Production and other characteristics of Aseel peela desi hens under normal rearing system

Attempts were made to study the production parameters and general performance characteristics of Aseel peela desi hens under the normal system of rearing. Sixty healthy adult hens from the same hatch and nearly similar body weight were taken. For the fertility and hatchability studies, 15 cocks from the same breed were also reared and maintained under uniform husbandry conditions in individual cages. They were allowed to get the normal layer/breeder ration and water ad libitum with 14 h light per day. Several production parameter of Aseel peela desi fowl were recorded from initial stage of egg production (23–26 week) to the end of egg production (75–78) including the peak of egg production (55–58 weeks). A significant (P<0.05) increase in body weight and egg weight was recorded from the initial to the peak of egg production stage. Thereafter, no change was recorded in these parameters till to the end of study. Weekly egg production or daily egg production by the flock of Aseel peela desi fowl maintained under our farm conditions increased significantly (P<0.05) up to the stage of peak egg production (55–58 week). With the advancement of age (after 55–58 week) egg production was reduced (P<0.05). Total egg production per hen in 78 weeks was found 160 eggs. Overall fertility of this bird was observed 84% while the hatchability was 88 and 67% on the basis of FES and TES, respectively. The profile of egg quality traits, serum hormones, serum and egg yolk cholesterol were also examined. From this study, it may be concluded that more research work is needed to establish the base line values of production parameters and general performance characteristics of Aseel peela under the normal system of rearing in order to enhance poultry production in our neglected desi fowl.