.95% for Native, 4.14% for DR X N crosses, 12.79 % for (DRX N) X DR (F2) and 2.43%
for RIR. The adult mortality between 21-40 weeks was 10.40% for DR parents, 3.20% for
Native, 3.84% for DR X N cross and 5.00%for (DRX N) X DR (F2) birds. Mortality was
higher mainly due to overcrowding due to space constraints and mortality caused by rodents
etc.
 Among different causes of mortality in chicks, Omphalitis, Entritis, Chilling stress were the
main causes along with non-specific causes like huddling, rodent mortality and non
diagnostic causes. In growers, Coccidiosis, Vent picking/cannibalism, Enteritis, Endoparasitic
infestation (Ascariasis), Oedema, Internal haemorrhages and injuries were main causes along
with non-specific lesions. In adult birds, Vent –picking/ cannibalism, Egg retention/ Egg

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 peritonitis, Colibacillosis, Enteritis, Endoparasitic infestation (Ascariasis), external injuries
along with non-specific lesion and undiagnosed causes (Annexure:V).
 The remedial measures adopted to control mortality included routine sanitation & hygienic
measures, disinfection,optimum management including feeding, timely vaccination against
prevalent viral diseases, judicious medication, nutritional supplements (Calcium (grit),
Kampro-H, Vimeral, Brotone) as per requirements, regular deworming against endoparasites
including drugs like Albomar, Piperazine, coccidiostat (Coccinil, Amprolium) and antibiotics
administration (Vendox, Lexin, Doxycycline etc.)
F.Work carried on under the TSP component:
 During this year, 240 units with 12578 chicks were established in 55 villages of district
Lahaul& Spiti, Kinnuar, Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Kullu (Table: 8). 12578 chicks were
supplied free of cost to all units along with starter feed of 50 kg/unit, feeder, drinkers and
medicines (Lexin, Albomar, vimeral,Groviplex, Broton, Coccinil etc.).
 Monitoring/performance recording of established units were also carried along with feedback
from tribal farmers. Survey was also done in tribal areas to identify more poultry farmers for
establishment of poultry units in coming year.
18. Management practices: Standard managementpractices were followed in housing, feeding,
watering, disease control, vaccination and lighting management for different types of stocks / breeds
under recommended norms for different categories of birds. The birds were reared on deep litter
providing adequate space/bird. Crumbled feed of standard make was offered to all categories of birds
(Chicks, Grower and layer birds). Routine health control measures were practiced at the farm at all
times. The post mortem examination of each dead bird was got done from Pathology Department of
the college to arrive at definite diagnosis and plan future treatment line.

19. Progress since inception:

Since 2009, when the project was started, the following activities related to infrastructure
development, strengthening of facilities and procurement, multiplication and propagation of poultry
germplasm were undertaken under the project:
 Surveys to identify farmer’s preference for type of stock desired for backyard poultry
production in local areas was completed. The farmer’s choice was for a dual purpose
coloured bird.
 Construction of Poultry hatchery (by modification of existing building in the
department) and an additional new building for providing 28 mating pens for planned
pedigree breeding was completed.
 Purchase of major incubation equipments and machinery (setter, incubator and
generator, feeders, waterers etc.) was completed in 2010. The purchase of new

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 equipments is being carried on as per requirements and budgetary provisions from
time to time
 In the beginning, local poultry germplasm (594 birds) were purchased from farmers
in different rural areas of the state. Presently 5th generation (G5) is in rearing stages
while the 4th generation (G4) is in evaluation stage. During this year, 5668 Native X
Native chicks were hatched out of which 4118 chicks were also supplied on demand
to farmers who were interested in rearing Desi birds.
 The performance of different pure lines (Vanaraja, RIR, DR and Native) was
evaluated earlier at farm level. Different crosses including N X DR, N X RIR, DR X
N, (DR X N) X DR (F2), N X N and DR X DR has been produced. The
performances was evaluated at farm and/ or field level or is under different stages of
evaluation and are being propagated at farmer’s level to promote backyard poultry
production. The performance evaluation of different stocks at farmer’s level as well
as farm condition is done.
 Out of 117985 chicks hatched till date, 102991 chicks of different crosses and pure
stocks including N X DR and NX RIR, DR X N reciprocal cross, (DN)D, (ND)D
crosses and NXN and DR X DR purebred have been distributed to poultry farmer in
different districts of the state.
 Currently 1278 adult laying birds (878 DR, 200 N (G4), 114 DR X N and 86 (DR X
N) X DR (F2) are under evaluation and completed 52 weeks of evaluation\ except for
DR X N) X DR which is evaluated up to 40 weeks of age. Apart from this, 70
growers (DR X N) and 258 chicks of native (G5) are under evaluation. .
 26286 chicks of (DR X N) X DR (F2) cross (proposed variety) were supplied to
farmers while 577 chicks retained at farm for evaluation during the current year.
 Proposal of release of location specific poultry variety had been submitted to DPR,
Hyderabad for recognition and release. It has been subjected repeated evaluation
both under farm as well as farmer’s level and has shown good production potential
under village level poultry farming.
 Construction of new brooder cum grower house is likely to be completed shortly
which will ease out space constraint.
 Purchase of new setter cum hatcher has been finalised and order placed to replace old
machinery particularly hatcher which was giving very poor result due to major
operational fault.

20. Any other relevant information:

 Demonstration units were maintained at adopted villages of KVK, Sundernagar (Mandi) and
KVK Bajaura of university to promote backyard poultry farming.

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  Around 7987 chicks were supplied to a reputed NGO’s (ChinmayaOrganisation for Rural
Development, CORD, Dharamshala, ERA and RTDC) for further supply to identified farmers
under its rural development programme.
 Three one day poultry farmer awareness campaign was organized for CORD NGO at
Dharamshala and RTDC NGO at Baijnath. The participant were females of different SHG of
respective NGO’s who were actively engaged in backyard poultry farming.
 One day exposure visit at university poultry farm and hatchery complex was organized for
female farmers of SHGs of Baijnath subdivision of Kangra and Janjheli block of Mandi of
NGO Rural Technology and development Center.
 One Radio Talk was aired of Radio Station Dharmshala on scope of rural poultry farming in
Himachal Pradesh
21. Germplasm supply:
36599 chicks of different stocks (137 DR, 4118 Native, 26286 (DR X N) x DR (F 2), 735 DR (DRX
N) and 5323 DR X N) were supplied to 672 poultry farm unitspoultry units in different districts
(Kangra, Mandi, Chamba, Hamirpur, Kinnaur, Kullu and Lahaul& Spiti ) of the state for performance
evaluation and adopting backyard poultry farming.

22. Major constraints:

 Severe housing space constraints for birds have proved to be big limitation for expanding
project activities. The construction of proposed brooder cum grower for which construction
work is under process will be of help in increasing the space and carrying out pedigree
hatching from the next reporting year
 The old poultry sheds for housing birds are in highly dilapidated condition and heavily
infested by rodents resulting in mortality losses in young stock. The funds have been released
for construction of feed store which will be of help in alleviating the rodent attack and feed
losses.
 Work under TSP remained suspended in winters due to extreme cold and non-accessibility of
most tribal areas. Egg incubation, brooding and chick distribution activities were adversely
affected during extreme winter months.
 Frequent breakdown of generator and wearing of hatcher has severely affected the hatching
performance during the last quarter of year. The process of purchase of new setter and hatcher
machine is already taken to overcome the problem.

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Action taken report on recommendations of Annual Review Meet (2015-16) of AICRP
on poultry breeding held at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Gangtok,
Sikkim on May 24-25,2016
A. Centre specific observations (CSK HPKV, Palampur Centre): Nil
General Recommendations:
1. Permission from State Biodiversity Board: The necessary permission will be sought in
the coming year before supplying the native germplasms/crosses
2. Not applicable.
3. Adequate biosecurity measures are being followed to keep mortality within range, but
severe space constraint affects the effective implementation of biosecurity measure.
4. The center has recently submitted proposal for release of location specific poultry
variety.
5. Letter regarding workload was still not received by the university so the
recommendation was not taken up till date.

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 Tables depicting progress of the centre during 2016-17
Table: 1. Stock Position (opening and closing balances) during the year 2016-17

Stock Opening Balance on 01.04.16 Closing Balance on 31.03.17

Adult Grower Chicks Total Adult Grower Chicks Total
M F M F
DR 33 320 885 563 1801 12 795 ----- 27 834
N 55 221 153 ---- 429 28 298 --- 254 580
DR X N 115 223 ----- ---- 338 63 --- 70 -- 133
(DR X N) X 29 163 ------ ------ 192 --- 184 --- -- 184
DR (F2)
RIR --- --- ----- ----- ------- -- 194 --- --- 194
Total 232 927 1038 563 2760 103 1471 70 281 1925

Table: 2. Annual Stock position for the year 2016-17

Strain/ Line / Chicks hatched during No. of layers /Breeders Germplasm

Cross the year 2016-17 evaluated Supplied during the year
21-72 weeks 2016-17

DR Parents / 167 353* +1051 137

DR X DR
Native ( N X N 5668 276*+289 4118
G3 &G4)
DR F2 ( 27443 192*+86 26286
(DRXN) XDR
DR(DRX N) 814 ----- 735
DR XN 5638 338*+114 5323
RIR --- 200 --
Total 39730 1159* + 1740 = 2899 36599

*
Continuing from previous year but completed laying period during this year (2015-16).

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Table: 3. Performance of Pure linestocks (DR and N) during 2016-17

Traits Dahlem Red ( DR) Native (N ; G4)

N Mean ± SE (gm) N Mean ± SE (gm)
Body Weight (g) at
Day old 1089 36.81±0.30 495 31.29±0.46
4 weeks 1069 257.35±5.14 451 189.04±1.52
8 weeks 959 668.68±8.81 408 473.33±13.84
12weeks 932 1090.67±8.81 397 805.10±13.97
20 weeks 881 1600.34±11.60 371 1427.97±20.21
40 weeks 830 1662.96±11.94 200 1549.14±21.58
FCR up to
4weeks 1:2.71 1:3.64
8 weeks (combined sex basis; 1:3.76 1:4.28
kg feed / kg BW gain)
Age at sexual maturity (days)
Age at 1st Egg 878 133 200 152
Age at 25% HHEP 855 162 199 166
Age at 50% HHEP 838 183 192 203
Egg weight (g) at
28 week 300 50.45±0.28 150 40.60±0.11
40 week 300 53.72±0.41 150 45.46±0.36

Egg production
Up to 40 weeks of age
HHEP 878 67.93 200 40.10
HDEP 826 72.48 192 42.02
SEP 756 79.30 185 43.03
Up to 52 week of age
HHEP 878 103.90 120 60.62
HDEP 788 115.62 112 65.20
SEP 687 132.79 106 68.63

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Table: 4. Performance of crosses DR X Nand (DRXN) XDR (F2) at farm level during 2016-17

Traits DR X N (DRXN) XDR [F2]

N Mean ± SE (gm) N Mean ± SE (gm)
Body Weight (g) at
Day old 250 36.63±0.40 227 38.23±0.56
4 weeks 220 223.2±6.12 217 197.40±2.10
8 weeks 214 543.9±15.17 172 488.60±7.43
12weeks 201 852.0±32.23
20 weeks 116 1524.8±20.5 86 1465.30±13.60
40 weeks 114 1605.0±70.7 85 1585.40±15.30
FCR up to
4weeks 1:3.13 1:3.54
8 weeks (combined sex basis; kg 1:4.63 1:5.15
feed / kg BW gain)
Age at sexual maturity (days)
Age at 1st Egg 114 138 86 152
Age at 25% HHEP 114 150 86 160
Age at 50% HHEP 114 174 85 175
Egg weight (g) at
28 week 60 49.10±0.80 50 51.20±0.20
40 week 50 50.20±0.50 50 53.30±0.35

Egg production
Up to 40 weeks of age
HHEP 114 62.41 86 65.70
HDEP 112 63.03 80 70.28
SEP 112 63.52 77 73.38
Up to 52 week of age
HHEP 114 94.07
HDEP 109 98.16
SEP 101 106.17

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 Table: 5. Performance of crosses (DRXN) XDR (F2) at farmer’s flock during 2016-17

Traits (DRXN)XDR
N Mean ± SE (gm)
Body Weight (g) at
4 weeks 361 175.53 ± 3.45
8 weeks 318 403.76 ± 1.63
12weeks 312 658.22 ± 19.08
20 weeks Male 55 1658.82 ±23.65
Female 123 1248.39±12.44
40 weeksMale 20 2150.49±34.93
Female 101 1524.28±16.68
Age at sexual maturity (days)
Age at 1st Egg 143 186
Age at 50% HHEP 112 223
Egg weight (g) at
28 week 30 49.55± 0.47
40 week 25 52.63± 0.56
Egg production
Up to 40 weeks of age
HHEP 101 39.34
HDEP 88 45.14
SEP Under evaluation *
Up to 52 week of age
HHEP
HDEP
SEP

Table: 6. Fertility and Hatchability of different poultry stocks during the year 2016-17

Stock No. of Egg No. of % Fertility Quality chicks % Hatchability

set Fertile eggs hatched TES FES
(DRXN)XDR 50724 41256 81.33 27443 54.10 66.51
NXN 9790 8339 85.17 5668 57.89 67.96
DRXN 8438 7360 87.22 5638 66.81 76.60
DR (DR XN) 1499 1256 83.78 814 54.30 64.80
DR 916 590 64.41 167 18.23 28.30
Total 71367 58801 82.39 39730 55.66 67.56

Table: 7. Chick Production and distribution during the year 2016-17

Strain/ Stock Chicks Supplied to Reared at Mortality Remarks

Hatched farmers Farm
(DRXN)XDR 27443 26286 577 580
NXN 5668 4118 813 737
DR X N 5638 5323 240 75
DR (DR XN) 814 735 -- 79
DR 167 137 30 --
Total 39730 36599 1660 1471

16
Table: 8. Category wise distributions of Poultry units established during 2015-16

Category No. of Units No. of Chicks Remarks

General 135 6819
OBC 167 5169
ST 240 12578
SC 117 4136
Institutional(NGO) 13 7897 KVK, CORD (NGO) of HP for demonstration.
Total 672 36599 12578 chicks provided free of cost under TSP
Women Farmers* 42 2005

Table: 9. Mortality incidence in different category of birds during 2016-17

Strain Age interval

0 - 6weeks 7 - 20 weeks 21 - 40weeks
ND/NH % Mortality ND/NH % Mortality ND/NH % Mortality
DR 34/1089 3.12 46/ 1055 4.36 105/1009 10.40
N XN 97/827 11.72 153/730 20.95 13/406 3.20
DR XN 33/250 13.20 9/217 4.14 8/208 3.84
(DRXN) 108/577 18.71 60/469 12.79 8/160 5.00
X DR
RIR 27/232 11.53 5/205 2.43 --- ---
Overall 299/2975 10.05 273/2676 10.20 134/1783 7.51

17
Annexure: I. Vaccination schedule followed at the farm for disease control

Vaccine Strain used Age Route

Marek’s Disease HVT FC126 Strain Day Old S/C
IBD Mild 7 day Intraocular
RD Lasota 10 day Intraocular
IBD Intermediate Plus 14 day Intraocular
RD Lasota/F1 40day Intraocular
RD R2B 70 Day S/C

Annexure: II. Batch –wise performance of DR X N and DR (F2) crosses during 2016-17

Parameter DR X N (I) DND I DND II

DOH/ Year 21.10.2015 18.4.2016 10.10.2016
Growth Chick Weight 36.63±0.40 (250) 38.23±0.56 (227) 36.10±0.21 (350)
4-week BW 223.2±6.12 (220) 197.4±2.10 (217) 200.0±2.22 (249)
8-week BW 543.9±15.17 (214) 488.6±7.43 (172) 450.2±8.62 (198)
12-week BW 852.0±32.23 (201)
20-week BW 1524.8±20.5 (116) 1465.3±13.6 (86)
40 week BW 1605.0±70.7 (114) 1585.4±15.3 (85) *Evaluation underway
FCR 4-week BW 1:3.13 1:3.54
8-week BW 1:4.63 1:5.15
ASM At first egg 138(114) 152(86)
25 % HHEP 150 (114) 160(86)
50 % HHEP 174(114) 175(85)
Egg EP (40 wks)
Prod. HHEP 62.41(114) 65.70(86)
HDEP 63.03(112) 70.28(80)
SEP 63.52(112) 73.38(77)
EP (52 wks)* EP (52 wks) EP 49 wks*
HHEP 94.07(114) 93.06 (86)
HDEP 98.16(109) 100.97 (79)
SEP 106.17(101) 103.94 (77)
EP (72 wks)
HHEP
HDEP *Evaluation underway
SEP
Egg EW (28 wk ) 47.64±0.89 (50) 51.2±0.2(50)
Weight EW (40 wk ) 52.53±0.39 (50) 54.3±0.35(50)
EW (52 wk ) 56.55 ±0.53 (50)

18
Annexure: III. Batch –wise performance of N X N during 2016-17

Parameter NXN(G4) NXN(G4) NXN(G4) NXN(G4) NXN(G4) NXN(G4)

DOH/ Year 21.10.15 7.2.16 18.4.16 18.7.16 8.8.16 17.2.17
Growth Chick Weight 31.50±.0.38(128) 31.63±0.49(165) 30.90. ±0.50(202) 29.85±0.20(194) 30.10±0.51(138) 31.05±0.25(103)
4-week BW 188.00±1.79(103) 194.65±4.24(153) 185.20±1.60(195) 170.85±3.25(162) 180.29±1.50(130) 189.01±1.60(93)
8-week BW 499.40±14.34(98) 450.41±3.30(150) 469.5±12.60(160) 450.50±13.40(106) 465.10±11.50(100)
12-week BW 814.40±15.12(89) 795.31±3.12(149) 809.10±14.13(159) 820.10±15.20(87) 807.20±14.15(96)
20-week BW 1440.61±9.14(80) 1412.72±0.15(148) 1435.8±20.85(150) 1400.80±19.75(67) 1395.20±20.25(90)
40 week BW 1585.42±0.25(42) 1540.82±2.40(108) 1495.25±21.48(80)
FCR 4-week BW 1:3.51 1:3.59 1:3.77
8-week BW 1:4.06 1:4.40 1:4.32
ASM At first egg 143(42) 150(78) 158(80) 167(36) 164(53)
25 % HHEP 152(41) 165(78) 174(80)
50 % HHEP 161(39) 249(73) 182(80)
Egg Prod. EP (40 wks)
HHEP 33.80(42) 34.05(78) 48.57(80)
HDEP 36.15(39.2) 35.49(75) 50.01(78)
SEP 36.41(39) 37.40(71) 51.81(75)
EP (52 wks)
HHEP 57.96(42) 62.06(78)
HDEP 62.50(39) 66.66(72.6)
SEP 64.07(38) 71.19(68)
Egg EW (28 wk ) 42.5±0.8(60) 39.95±0.10 40.20±0.05
Weight EW (40 wk ) 46.5±0.5(50) 44.80±0.50 45.09±0.20
EW (52 wk ) 47.8±0.2(50) 46.50±0.10

19
Annexure: IV. Batch –wise performance of Dahlem Red and RIR Parent stock during 2016-17

Parameter DR (1) DR(II) DR(III) DR (Local) RIR

DOH/Chick 3.12.2015 25.12.2015 18.3.2016 07.02.2016 21.9.2016
Growth Chick Weight 36.3±0.3 (130) 37.3±0.3 (395) 36.6±0.3 (564) 37.7±0.34 (431) 38.9±0.32 (234)
4-week BW 250.5±5.2 (128) 254.7±4.9 (388) 260.8±5.3 (553) 253.5±3.1 (416) 242.8±3.45(213)
8-week BW 620.6±7.9 (127) 648.0±9.06 (286) 690.7±8.9 (546) 658.2±7.8 (401) 600.4±4.47(204)
12-week BW 1012.4±22.8 (110) 1123.3±36.0 (285) 1089.4±38.1 (537) 1020.3±24.2 (394) 1050.4±26.00 (202)
20-week BW 1576.9±9.6 (110) 1650.4±15.3 (255) 1580.6±10.2 (516) 1580.7±15.3 (516) 1513.7±16.33 (200)
40 week BW 1690.8±15.3 (93) 1695.7±14.6 (221) 1602.1±10.2 (516) 1670.4±15.3 (442)
FCR 4-week BW 1:2.79 1:2.74 1:2.68 1:2.76 1:2.88
8-week BW 1:4.06 1:3.88 1:3.64 1:3.82 1:4.19
ASM At first egg 119 (110) 135 (249) 135 (519) 134 (173) 142 (200)
25 % HHEP 142 (110) 148 (249) 173 (496) 153 (172)
50 % HHEP 155 (109) 158(249) 202 (480) 166 (172)
Egg Prod. EP (30 wk)
HHEP 44.72 (110) 38.16 (249) 18.48 (519) 24.48 (173)
HDEP 45.55 (108) 38.46 (247) 19.32 (496) 25.09 (169)
SEP 45.98 (107) 38.78 (245) 19.98 (442) 26 .47 (160)
EP (40 wk)
HHEP 81.37 (110) 76.39 (249) 61.03 (519) 56.31 (173)
HDEP 84.52 (106) 79.32 (239) 66.44 (481) 59.57 (163)
SEP 96.24 (93) 86.07 (221) 72.36 (442) 62.44 (156)
EP (52 wk)
HHEP 113.24 (110) 117.22 (249) 95.54 (519) 87.80 (173)
HDEP 123.85 (100) 126.68 (230) 108.28 (458) 96.93 (157)
SEP 144.84 (86) 145.21 (201) 123.96 (400) 100.59 (151)
EP (72 wk)* EP 71wk* EP 66 wk*
HHEP 154.03 (110) 136.88 (249)
HDEP 183.57 (92) 169.41 (219)
SEP 238.64 (71) 186.25 (183)
EW EW (28 wk ) 49.20±0.29 (100) 51.20±0.30(100) 50.95±0.25(100) 50.84±0.25(100)
EW (40 w) 53.80±0.50 (100) 54.40±0.47(100) 52.98±0.28(100) 53.74±0.12(100)
EW (52 w) 56.06±0.48 (86) 56.50±0.35(100) 57.10±0.64 (100) 55.50±0.19 (100)

20
Annexure: V. Causes of mortality in different stocks at different age groups during 2016-17

Stock Age group S. N. Main causes No. died/Total % incidence

DR Chicks 1 Enteritis 12/45 26.66
2 Omphalitis 16/45 35.55
3 Nothing specific 5/45 11.11
4 Non-diagnostic causes 6/45 13.33
5 Chilling stress 13/45 28.88
Grower 1 Ascariasis 5/65 7.69
2 Enteritis 10/65 15.38
3 Coccidiosis 15/65 23.07
4 Vent picking 25/65 38.46
5 Non-diagnostic causes 12/65 18.46
6 Nothing specific 10/65 15.38
Adult 1 Coccidiosis 3/80 3.75
2 Enteritis 5/80 6.25
3 Egg Retentions/Egg Peritonitis 30/80 37.50
4 Non-diagnostic causes 18/80 22.50
5 Nothing specific 26/80 32.50
6 Vent picking 10/80 12.5
NXN Chicks 1 E-Coli 6/40 15.0
2 Enteritis 8/40 20.0
3 Nothing specific 15/40 37.5
4 Non-diagnostic causes 4/40 10.0
Grower 1 Round worms 6/38 15.78
2 IBD 16/38 42.10
3 Non-diagnostic causes 5/38 13.15
4 Vent picking 3/38 7.89
5 ND 3/38 7.89
Adult 1 Non-diagnostic causes 8/25 32.0
2 Liver ruture 5/25 20.00
3 Egg Retentions/Egg Peritonitis 3/25 12.00
4 Enteritis 2/25 8.00
DRF2 Chicks 1 Omphalitis 5/25 20.00
2 E-Coli 1/25 4.00
3 Coccidiosis 2/25 8.0
4 Chilling stress 8/25 32.00
Grower 1 Vent picking 2/20 10.00
2 Over crowding 1/20 5.00
3 IBD 10/20 50.00
4 Non-diagnostic causes 4/20 20.00
5 Nothing specific 2/20 10.00
Adult 1 Round worms 3/26 11.53
2 Non-diagnostic causes 5/26 19.23
3 Ascariasis 7/26 26.92
4 Nothing specific 3/26 11.53
DR X N Chicks 1 Omphalitis 10/30 33.33
2 Chilling stress 8/30 26.66
3 Non-diagnostic causes 5/30 16.66
4 Nothing specific lesions 7/30 23.33
Grower 1 Vent picking 5/19 26.31
2 IBD 8/19 42.10
3 Enteritis 2/19 10.52
4 Nothing specific 5/19 26.31
5 Coccidiosis 4/19 21.05
Adult 1 Non-diagnostic causes 5/16 31.25
2 Vent picking 3/16 18.75
3 Round worms 5/16 31.25
RIR Chicks 1 Enteritis 1/15 6.66
2 Coccidiosis 5/15 33.33
3 Non-diagnostic causes 2/15 13.33
Grower 1 Vent picking 3/12 25.00
2 Marks Diseases 1/10 10.00
Adult 1 Nothing specific 1/5 20.00

21
Annexure: VI. Detailed mortality incidence (batch –wise) during 2016-17

Stock Date of 0-6 weeks 7-20 weeks 21-40 weeks 41-52 weeks
Hatch
NH ND M% NH ND M% NH ND M% NH ND M%
DR 03.12.15 130 3 2.30 127 13 10.23 114 17 14.91 97 7 7.21
DR 25.12.15 395 14 3.54 381 14 3.67 367 31 8.44 336 18 5.35
DR 18.03.16 564 17 3.01 547 19 3.47 528 57 10.79
Sub-Total 1089 34 3.12 1055 46 4.36 1009 105 10.40 433 25 5.77
N x N-I 21.10.15 128 10 7.81 118 10 8.44 108 3 2.77 105 2 1.90
N x N-II 07.02.16 165 14 8.48 151 8 5.29 143 4 2.79 139 2 1.43
N x N-III 18.04.16 202 6 2.97 196 41 20.91 155 6 3.87
N x N-IV 18.07.16 194 38 19.58 156 75 48.07 -- -- --
08.08.16 138 29 21.01 109 19 17.43 -- -- --
Sub-Total 827 97 11.72 730 153 20.95 406 13 3.20 244 4 4.63
DR (F2)-I 18.04.16 227 19 8.37 208 48 23.07 160 8 5.00
DR (F2)-II 10.10.16 350 89 25.42 261 12 4.59 -- -- --
Sub-Total 577 108 18.71 469 60 12.79 160 8 5.00
DR x N 21.10.15 250 33 13.20 217 9 4.14 208 8 3.84
Sub-Total 250 33 13.20 217 9 4.14 208 8 3.84
RIR 21.09.16 232 27 11.53 205 5 2.43 -- -- ---
Sub-Total 232 27 11.53 205 5 2.43 -- -- --

TOTAL 2975 299 10.05 2676 273 10.20 1783 134 7.51 677 29 4.28

22
Annexure: VII. Performance trends of AICRP over Last 5 years

Year Total egg Egg set for Fertile Chicks Chicks supplied Total no. of Units Chicks % % Hatchability
Production Hatching eggs Hatched to farmer units established under supplied Fertility
TES FES
TSP under
TSP
2012-13 44685 9301 8335 7061 4077 154 35 765 89.61 75.91 84.71
2013-14 96699 17508 15464 12319 11162 232 118 5285 88.32 70.36 79.66
2014-15 156673 38355 31217 25130 20660 338 41 2631 81.38 65.52 80.51
2015-16 162982 47827 42314 28895 26715 466 29 1710 88.47 60.41 68.28
2016-17 191395 71367 58801 39730 36599 672 240 12578 82.39 55.66 67.56

23
 Annexure: VIII. Trends in performance of AICRP over last 5 years(2012-13 to 2016-17)

Trends in egg production and egg set for hatching

250000

200000

150000

100000

50000

0
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

Egg Production Egg set for hatching

Figure 1: Graph depicting trendsin egg production and eggs set for hatching over last five year

Chicks hatched and chicks suuplied to farmers

45000
40000
35000
30000
25000
20000
15000
10000
5000
0
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

Hatched Supplied

Figure 2: Graph depicting trendsin chicks hatched and supplied to farmers over last five year

24
 Backyard poultry established
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

Units established TSP units

Figure
3: Graph depicting trend of backyard poultry units established over last five year

Fertlity and hatchability trends

100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

Fertility (%) Hatchability % (TES) Hatchability % (FES)

Figure 4 : Graph depicting trend of fertility and hatchability generated over last five year

25
 Revenue generated
1400000

1200000

1000000

800000

600000

400000

200000

0
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

Figure 5: Graph depicting trend revenue generated over last five year

26
 Progress during 2016-17: Farm evaluation of different stocks

Fig.6:Native parent stock under farm evaluation Fig.7:Dahlem Red parent stock under farm
evaluation

Fig.8:Dahlem Red X Native (Male) grower Fig.9:(DRXN) X DR, proposed variety under
farm evaluation

Fig.10:Fertile egg collection for hatching Fig.11:chicks in brooding stage before

distribution

27
 Progress during 2016-17: Field evaluation of different stocks

Fig. 13: (DRXN) x DR, proposed variety field Fig. 13: Housing system in field unit at village
unit at adopted village of KVK, Sundernagar NarwanaDharamshala

Fig. 14: Male of proposed variety (DND) at Fig. 15: Grower Housing system (in field unit at
farmer’s unit village Rakh, Palampur

Fig.16: Distribution of chicks, starter feed and Fig.17:Egg produced from proposed variety at
other inputs under TSP at Ribba, (Kinnuar) tribal farmer’s flock

28
 Success story: Young hill farmer adopted backyard poultry as a source of
supplementary income
Sh. Amit Kumar is a young agriculturist belonging to schedule tribe and resident of village Jia
lying in foothills of Dhauladhar in Kangra valley, Himachal Pradesh. He is involved in multifarious
farming activities. After acquaintance with staff of AICRP on poultry breeding, (Rural unit) during
poultry farm visit he was interested to adopt backyard poultry farming in his farming portfolio.Earlier
he was keeping few desi birds for last 3-4 years. During subsequent interaction, he mentioned that
although many a times he was enticed to adopt backyard poultry framing on a regular basis but lack of
good quality chicks and institutional support were major
impediments. After interaction with AICRP staff he came to
know that the new location specific poultry variety
development is in progress and he volunteered for on field
evaluation of the variety. Seeing the enthusiasm of the
young entrepreneur it was decided to include him as
beneficiary under TSP component of AICRP and he was
provided with 50 chick unit along with starter feed (50 kg) and otherAmit
Fig.18: input in thereceiving
Kumar month of Aprilunder
inputs 2016.
TSP
He was extended technical advice from time to time including preventive measures against major
diseases. The growth performance of the chicks were periodically monitored and due to his previous
experience of village level poultry farming mortality in his flock was very less (< 2%) during the
chick and growing phases. laying started during September 2016, between 5-6 months age. He sold
male birds around 4-5 months of age when they reached marketable weight (1.6- 2.0 kg) at an
attractive price nearly averaging rupees 500/male owing to their distinctive colored plumage. This has
resulted him good return from sale of male nearly rupees 10000. The egg production of female birds
was around 10-12eggs per day during the peak production in
winter months. During this period, he was able to sell eggs
at the rate of Rs. 9-12 per egg making total sale proceed of
Rs 12000/ till date. At present, he is getting about 6-8egg
daily giving him income of Rs. 70 per day. He practiced
mixed system of scavenging with grains for rearing birds
keeping the input cost at bare minimum. He also practices
Fig.19: Housing and rearing system supplementation with vitamins, minerals and calcium from
time to time. A portion of eggs produced and cockerels were also consumed in the family to improve
their nutritional quality. Realizing the profit he made from rearing the developed variety he purchased
80 chicks during the month of December as replacement stock. Thus, with a small flock of around 50
birds, Sh. Amit Kumar made a handsome returns and supported the fact that backyard poultry farming
along with other agricultural activities can be an economically viable agricultural diversification for
livelihood and income generation in hill farming system.

29
Salient achievements of AICRP on Poultry Breeding (Rural Poultry Unit, Palampur)
for year 2016-17

 New location specific poultry variety had been developed by the centre after
comprehensive evaluation at farm as well field level. The detailed proposal for release
of developed variety is already submitted to ICAR-Directorate of Poultry Research
Hyderabad and is likely to be released shortly.
 A total of 36599 chicks of different stocks including 26286 chicks of developed
variety were supplied and 672 backyard poultry units were established covering more
than 100 villages of different development blocks of seven districts of state of
Himachal Pradesh.
 A total of 240 TSP backyards poultry units comprising 12578 chicks were established
in tribal households in tribal district Lahaul& Spiti, Kinnaur, Bharmour and Pangi
subdivision of Chambray and in villages of Kangra, Kullu and Mandi districts. These
units were provided chicks, starter feed @ 50Kg/unit and medicinal inputs.
 The centre evaluated G4 generation of native population upto 52 weeks of age while
G5 generation was reproduced and is undergoing evaluation. AFE was 152 days and
the age at 50% HHEP was 203 days. The HHEP up to 40 and 52 weeks of age were
40.10 and 60.62 eggs/bird and corresponding HDEP was 42.02 and 65.20 eggs/bird
respectively
 Dahlem Red (E6) was evaluated upto 52 weeks while E5 completed evaluation from
52-72 weeks. AFE was 133 days and the age at 50% HHEP was 183 days The HHEP
up to 40 and 52 weeks of age were 67.93 and 103.90 eggs / bird respectively and
corresponding HDEP was 72.48 and 115.62 eggs / bird respectively.
 Third evaluation of DND cross [(DRxN) xDR], proposed variety was carried out this
year and is currently evaluated up to 40 weeks of age both under farm as well as field
condition. The two way cross (DRXN) is also undergoing evaluation and is currently
evaluated upto 52 weeks of age.
 The center realized receipt of Rs. 12.64 lakhs during the current financial year which
is 73.37% of expenditure on feed cost (26.42 lakhs)

30