Adoption of managemental practices by commercial broiler farmers in Jammu and Kashmir

A study was conducted to assess the different management practices adopted by commercial broiler farmers in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 50 commercial farmers within the district were selected randomly for the purpose that were visited and interviewed by semi-structured questionnaire. The study revealed that the majority of respondents were young (38 per cent) between the age group of 22–30 years with education qualification up to high school (32 per cent) having farming as main occupation. Majority of the farmers (44 per cent) maintained a flock size of more than 2100 birds whereas; only 34 per cent farmers maintained a flock size of less than 1500 birds. All the farmers adopted deep litter system of rearing the birds using sawdust as bedding material. 76 per cent of the farmers were adopting all in all out system of rearing whereas rest of the (24 per cent) farmers were maintaining two batches at a time. About 60 percent farmers used ten different commercial brands of feed, available in the form of mash. Among the different feed additives used, 44 per cent used mineral mixture followed by coccidiostat to the extent of 24 per cent. 100 per cent farmers fed starter ration whereas 86 and 72 per cent farmers fed pre-starter and finisher ration, respectively and each bird consumed 2.7 kg of feed and marketed the birds by 45 days of age. Despite irregular power supply, 88 per cent farmers were able to provide 24 hours of light during rearing. More than 90 per cent farmers vaccinated their birds against RD and IBD. Majority of the farmers disposed off the dead birds by throwing them in the open as such but adopted strict rodent control measures. More than 90 per cent farmers used to sell their birds to wholesalers. Majority of the farmers earned a profit of Rs.7–10/- per bird. It may be concluded that the majority of broiler farmers maintained a flock size of more than 2100 birds reared on deep litter system adopting all-in-all-out system fed broiler mash earning a profit of Rs 7–10 per birds.