Poultry Sector of Nepal

Poultry farming in Nepal involves both commercial and native stocks, and their production
shows an increasing trend. A significant portion of the total poultry population consists of
native breeds. Some of the documented indigenous chicken breeds of Nepal are Sakini (normal
feather), Ghatikhuile (naked neck), and Pwakhulte (frizzled feather). Although the poultry sub-
sector includes chickens, ducks, pigeons, and other kinds of birds kept under various
production systems, the chicken population dominates by far.

Introduction to local chickens and their importance in rural areas. Local chickens are known
for their adaptation to harsh environmental conditions and resistance to diseases. They are
cheap to rear and provide a source of protein and income for rural communities.

The FAO recommends that the minimum protein intake by an average person should be 65
gm/day; of this, 36 gm should appear from animal sources (FAO, 2009). A large egg yolk
contains approximately 60 calories and the egg white contains about 15 calories (Memon et al.,
2015). Majority of egg consumption is in intensely populated region of Asia where egg serves
as major protein source.

Scenario of Poultry Business in Nepal (Eggs)

Nepal ranks 92nd in egg production globally. The country has a total commercial brown-layer
population of 3.5 million, producing around 2.9 million eggs per day. Each bird has an average
egg production of 200-300 eggs. The egg industry in Nepal is an important part of the poultry
business, contributing to the country's agricultural practices and providing a cheap source of
protein for the population. However, Nepal has no history of exporting eggs, but it has recently
started exporting broilers/eggs to Bhutan. Additionally, there is evidence of informal trade of
local, broiler live chickens, eggs, and dressed chickens from India in cross-border districts.

Egg Production in Nepal (Total)

The hen egg production in Nepal has shown a significant increase from around 560 million in
2003/04 to 1534.68 million in 2018/19. On the other hand, duck egg production decreased
from 15.53 million in 2003/04 to 13.06 million in 2010/11 but then achieved 15 million in
2018/19. The total egg production in Nepal in 2018/19 was 1549 million (Statistical
Information on Nepalese Agriculture 2075/2076, 2018/2019). The total duck egg production
decreased from 15.53 million in 2003/04 to 13.06 million in 2010/11 but then increased to 15
million in 2018/19. Therefore, the total egg production in Nepal in 2018/19 was 1549 million.
Egg Production (Sakini Chicken)

The overall average egg laying per hen per year from Sakini chickens under intensive
management conditions was 112. This was higher compared to the total egg laid under
backyard farming, which was 60-70 eggs per hen per year. The egg laying of Sakini chickens
from high altitude areas was higher compared to Terai and mid hills. The average number of
eggs per hen per year was 140 for high altitude, 99.9 for Terai, and 95.8 for mid hills. These
findings suggest that the Sakini breed from high altitudes has a higher egg production potential
and could be further explored for improvement in other regions of Nepal.

Demand for Poultry Eggs

In urban areas of Nepal, the demand for eggs is increasing at a rate of 10%. However, the
annual growth rate of the poultry sector is only 2.38% (Acharya et al., 2015).

Import and Export of Eggs

In the case of the eggs, available statistics lump all “bird’s egg” into one product, but most
probably these are mostly chicken eggs and the main competitor in the Nepalese market.
Information provided by poultry entrepreneurs indicates that egg imports from India take
place during summer and monsoon season when domestic demand in India is low. Eggs are
imported from as far as Madhya Pradesh.

On the export side, the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China is the principal destination for
chicken eggs, accounting for almost 80% of Nepal’s total export on average (with a range of
50-95%) in the recent four-year period, 1999-2002. Nepal has also exported eggs to India but
further analysis is severely constrained by lack of information on the volumes exported,
seasonality and export destinations in India. In so far as Nepal’s position of being a net importer
of live poultry birds is concerned, The DOC data (DOC 1999 to 2002) indicate that over 50%
of the value of live poultry imported is from distant sources like the US and Europe, although
India continues to be an important source. India’s share in value terms ranged from as high as
100% in 1997/98 to as low as 40% in 1999/2000.121

Conclusion on Eggs

Regarding egg production, with increasing farm sizes, a higher mass of egg production and
lower feed conversion rate have been observed, indicating a higher profit margin. Sakini is a
major native breed contributing to egg production in different regions of Nepal. Support for a
continued rise in commercial poultry production, improvement of the health of poultry species,
and establishment of efficient marketing channels are some of the key issues the Nepalese
government should prioritize in the future.
Egg Quality Parameters

The eggs were collected from chickens of the Sakini breed. The eggs were sorted for cracks,
deformities, and dirt before measuring egg weight, length, breadth, and volume. Egg weight
was measured using a digital scale, while egg length and breadth were measured using Vernier
calipers. The egg volume was determined using Hoyt's equation, which takes into account the
egg length and breadth.

These measurements were taken to assess different egg quality parameters. Several egg quality
parameters that were studied, including egg weight, shape index, shell thickness, surface area,
and breaking strength. Egg weight was measured using an electronic balance, and the shape
index was calculated using the ratio of breadth to length. Shell thickness was measured using a
micrometer, and surface area was computed using the length, breadth, and egg weight.
Breaking strength was computed based on the egg weight. The egg volume was determined
using Hoyt's equation, and a volume coefficient of 0.507 was used for eggs that were not very
pointed.

Egg Weight and Shell Thickness

The egg weight (EW) was measured using an electronic balance, and the shell thickness (ST)
was measured after removing the internal membranes of the eggshell. The average egg weight
was found to be highest for eggs from high hills, while the shell thickness was not specified for
different agro-ecological zones.

Shape Index and Surface Area

The shape index (SI) of an egg was calculated as the ratio between its breadth (B) and length
(L). The SI was highest for eggs from the Terai region, indicating a more elongated shape. The
surface area (SA) of the egg was computed using the Carter formula, and it was found to be
highest for eggs from high hills.

Breaking Strength

The breaking strength (BS) of the eggshell was computed based on the egg weight. The highest
breaking strength was observed for eggs from high hills, indicating a stronger shell.
Comparison of Different Chicken Breeds

Among the different chicken breeds, the greatest force needed to rupture eggs was related to
high SI values. The eggs from the GR breed showed the highest values for egg weight, surface
area, and breaking strength, followed by the NH breed. The Cor breed had the lowest values for
these parameters.

Influence of Agro-Ecological Zones

Eggs from high hills had the highest values for most of the egg parameters measured, including
egg weight, shape index, surface area, and breaking strength. Eggs from the Terai region had
the highest shape index, indicating a more elongated shape.

Egg Quality Traits in Chicken Varieties

The egg quality traits in chicken varieties developed for backyard poultry farming in India.
The study found variations in egg quality among different chicken varieties.