Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (U.K.)
*Corresponding author: email - dr.cbsing@rediffmail.com
Online published on 28 September, 2012.
The present study was conducted on 160 pullets of native fowl of Garhwal Himalayas reared under deep litter system. Various growth, production and egg quality traits were examined at the age of 25 weeks and 55 weeks of egg production. Results indicated that a significant (P<0.01) increase in body weight, average egg production per hen, egg weight, yolk weight, yolk width and yolk height was noticed at the age of 55 weeks when compared to 25 weeks. First egg in flock was recorded in 176 days where as the average age at first egg was found 182 days. Total egg production was recorded 122 eggs per hen in duration of 25 to 55 weeks. Nearly 55% birds were producing the eggs at the age of 55 weeks. Fertility and hatchability (FES) was noticed 82 and 86%, respectively. Hatchability on (TES) basis was found poor (70.20%). These birds have the potential for growth and production traits and can be used for backyard poultry farming.
Native fowl, production performance, egg production, fertility and hatchability
