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 doi:10.1017/S0043933913000652

Small-scale Family Poultry

Production
Family poultry production in Bangladesh:
is it meaningful or an aimless journey?
S.D. CHOWDHURY

Department of Poultry Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

2202, Bangladesh
Corresponding author: drsdchow@gmail.com

Family poultry (FP) production in Bangladesh comprises the production of free

range scavenging chickens and ducks of indigenous origin with or without feed
supplementation, various crossbreeds, particularly F1 of Rhode Island Red male
X Fayoumi female and small-scale commercial broilers, cockerels from layer strains
and commercial layers reared in confinement and provided commercial feeds. This
paper reviews the current status of such a FP production, examines the way it is
practiced and identifies its constraints and future prospects in Bangladesh. Finally,
the paper concludes whether such a production system is worthwhile or an aimless
journey for a developing country like Bangladesh. Family poultry works as a
‘standby generator’ in the poultry sector, particularly at times of disaster, such
as a fall in the demand for beef and mutton. Rearing a fewer number (e.g. 5-10)
of FP in a free range system, as in the case of indigenous birds under low input and
low output systems, is economical since such birds derive most of their feed from
scavenging. Interventions in terms of nutritional and/or management to augment
productivity must be justified economically. Since the crossbreeds and commercial
hybrids are more productive, rearing such birds as FP (100 or less) must be justified
by the benefit cost ratio. It may be concluded that FP production in Bangladesh with
indigenous or commercial breeds or hybrids in fewer numbers, could be made
meaningful if monetary benefit supersedes the cost of production. Otherwise, it
would be an aimless practise. More research is needed in Bangladesh to explore
the profitability of FP of different flock sizes under different systems of
management. FP with commercial hybrids is more challenging because of their
small flock size which needs continuous technical support and a well planned
biosecured environment.

Keywords: Bangladesh; family poultry production; native chicken; profitability; INFPD

© World's Poultry Science Association 2013

World's Poultry Science Journal, Vol. 69, September 2013
Received for publication September 8, 2012
Accepted for publication October 16, 2012 649
Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

Introduction
Bangladesh is an agricultural based densely populated country. About 71% of the
population lives in rural areas (BBS, 2010a). The average per capita income is only
US$751 (BBS, 2010b). The majority of people are engaged in agricultural operations,
particularly crops, fish and livestock, of which both native and exotic poultry are now
mainstream. Approximately 20% of the protein consumed in developing countries comes
from poultry meat and eggs (Alders and Pym, 2009). ‘Family poultry’ (FP) is a well
accepted term of global importance which is receiving increased attention from scientists
because of its contribution to animal protein supply in low income, food deficient
countries (LIFDC). The conventional term ‘rural poultry’, according to Sonaiya
(2007), refers to rural birds raised extensively or semi-intensively in relatively small
numbers (usually less than 100 at time), irrespective of genetic group, and may be
improved or unimproved (productive or low productive) involving minimal
investment. Most of the inputs including labour are supplied from the homestead and
production is either consumed at home or sold locally for cash income or utilized for both
purposes. The characteristics of such rural poultry holds true for FP as well, except that
the latter is not location-bound, and therefore includes small flocks of poultry raised in
semi-urban and urban areas. This definition for FP was adopted by the International
Network for Family Poultry Development (INFPD) in 1997 as a superior term to the
previously used descriptor ‘rural poultry’.
Family poultry production in Bangladesh comprises the production of free range
scavenging chickens and ducks of indigenous origin with or without feed
supplementation, various crossbreeds, particularly F1 of Rhode Island Red male X
Fayoumi female and small-scale commercial broilers, cockerels from layer strains and
commercial layers reared in confinement and provided commercial feeds. This paper
reviews the current status of such a FP production system, examines the way it is
practiced and identifies its constraints and future prospects in Bangladesh. Finally, the
paper concludes whether such a production system is worthwhile or an aimless practise
for a developing country like Bangladesh.

The current status of family poultry production in Bangladesh

Before determining whether or not FP production in Bangladesh is meaningful, it is
necessary to review the current status of such a production system. This is particularly
important at the present time since commercial poultry farming with high yielding strains
of chicken is in operation in the country in spite of the challenges that are appearing from
time to time.

FREE RANGE SCAVENGING POULTRY PRODUCTION

Free range scavenging poultry are mostly indigenous or native birds reared by farmers
in small numbers in their households under traditional management systems. Among the
poultry species, chickens are the principal one, followed by ducks and a small number of
pigeons, geese and quail. Poor farmers, who are not able to keep larger animals, can
easily maintain a small flock of chickens or ducks within their homestead premises. Each
rural family usually keeps less than 20 chickens, ducks or pigeons, either singly or in
combination. The birds are reared traditionally and female members of the family usually
take care of them by feeding household waste and crop residues (Saleque, 2001; Rahman,
2003), in addition to natural feeds (green grasses, weeds, insects, small snails,
earthworms, residual grains, kitchen waste etc.) that the birds obtain through

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 Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

scavenging. The main feature of this production system is the low input requirement as
well as the low output, however it is still considered to be very important to the rural
economy.
Several types of indigenous chickens exist, of which Hilly, Naked Neck, Aseel, Yasine,
native dwarf, frizzled plumage and common native birds of non-idiosyncratic typical type
have been recorded so far (Das et al., 2008). In general, they are dependent on
scavenging feed resources; they thrive under harsh nutritional and environmental
conditions and are resistant to common resident diseases. Light weight native
chickens of varying colour are commonly available in the rural households of
farmers. The birds may differ in size, shape and production levels. Each bird
produces a maximum of 1.5kg of meat and a female usually lays 35-40 eggs per year
(Barua and Howlider, 1990; Barua and Yoshimura, 1997; Islam et al., 2003). Average
egg mass is very low, approximately 35 g/egg, and fertility mostly suffers due to an
unsuitable male to female ratio. The females become broody after laying a clutch of eggs
for incubating and subsequently take responsibility of brooding and caring of hatched out
chicks. All these activities, unlike high yielding commercial strains, limit their production
potential (Sarkar and Bell, 2006). Reports also indicate that the feeds the birds scavenge
are deficient in energy and protein but high in fibre (Biswas et al., 2005), a key reason for
their low productivity. Sonaiya (1995) was of the opinion that the productivity of
scavenging chickens could be improved by interventions in management systems and
the quality and quantity of feed on offer.
A study on the impact of Smallholder Livestock Development Project (SLDP) in the
rural community of Bangladesh revealed that the overall socioeconomic conditions of
beneficiaries, their egg and meat consumption capability, empowerment of rural women
in decision making issues and employment opportunities were significantly increased
after the intervention of the project (Alam, 1997). Separation of chicks from broody hens
at an early age, supplementation of a balanced diet to broody hens for rapid weight gain
to start the next clutch quickly and creep feeding of chicks in confinement are examples
of some common interventions used to increase the overall production potential of native
(desi) hens and reduce chick mortality (Moreki et al., 1997; Sarkar et al., 2005; Sarkar
and Bell, 2006). The growth performance of native chickens may be improved
significantly if they are reared in confinement with improved feeds (Chowdhury et al.,
2006). However, Sarkar and Bell (2006) commented that the egg production of native
(desi) chicken layers could more than double if some changes were made to husbandry
practices. From their economic analysis of improved management systems, Sarkar and
Golam (2009) concluded that management and dietary interventions of native chickens
appear to be effective tools for increasing productivity and profitability to a point where
such systems could be considered economically viable and a sustainable enterprise for
rural households in Bangladesh.
Following chickens, ducks occupy second ranking in FP production in Bangladesh.
Unlike chickens, the free range native ducks are mostly concentrated in low-lying areas
of the country. These areas are situated in the north and north-eastern districts where a
large number of bodies of water are present, and in the coastal areas of southern
Bangladesh where rivers, canals, marshy lands, road-side ditches, ponds and other
water reservoirs are abundantly available; serving as natural feed resources for
scavenging. Usually less than 10 ducks are reared at a time. The native duck
constitutes 90% of the total duck population except in areas where scientific
intervention involving the distribution of high yielding stocks has been made. Among
the native ducks, two distinct varieties, Blacks and Whites are believed to be the better
producers. Other breeds that have become FP flocks are Nageswari, Muscovy, Pekin,
Sylhet Mete, Jinding, Khaki Campbell and Indian Runner. However, except for Jinding,

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Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

all are very limited in number. There are 45.11 million ducks in Bangladesh (BER,
2012), mostly of indigenous or native type. Indigenous ducks weigh about 1.7 kg at 20
weeks of age in confinement if feeding is improved (Hamid et al., 1988). Recent studies
with native ducks in the coastal areas of Bangladesh have shown that birds attained
maturity close to 26 weeks of age and annual production averaged 77 eggs per bird
(Rahman et al., 2009), approximately double that of native chickens. Egg weight
averaged 59 g and hatchability of fertile eggs was 79%. In many areas, male birds of
nearly one year of age are preferred for meat purposes, particularly in winter. Unlike
chickens, efforts to improve the productivity of native ducks are not so extensive. The
development of a cost-effective feeding technology for improved productivity of native
ducks in coastal areas is nearing completion with the assistance of the Danish
International Development Agency (DANIDA) (Chowdhury, 2009). The target group
of the project is the FP producers who are already involved in duck rearing without any
scientific intervention.

PRODUCTION OF CROSS-BRED (RHODE ISLAND RED MALE X FAYOUMI

FEMALE) SONALI CHICKENS
During the 1990s, a bird was developed in Bangladesh by crossing Rhode Island Red
males and Fayoumi females with a DANIDA-assisted development project named
Participatory Livestock Development Project (PLDP). This was known as the
‘Bangladesh Poultry Model.’ A few NGOs were involved in this project. The first
generation crossbred, locally known as Sonali, was distributed to enthusiastic village
poultry keepers in small numbers with the objective of producing more meat and eggs
than the native chickens, with the aim to generate income and reduce poverty. The birds
were usually fed the commercial feeds manufactured for high yielding strains. The egg
laying performance of Sonali was reported to be 156 eggs per hen per year under semi-
scavenging systems of rearing (Rahman et al., 1997). In an attempt to establish the
nutrient requirements of such growing birds, Dhar et al. (2007) found that the birds
attained 1.18 kg body weight at 20 weeks under semi-scavenging systems of rearing
when metabolisable energy, protein, calcium, total phosphorus, lysine and methionine
contents in the supplemented diets were 2950 kcal, 160, 11, 12.5, 5.4 and 3.4 g/kg,
respectively. Riise et al. (2005) stated that there was no evidence that women achieved
higher incomes through the use of crossbred Sonali birds, but the women, however,
sustained a basic income from such a small flock of birds. Consequently, the repetition of
such a model in other developing countries faces new challenges, and modalities of the
model have created controversies in the international arena (Sarkar et al., 2005). Only a
few government poultry farms are now maintaining RIR and Fayoumi parents to produce
crossbreeds and sell one day-old chicks to interested farmers at cheaper rates. Some
farmers are involved in growing them up to target weights with a view to marketing them
as meat birds. These are popular to consumers as they resemble common native chickens
with regard to size, shape and colour. From a study on productivity and profitability,
Sarkar et al. (2008) concluded that crossbred Sonali birds were most profitable (BDT
8.43/kg) when they attained a body weight of 850 g in 63 days. Of course, the data for
such a conclusion is based on a small flock of 72 birds which is within the limit for the
family poultry concept.

COCKEREL PRODUCTION FROM LAYER STRAINS

Cockerels constitute nearly 50% of the layer chicks produced from commercial
hatcheries. These are not killed in the hatcheries; rather they are sold to interested
farmers at a cheaper rate (currently BDT 15 approximately per bird). Many
consumers prefer cockerel to native chickens, although the former is not as fleshy but,

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 Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

because of the cost, they are often utilised in festivals such as wedding ceremonies. The
utilisation of cockerels in small holder FP farming helps control environment pollution,
improves nutrition, and generates self-employment and income in the rural community.
Huque et al. (2005) observed that cockerels belonging to the Shaver 579 strain attained
approximately 750 g body weight in 56 days by consuming 1830 g of feed, while Sarkar
et al. (2008) found the same strain attained approximately 885 g body weight during the
same period by consuming 1883 g of feed. Roy et al. (2006) reported the same strain
attained 788 g in 53 days where the total feed intake was 1848 g. It therefore appears that
cockerels may achieve 750-885 g body weight during 53-56 days at the expense of 1830-
1880 g of feed approximately. The profitability per kg live bird was BDT 13.40 in 2006
(Roy et al., 2006) and because of higher sale prices, it increased to BDT 21.78 in 2008
(Sarkar et al., 2008). However, like Sonali chickens, all the studies with cockerels
involve small flocks of FP.

COMMERCIAL BROILER AND EGG PRODUCTION

The results of poultry sector studies and baseline surveys conducted by Chand et al.
(2009) indicate that the total number of small (up to 3000 birds per flock) and medium
(3000 to 20,000 birds per flock) commercial farms across the country is about 110,000.
According to information received from the National Committee for Protection of Poultry
Industry in Bangladesh, this figure came down to 75,000 in March 2011 due to the
outbreak of avian influenza for the second time in the country. Although farms belonging
to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were previously concentrated in and around the
Dhaka and Gazipur districts, these are now spread all over the country. Having their day-
old chick (DOC) supply from the hatcheries through middlemen (dealers and agents), the
SMEs are producing bulk commercial broilers and eggs. The farmers belonging to SMEs
are mostly involved in broiler production (90%) having credits either from middlemen/
dealers and agents or NGOs/other organizations. Of course, credits from commercial
banks, particularly during post avian influenza outbreak period, have become limited.
Previous report indicated that about 50% of commercial farms had flock sizes of between
100 and 500 birds (BRAC, 2005). Nowadays, broiler or layer flocks of 100 birds or less
are seldom found among commercial farmers. Since such high yielding strains of chicken
are to be reared in total confinement employing improved technology, it has become
difficult for FP keepers to ensure profit margin with a very small flock of poultry. The
cost-benefit ratio is widened as the flock size is increased (Kawsar et al., 2011). Since
production cost is relatively higher in farms with small flocks, profit margin is reduced
and if there is faults in controlling other factors, then this becomes a losing concern.
Kawsar et al. (2011) found that small broiler farms ranging from 100 to 300 birds were a
losing concern for farmers’ households when management interventions were not made.
Referring to a flock size of 100 birds or less for FP production, it would probably be
unwise to consider commercial broiler and layer production from an economic point of
view. Chowdhury (2011) suggested a flock size of at least 3000 for commercial broilers
and 1000 birds for that of layers for SMEs which go outside the FP production system
according to the definition adopted by INFPD in 1997.

Genetic dilution of FP
Although the native chicken of Bangladesh vary in size, shape, colour and production,
after determining the gene constitution Okada et al. (1988) termed this chicken as one
breed or population. Because of both inherent characteristics and poor environmental
conditions, they are low producers in terms of meat and eggs. This has left an opportunity

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Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

for government planners, donor funded projects and national and international
organizations to explore genetic manipulation. A number of attempts have been made
in the past to improve their production potential by crossbreeding and upgrading them
with other famous breeds and varieties. Crossbred cockerels produced from RIR male
and White Leghorn female were distributed for crossing with native females following
the removal of native cocks/cockerels from the project area. This has resulted in the
introduction of improved genetics in the native stock and, when improved care and
management was provided, a higher number of eggs and more meat was produced
with less mortality. Unfortunately, such developments were not sustainable following
the termination of the project. Random mating of these improved birds with original
native stocks resulted in a genetic dilution of the latter.
Recently the Sonali chicken was developed for distribution to the farmer, as already
mentioned, which, in many cases, have been mixed with native stock. According to
Biswas et al. (2007), the distribution of improved breeds among backyard poultry
growers has facilitated the random mating of desi chickens, and thus genetic dilutions
over time have occurred. Although the production of crossbreeds to augment productivity
was not sustainable due to institutional weaknesses, the dilution of the original native
stock has occurred in some areas of the country, which represents a threat to preservation,
conservation and future genetic improvements of the original stock. This is also true for
native duck populations. The breeds or varieties that have diluted native ducks in some
areas are the Khaki Campbell, Indian Runner and Jinding. Therefore, initiatives are
needed urgently to determine and implement a proper breeding policy to prevent the
erosion of these valuable native genetic resources.

Avian influenza in FP
The poultry industry of Bangladesh experienced highly pathogenic avian influenza
(HPAI) for the first time early in 2007, which spread all over the country. The
National Reference Laboratory for Avian Influenza at Bangladesh Livestock Research
Institute (BLRI) diagnosed and confirmed the presence of the H5 sub-type. Gene
sequencing of 25 isolates in 2007 and 2008 demonstrated the highest similarities of
viruses to those of Kuwait, Mongolia, Russia and Afghanistan. Since Bangladesh had no
poultry trade link with these countries, it was thought that migratory birds might be
responsible for the initial introduction of HPAI in Bangladesh (Alam et al., 2010). It has
been estimated that the total loss due to the outbreak of HPAI was BDT 42,000 million
against the total gross investment of BDT 130,000 million in the poultry sector (Amin et
al., 2008). The National Committee for Protection of Poultry Industry indicated that the
investment increased further to BDT 150,000 million in 2011 when, according to the
local branch of the World's Poultry Science Association, a loss of about BDT 2,187
million was incurred.
Birds of SMEs and industrial sectors were affected seriously and about 50% of the
farms were closed during the outbreak period of 2007-2008 and 30% during 2010-2011.
The devastation due to AI also affected FP. It was revealed that, in most of the cases,
mortality in backyard chicken flocks preceded an outbreak in commercial farms (Alam et
al., 2010). The FP in different regions of the country has been killed not only because
they were affected by the HPAI virus but also due to the government's policy for culling
birds within a one kilometer radius of affected farms. This resulted in the mass slaughter
of FP irrespective of their apparent level of health and caused farmers much anguish.
Additionally, farmers were not happy with the compensation package offered by the
government. The culling policy that was in force by the government during the outbreak

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 Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

period was later abandoned due to severe criticism from various quarters. There are no
accurate statistics with regard to the economic losses to family poultry, but an estimate
showed that losses for backyard poultry and eggs stood at BDT 5200 million (Amin et
al., 2008). This figure increases further if the losses incurred by commercial broiler and
layer farms with a capacity of 100 birds or less are included.
Threats from HPAI still prevail as migratory birds come to Bangladesh every year
during winter. Interestingly, in 2011, an outbreak occurred during widely fluctuating
temperatures during the day and night, unlike previous years, in which it was a
disease associated with winter. This situation has lead to a general belief that either
the circulating virus belongs to a mutant strain or one other than H5N1. However, FP are
said to be the victims and are also often held responsible in most of the cases for the
outbreaks in commercial/industrial flocks.

Consumers’ preference and attitudes to FP

Consumers, nowadays, prefer native poultry to broilers and spent hens. This is because
they taste good, are leaner, have better pigmentation and are suitable for preparing
different dishes. Habituation is another important factor in consumers’ choice of eggs
and meat of indigenous FP. The prices of indigenous poultry are always higher
(approximately double) and the egg price, in general, is similar to commercial eggs
although the size of the former is relatively smaller, except for duck eggs. Broiler
meat is particularly preferred by children because of its tenderness. A section of
urban people are gradually showing a negative tendency towards the consumption of
eggs and meat from farms producing commercial chickens because they believe that the
feeds of such chickens are manufactured with antibiotic and non-antibiotic growth
promoters indiscriminately, even with some harmful ingredients that may affect their
health in the long run. FP, particularly free range chickens and ducks, which have very
little access to industrial feeds, are considered safe in this respect and therefore deemed to
be a more reliable choice.

Research gaps in FP production

Research in poultry science seldom takes account of FP in Bangladesh, although the
national planners are showing interest for economic development of the resources of poor
farmers through poultry production. Some efforts were made in the past to increase the
productivity of backyard poultry either by crossbreeding, improved feed or the
distribution of high yielding birds/crossbreeds to the farmers, as mentioned above.
The activities of donor agencies have been limited either to improving the
productivity of indigenous poultry or in providing training to officers/farmers. These
development efforts gave little opportunity to carry out research in a planned way. Since
the flock size of family poultry should be 100 or less, according to INFPD, extensive
research works are needed to examine the sustainability of such endeavours for birds of
different genetic groups including the indigenous stocks. Traditional husbandry practices
allow the birds to scavenge and derive much of their feed from natural sources. Keeping
such practices undisturbed, research is needed with supplementary feeding of improved
diets to augment production. Although projects implemented so far by donor agencies,
particularly PLDP, SLDP and DANIDA, had already addressed this issue, the cost
effectiveness of such interventions at the farmers’ doorstep has to be dealt with more
extensively. Various crossbreeds and native stocks may be considered for this purpose,

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Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

but the most challenging would probably be the rearing of small flocks of commercial
broiler and layer strains as FP. It is not possible to rear these birds under scavenging or
semi-scavenging systems, and so rearing of such birds in confinement is a must. Since
flock sizes are small and investment is more per bird than the scavenging or semi-
scavenging birds, it becomes a losing concern unless scientific intervention is made
(Kawsar et al., 2011). It becomes necessary to determine minimum flock size for FP,
irrespective of type of bird that would generate income for resource poor farmers. Since
commercial feeds are costly, the development of cost effective diets formulated with
indigenous feed ingredients as supplements to scavenging feeds would be helpful for FP
keepers considering both scavenging chickens and ducks. Any sort of intervention in diet
and/or management must be justified over the cost of production. So, research with
benefit cost ratios is of prime importance. The government, donor agencies,
universities and research institutes should identify researchable problems in FP
production and make efforts to solve them on a priority basis and ensure sustainability.

FP production - an aimless practise?

In spite of the tremendous potential of FP production in Bangladesh, the current
production system may be or will remain aimless if the subject is ignored by the
policy makers of the country. Rearing birds solely in the backyard, as has been
practiced for centuries, will not make a significant contribution to income generation
and poverty reduction, as discussed by various researchers. On the other hand, increasing
flock size irrespective of genetic group (improved or unimproved) will require more feed
and improved management which may not be well suited for resource-poor farmers in a
free range system. The more birds the farmer rears, the greater the requirement for money
to facilitate production in confinement. As the density of the poultry population increases,
more sophisticated disease control measures will be required. Improved breeds need good
housing and feed to meet their genetic productive performance. A farmer will not be able
to manage, say a flock of 50 birds or more in his/her homestead with existing resources
under scavenging systems. Thus a potential sector of FP could be aimless unless some
low interest or interest-free capital is provided and scientific interventions are made.
Biosecurity for FP is very weak currently. Along with the AI already mentioned,
Newcastle disease, Fowl pox, Fowl cholera, Duck Cholera and Duck Plague are
common in village poultry, and low-cost local vaccines are produced and distributed
inadequately. As a result, farmers are not in a position to utilise a more ‘scientific’
production approach for FP. Under the prevailing system, the farmers are helpless in
most cases, and they often fail to combat disasters. Dolberg (2010), from his long
experience in working with livestock and poultry in developing countries including
Bangladesh, clearly suggested that the primary challenge is institutional. According to
him, most government livestock departments do not reach out to poor rural households
with small flocks. Since this is true, how will FP production ever yield a fruitful result in
terms of poverty reduction out of its traditional current activities?

How FP production could be made meaningful

First of all, we have to decide whether or not we should encourage FP production in
Bangladesh. If the answer is yes, then the current production system has to be improved.
There are a number of ways to make FP production meaningful in a developing country

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 Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

like Bangladesh. The policy makers of the government should consider the following
points detailed below.

CONSERVATION OF NATIVE GERMPLASM AND DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCAL

BREED OR VARIETY OF CHICKEN
An improved breed or crossbred chicken needs to be developed, incorporating native
germ-plasm suitable for family poultry production in a flock of 100 or less. A team of
scientists involving geneticists, breeders, nutritionists, management specialists and health
experts needs to be brought together targeting either meat, egg or both under scavenging,
semi-scavenging or confinement systems of rearing. In the mean time, India has
developed a number of crossbreeds and synthetic hybrids with modified genetic and
economic profiles for the rural family and small-scale poultry farming (Khan, 2008;
Sasidhar, 2009).

DUCK PRODUCTION
Duck production should be practiced more scientifically in selected districts of
Bangladesh where natural feed resources are abundant. The coastal regions, north and
north-eastern districts of the country have adequate scavengeable feed resources that are
very suitable for rearing ducks. While ducks are well suited in some locations of the
country, the major limitation for the improvement of FP is to improve their supplemental
diets (what they eat in addition to that they derive from scavenging sources) and the
application of vaccines against two major diseases, Duck Plague and Duck Cholera.

IMPROVEMENT IN THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF FP

A number of reports have repeatedly confirmed that FP is multiplying in the country by
acclimatising with a lower plane of nutrition. The fact that scavenging diets are normally
deficient in energy and protein but high in fibre demands an improvement in their diets,
either as free choice of individual ingredients or the supplementary feeding of
nutritionally balanced diets. Alders and Pym (2009), while comparing between village
and commercial chickens suggested that the lower productivity of village chickens could
be improved by better nutrition. Sarkar and Golam (2009) concluded that improved
management interventions in the form of early weaning, creep feeding of chicks and
supplemental feeding of hens during the incubation period, have the capacity to impact
significantly on profitability and income generation.

EDUCATING AND TRAINING FARMERS

FP keepers should have a minimum educational qualification of JSC (junior school
certificate) so that they can be trained properly on various aspects of poultry science from
time to time. Chowdhury et al. (1993) recommended at least a secondary level of
education for trainees in backyard poultry rearing. Alam et al. (2008) emphasised the
need for training duck farmers to allow technology dissemination for improved income
generation. Hossain et al. (2008) found a significant but negative correlation of education
and farm size with economic losses due to localised flooding. Training, education and
extension in FP are channels for spreading information regarding new technologies
among FP farmers (Kassal, 1998; Guèye, 2003). Begum et al. (2010) showed that the
level of education and training the farmer receives are two of the most important factors
contributing to the variations in efficiency. Now the challenge is to conduct all sorts of
training effectively. Training needs must be assessed properly before conducting training
for the FP farmers.

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INTERVENTIONS AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR FP

Since FP production is a low input/low output practice, advisory and consultancy
services for farmers would be free of charge. Unfortunately, extension services for FP
in Bangladesh are suffering from inherent and/or institutional weakness. Guèye (2009)
indicated that extension services for FP in many developing countries are not effective
even though they exist. The government can take the necessary steps through its
Department of Livestock Services (DLS) to recruit an adequate number of extension
officers with poultry science backgrounds, to provide the necessary free services to the
farmers. Henning et al. (2007) has shown that the small-scale FP production, with some
technical support, can add more income to families within existing resources. Chowdhury
et al. (2006) were able to improve the productivity of native chickens significantly,
making interventions only in the quantity and quality of the feed supply. Alders and
Pym (2009) strongly suggested that appropriate intervention focusing on the factors
limiting productivity of the different production systems must be tailored according to
country and local conditions. Ochieng et al. (2010), in a study with indigenous chickens
in Western Kenya, demonstrated that a full management package (comprising feed
supplementation, vaccination, housing, chick rearing and brooding) can improve the
productivity of indigenous chickens. Kawsar et al. (2011) observed that commercial
broilers with flock sizes of 100, 200 and 300 were only profitable when management
intervention was made in the farmers’ households.

PRODUCTION AND AVAILABILITY OF POULTRY VACCINES

Efforts are needed to manufacture vaccines locally as per requirement for the major
poultry diseases, and must be available at all DLS offices so that farmers can collect them
at a low cost. Alders and Pym (2009) identified Newcastle disease as one of the major
constraints to the production of village chickens, a finding which was supported by
Guèye (2009). Small-scale duck keepers in Bangladesh are constantly demanding a
regular supply of vaccines for protecting their birds against Duck Plague and Duck
Cholera which are prevalent in Bangladesh. Reduction in mortality through
vaccinations conducted by trained community vaccinators (Alders and Pym, 2009) is
a must to strengthen preventive measures for FP. It may be mentioned here that the FP
producers will never be able to buy expensive, imported vaccines.

BIOSECURITY AND VETERINARY SERVICES

Veterinary services should be strengthened for the diagnosis of diseases in case of an
outbreak, although maintenance of strict biosecurity should be the main target of
preventing diseases. Chowdhury (1984) explained the negative effects of treatment of
poultry diseases, and clearly justified that ‘a gram of prevention is better than a kilogram
of cure’. Achieving sustainable improvements in biosecurity in small-scale poultry
production systems is more complex than in large scale commercial farms. Strict
maintenance of biosecurity measures, both in farms and at wet markets, was
emphasised by Alam et al. (2010). Biosecurity in FP is more challenging in
Bangladesh and therefore needs to move from conventional practices, taking lessons
from recent outbreak of avian influenza. Farmers should be trained properly and their
activities in relation to farm operation should be monitored regularly.

DEVELOPMENT OF INTRA AND INTER-INSTITUTIONAL LINKAGES

There is a need for strong collaborations among different relevant organizations, both
national and international, to strengthen FP production in Bangladesh. The local WPSA
branch and the INFPD, for example, can play a significant role in this respect. Their
current activities are appreciable, but there remains ample scope to further strengthen

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 Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

environmental and biosecurity points. A survey conducted recently by Saleque (2010)

indicated that about 87% of the INFPD members were in favour of building a strong link
between WPSA and INFPD in the interest of sustainable FP and a wider dissemination of
associated activities throughout the world. There is a need to work out alternative ways of
reaching out to the poor rather than relying on the traditional methods practiced in the
past, and this is why a strong collaboration and linkages must be established among
universities, research institutes, government organizations, WPSA, INFPD etc. to
accelerate research and development in the FP sector. It should also be considered
that the majority of the small holders are socio-economically constrained to utilise
management technology appropriately (Ochieng et al., 2010).

AVAILABILITY OF INSTITUTIONAL CREDIT FOR FP FARMERS

It would be beneficial to provide FP farmers with institutional credit at a low interest
rate, however previous experience in this regard is not good and full of criticisms. Credit
systems for FP farmers should not turn into a business, similar to the industrial sector.
What is needed at the present time is to develop a farmer-friendly system in contrast to
the financial exploitation of small-scale farmers. National planners can take initiatives in
this regard and provide necessary instructions to banks and other financial institutions
accordingly.

Recent e-conferences of INFPD in collaboration with FAO

The first e-conference of INFPD was held recently on the theme ‘Opportunities of poultry
breeding programmes for family production in developing countries: The bird for the
poor.’ The conference was jointly organised by the INFPD and the Livestock Production
Systems Branch of the FAO Animal Production and Health Division, and took place
during January and February 2011. This was the first of a series of conferences on FP
development emphasising poultry breed development for FP producers. The conference
discussed the following topics of interest:
1. What types and how many birds are required by FP producers?
2. What are the organisational structures for the existing and suggested breeding
programmes?
3. What strategies of multiplication and distribution networks can be adopted?
4. What marketing is appropriate for breeding stocks?
5. What conservation is appropriate for existing genetic resources?

A summary and conclusion of the conference were made based on 123 e-mail
messages from 168 participants from 30 countries. It has been stated that the
contribution from India was the largest (17%) followed by Malawi (15%) and
Bangladesh (10%). These were followed by Kenya and Nigeria, with each 6% of the
contributions, and Cameroon and Indonesia with 5%. The majority of the contributors
were from African nations (52%) while other countries included Canada, Bangladesh,
Malaysia, Thailand, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Iran, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India.
Among the participants, 98% were scientists from universities and research institutes,
while advisers/consultants and extension workers constituted just 2% of the total
participants. The following points have emerged from the conclusions of the e-
conference (Singh et al., 2011):
1. The perceptions and priorities of FP keepers must be analysed before deciding the
type of production system to use (traditional scavenging backyard, semi-intensive or
small-scale intensive), the type of bird to use and the number in a flock.

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Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

2. Indigenous/native/local chickens should be the bird of choice, as they are well suited
to traditional scavenging systems because it ensures self-sustainability and fulfils
various values attached to it, including conservation. Improved native breeds or
crosses of native with exotic breeds were suggested for farmers who are in a
position to provide additional management requirements, particularly
supplementary feeding and proper housing. The problem of non-sustainability of
F1 crosses was emphasised and a mechanism for ensuring sustainability of such birds
needs to be evolved.
3. It was suggested that egg and meat producing chickens should be considered
separately, since dual purpose birds have not done well under traditional
scavenging systems.
4. The proportion of scavenged feed should be substantial for the birds to be reared
under semi-scavenging systems. Birds that have low input costs and improved
productivity are recommended for this system and therefore crosses between
native and exotic breeds have been preferred. The problem of sustainability with
such cross breeds should be overcome by developing local multiplication and
distribution infrastructural facilities.
5. The small-scale intensive system was recommended for raising commercial strains of
broilers and layers. Regular and timely supply of DOCs, good feeding, over all good
management practices and proper marketing are essential for the success of this
system.
6. Motivating producers for semi-intensive or small-scale intensive poultry production
systems can help with livelihood security, because the basic scavenging model of
production has shown its limits for poverty alleviation and the system is being held
responsible for the recent outbreak of emerging poultry diseases.
7. Development of suitable germ-plasm for scavenging and semi-scavenging FP was
emphasised. Government weakness with regard to organizational structures was held
responsible, and needed rectification. The responsibility to identify, characterise and
improve native stocks should be given to researchers. The involvement of local
farmers is necessary to identify potential traits in a well organised breeding
programme. Joint ventures may be undertaken in countries with limited facilities
by sharing infrastructural facilities and a common gene pool. Once a breed is
developed, it can be developed in a number of countries with similar conditions
which share common objectives.
8. Development of suitable germplasm should be followed by its multiplication through
a network made of Government poultry hatcheries and a distribution network
through workers from poultry development projects and NGOs. In addition, the
involvement of local farmers’ cooperatives was emphasised. This entire
arrangement may help in overcoming the problem of sustainability with cross-
breeds on completion of the donor funded projects.
9. Encouragement is needed for specialisation in different components of production in
the indigenous chicken value chain. Enterprises should be organised in such a way
that products from one enterprise constitute an input for the other at a higher level.
The principal benefit will be the creation of participatory, practical and sustainable
indigenous chicken enterprises.
10. Research organisations, NGOs, private sector stakeholders and members from local
farming communities should build a working committee to develop and implement a
systematic strategy for the sustainable conservation of local breeds and their follow
up. A national conservatory of local populations of chicken for in-situ conservation
of breeds, and a molecular biology laboratory for ex-situ conservation through gene

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 Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

bank and cryopreservation of genetic material and semen should be established in

each country.

As a follow up to this, the second e-conference was held at the start of the following
year, in 2012, on the theme ‘Family poultry interactions with other production systems
(forestry, tree crops, annual crops, large animals, fisheries, etc): Nutritional opportunities
and constraints.’ During the conference the topics of climate change and the future
availability of the scavengeable feed resource base (SFRB) for FP; recent
developments in assessing feed resources for FP production including the
scavengeable feed resource base (SFRB); nutritional opportunities and constraints of
integrating FP with other production systems (forestry, tree crops, annual crops, large
animals, fisheries, etc); opportunities and constraints of using commercial feed for FP and
developing and promoting improved FP feeding systems were discussed.
Participants from 20 countries contributed 47 messages and five short papers to express
their views and opinions on the theme. The largest number of contributions came from
Bangladesh followed by South Africa and India. By synthesising different views
expressed by the participants, Chowdhury et al. (2012) reported the following
conclusions and recommendations: Strengthening research that includes studying the
possible impacts of climate change on FP production and ways of mitigating its
consequences; updating current methods of assessment of SFRB; supplementary
feeding of nutritionally balanced diets depending on location, seasons, and availability
of SFRB; increased use of household wastes and crop residues in feeding practices;
utilisation of local feed resources as much as possible as this would result in better
production and improved profitability; assessment of nutritional needs of different types
of FP; development of feed formula locally, based on nutritional needs; practicing creep
feeding of chicks and supplementary feeding of growing chicks and layer birds to achieve
higher productivity; determination of cost-benefit ratios (BCR) of feeding commercial/
industrial/home-made balanced feed to ensure sustainability; training FP farmers
regarding feeds, nutrition and related poultry husbandry practices to achieve higher
outputs; conducting adequate FP research with respect to nutritional aspects, feeds and
feed management; holding local, regional and international conferences in developing
countries to determine future development strategies; and planning all development
models cautiously and executing them in collaboration with local consultants/experts
so that the FP farmers can benefit from the technologies that are generated by research.
Scientists from various countries have given their thoughts on development modules to
make FP production meaningful. Referring to Bangladesh's conditions, many of the
suggestions and recommendations need implementation. This could be achieved by
INFPD in collaboration with scientists and government of the country in a systematic
way. Lessons learned and experience gathered from previous FP projects should be taken
into account while implementing any new development project.

The future of FP production in Bangladesh

There is no reason to believe that rural poverty will be alleviated by 2030, although
expectation is that it should be diminishing. FP production will continue to provide
livelihoods for poor rural households on one hand and supply lean meat on the other,
similar to smallholder poultry development, including commercial birds, as reported by
Mcleod et al. (2009). Alders and Pym (2009) pointed out that the village poultry are able
to contribute to eight targets of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These
targets are: eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, achieving universal primary

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Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

education, promoting gender equality and empowerment of women, reducing child

mortality, improving maternal health, combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other
diseases, ensuring environmental sustainability and developing a global partnership for
development. Achieving such targets by 2015 are now the world's main development
challenges.
The Bangladesh Country Investment Plan (CIP) for Agriculture, Food Security and
Nutrition has recently prepared draft of a set of 12 investment programmes. The proposed
focus and priority interventions within the livestock development programme include
strengthening animal health services, increasing capacity, training at farmer level, feed
processing and cattle and buffalo genetic improvement activities. The indicative cost is
US$ 624 million and the main institutions and development partners are the Ministry of
Livestock and Fisheries, FAO, JICA, IFAD, WB and DANIDA. During the presentation
and discussion of CIP at the Bangladesh Agricultural University in December 2010,
proposals were made to include at least small-scale poultry development as one of the
priority areas in livestock sector. This CIP may be linked with the Sixth Five Year Plan
(SFYP) of the Government in the future.
Having said the above, the future of FP production in Bangladesh will depend on how
serious the national planners in the livestock sector are in its development. If the National
Poultry Development Policy permits family poultry production activities in a well
organised way and if scientists and the relevant sectors of the government are
committed to FP development, the future is bright and should not affect the growing
commercial broiler and layer industry that are in operation with high yielding strains of
chicken. Fortunately, the present government has a commitment to make ‘one home one
farm’ and this concept suits FP as well as mixed agricultural farming systems. Future
actions of the national planners will largely determine the fate of FP production in
Bangladesh and whether or not such a system would be accommodated scientifically
in the ‘one home one farm’ concept as committed by the present government.

Conclusions
Family poultry work as a ‘standby generator’ in the poultry sector of Bangladesh
particularly at times of disasters like a fall in demand of beef and mutton. The recent
outbreak of anthrax in the country has diverted the attention of consumers to poultry meat
particularly, from native stocks. Chickens and ducks of indigenous origin are priced
higher, nearly double what the exotic meat type birds cost, for example, broilers. It
may be concluded that family poultry production in Bangladesh with indigenous or
commercial breeds or hybrids in fewer numbers, could be made meaningful if
monetary benefits supersede the cost of production. The important outcome is
profitability: not the profitability per farm or per bird, but the profitability per unit of
money invested – in terms of the cost-benefit ratio. Ignorance of this fact by national
planners and the absence of proper policy may lead FP in Bangladesh on an aimless
journey. Research needs to gain momentum to explore the profitability of FP in
Bangladesh. The WPSA Bangladesh branch, in collaboration with local scientists and
the INFPD, can accelerate research and development with FP as a part of its mandatory
activities: ‘education, organization and research.’ FP production with commercial hybrids
is more challenging in comparison with indigenous stock because of small flock sizes that
need technical support and a well planned, biosecured environment for production.

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 Family poultry production in Bangladesh: S.D. Chowdhury

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