Comparative study on the performance of srinidhi, rainbow rooster and local chicken reared under field condition of Lunglei district, Mizoram

During the period of 2019–2020, comparative performances of Srinidhi (Tj), Rainbow Rooster (T₂) and local chicken (T₃) was studied to see which variety is best suitable for further popularization under backyard system in Mizoram. Local chickens reared under the same system were considered as the control group (T₃). Day old chicks of Srinidhi and Rainbow rooster hatched from the demonstration farm of KVK Lunglei were distributed to farmers and the performance parameters such as mortality percentage (up to 6 weeks old), age at first laying (months), body weight at 20 weeks old (kg), annual egg production (numbers) and economic were recorded. From the study, it was observed that the average mortality (up to 6 weeks) in Srinidhi (Tj), Rainbow rooster(T₂) and Desi (T₃) was 13, 12 and 5 per cent, respectively and average age at first egg 1aid was 89.78±2.07 d (T₁), 177.25±1.04 d (T₂) and 210±2.03 d (T₃). Average body weight at 20 weeks in case of male and female birds was 1.61+0.12 kg and1.2+0.1 kg (T₁), 2.4+0.15 kg and 1.5 + 0.11 kg (T₂) and 0.825±1.03 kg and 0.625±1.03 kg (T₃). Average annual egg production per hen was 145.13±1.21 (T₁), 163.03±0.06 (T₂) and 50±0.86 (T₃). In case of economic returns, it was found that Rainbow rooster was the most economic. One unit could generate an income of about approximately Rs 11,600/- to Rs. 21,750/-. Overall, it may be concluded that Dual purpose breed were more productive than local chicken.