Knowledge and Adoption Level of Poultry Farming Practices in Raigad District of Maharashtra State

The study was conducted in Raigad district of Maharashtra State. Out 100 trained farmers, 33 farmers who actually started poultry farming were selected as a respondent of the present study. Data were collected by interview method with the help of questionnaire comprising general information, background of the farmers, poultry profile, poultry farming practices like brooding management, ventilation and lighting, water management, feed management etc and also data on employment and income generation were studied. Study revealed that there was good knowledge with respect to brooding management and ventilation and lighting, water management and feed management to the respondents. In case of adoption maximum respondents following brooding management followed by cleaning of poultry house and equipments. More than 75 per cent respondents followed proper ventilation and lighting. In feed management and health care practices more than 66.00 per cent respondents used balanced feed and followed vaccination schedule. Maximum respondents got employment for more than 181 days per year from poultry farming. Lack of timely veterinary facility at taluka level was the major constraints in poultry farming followed by non availability improved breed on demand.