Performance of Vanaraja, Gramapriya and desi birds in the backyard system of rearing in Manipur

A study was conducted from September, 2010 to April, 2013 in various villages encompassing 357 Vanaraja, 291 Gramapriya and 295 local birds to evaluate their production efficiency up to 60 weeks of age. The improved varieties had significantly (P<0.01) higher body weight than the local chicken. Age of first egg was lower (P<0.05) in Gramapriya (173.00±1.35 day) in comparison with Vanaraja (181.53±1.29 days) and desi birds (179.87±1.48 days). The study revealed that the Gramapriya were considerably (P<0.05) more consistent layer among three, while Vanaraja was better (P<0.05) than local. Overall 65% hatchability was recorded. During the study period 14.5, 11.7.6 and 21.2 per cent mortality were recorded in Grampriya, Vanaraja and local birds respectively. As stated by the Farmers in rural hilly areas, Vanaraja and Gramapriya performed well in terms of meat and egg laying potentials respectively, and also these birds had better adaptability in the local climatic conditions.