Production Performance of Indigenous Chicken (Gallus domesticus L.) under Backyard Condition in Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra

Performance in terms of body weight, age at first egg, egg production and mortality of Indigenous chicken of Sindhudurg district were studied under backyard system of rearing. The overall mean body weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in indigenous birds reared under control condition (upto 6 weeks) than backyard system. The average age of first egg laying was recorded as six-seven months s in indigenous chicken. The mean egg production at 72 weeks of age in indigenous chicken recorded as 51.93 number of egg per hen under control condition, in case of backyard system the corresponding values were recorded as 42.73, respectively. The mean egg production of indigenous birds incontrol condition at 72 weeks of age was significantly higher (P<0.05) than backyard system. There was significant difference in mortality rates between two groups during 6 to 30 and 31 to 52 weeks of age.