Evaluation of different hybrids under free range system of poultry keeping in coastal Orissa

Chicks of three hybrids viz. CARl Debendra (CSML x RIR), CSML x B 77 and 877 x CSML were distributed among 849 number of farmers for their evaluation under free-range system of poultry rearing. Body weights were measured at 2 weeks interval up to 20 weeks of age. The 12 week body weight of CSML x RIR. CSML x B 77 and 877 x CSML were 936 ± 6.99,829 ± 10.3, 1130 ± 20 g respectively. Corresponding body weight at 16 weeks of age were 1405±10.11, 1291±12.03, 1620±12.18 g, respectively. Body weight at 20 weeks of age were 2072±12.91, 1893±12.24 and 2324±17.75 gin CSML x RIR, CSML x B 77 and B77 x CSML respectively. Body weight of 817 x CSML crossbreed was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the other crossbred. The mortality % due to disease from 0–8 weeks and 8 to 20 weeks in the three cross breeds were 17.06, 9.96, 12.80 and 2, 0, 6.48 percent in CSML x RIR, CSML x 877 and 877 x CSML, respectively. Corresponding mortality due to predators during 0–8 and 8–20 weeks were 13.92.9.73, 5.57% and 7.87, 0.22 and 1.36% in CSML x RIR, CSML x B77 and 877 x CSML, respectively. The net profit for a 5 bird unit was highest in 877 X CSML crossbred than other crossbreds.