Journal of Krishi Vigyan

An improved variety of backyard poultry namely Rajasri bird was demonstrated to rural farm women of SC community in Ranga Reddy district for improving their livelihoods in the year 2023. Atotal of 1300 birds were distributed to 65 identified SC beneficiary women farmers. Each unit comprised of five male and fifteen female chicks (20 birds in each unit), one bamboo basket, 5 kg chick starter feed, feeder, and waterer. In the present study, Rajasri birds achieved sexual maturity at 174±14 d with an average body weight of 1250 to 1350 g. The average annual egg production/ bird was 155 to 165 eggs per year with an average weight of 45 to 55 g and mortality rate of 2.7% in Rajasri birds. The findings indicated a substantial rise in income of Rs. 17,825 per household annually from the selling of eggs and male birds, as well as a notable increase in the intake of eggs and meat among rural scheduled caste families.