Native Poultry Breeds: Unique Jerm Plasm for Better Traits of Economic Importance

Blog Category: Academics and Research 

Blog Written by 

Arti Agrahari* and Dr Shiv Om Pratap 

* Ph.D. Scholar, Institute of Sciences, SAGE University, Indore 

Associate Professor, Institute of Sciences, SAGE University, Indore 

Introduction

The Indian poultry sector is a vital and rapidly expanding component of the country’s agricultural economy, contributing significantly to food security for the poor villagers and tribals, rural development, and nutritional improvement. Over the last few decades, it has evolved from a backyard activity into a most promising, organized poultry industry with the high levels of introgression of various native and exotic breeds especially in broiler and layer poultry farming. India is placed with third largest egg producer and one of the top five broiler meat producers globally, with annual growth rates of 8–10% along with the 6 to 8% of egg production annually.

The poultry sector helps the livelihoods of millions, especially in rural areas, by creating employment opportunities across the globe and not only in India in various allied sectors such as manufacturing, caring, processing and rearing of Poultry breeds as per need. It is also caring our poor villagers and tribals by providing quality of nutritional food, financial security and financial support system to earned their life ease on minimal investment cost.

Technological advancements in genetics, nutrition, disease management, and housing systems have significantly enhanced productivity and efficiency (ICAR-NIANP, 2021). Despite its success, the industry faces several challenges, including rising input costs (particularly feed), disease outbreaks such as avian influenza, lack of cold chain infrastructure, and concerns over antibiotic use and animal welfare (FAO, 2020). Additionally, environmental impacts such as waste disposal and greenhouse gas emissions require attention to ensure sustainable development.

Government has launched various schemes such as National Livestock Mission for supporting the villagers and tribals basically, along with private sector with efficient researches which is essential to strengthen and modernize the Indian poultry sector for fruitful outcome ensuring inclusivity, resilience, and environmental sustainability. Native breeds such as Aseel, Kadaknath, Nicobari, and Vanaraja have evolved through natural selection and without any scientific breeding program, found well adapted to local hardcore environmental conditions like as Temperature, Disease Tolerance etc. These birds are hardy, disease-resistant, and thrive under extensive or semi-intensive systems with minimal. They contribute significantly to rural livelihoods, better food security, and women’s empowerment, especially in tribal and backward regions. In contrast, exotic breeds like White Leghorn, Rhode Island Red, Cornish, Cobb 500, and Ross 308 offer superior productivity but require intensive inputs and controlled environments (FAO, 2019). These native birds are ideal for production system but are often less suited to rural backyard systems due to their sensitivity to stress and diseases.

Significance of native breeds over exotic breeds

1. Climate and Environmental AdaptabilityNative breeds: Well, adapted to local agro-climatic conditions; exhibit tolerance to heat stress, fluctuating feed availability, and endemic diseases. Suitable for backyard or semi-intensive systems without sophisticated environmental control in contrast to other exotic breeds.

2. Production Objectives Native breeds:

 Preferred for dual-purpose use (meat and eggs), small-scale subsistence farming, and niche markets valuing flavour, texture, and traditional significance as against single-purpose high productivity.

3. Economic Considerations

   Native breeds: Lower input cost due to reliance on scavenging and minimal supplemental feed; lower productivity but stable returns in low-input systems as compare to higher input cost.

4.  Disease resistance: 

Native breeds are well known for their better Immunity against Poultry infectious microorganisms such as   Newcastle disease viral disease, Bird flu, aflatoxins in contrast to exotic breeds.  

End of Blog