Economic housing design and stocking densities for rural poultry production in Assam

Abstract

Preliminary observations on the socio-economic status of poultry farmers in rural areas in Assam and the demographic distribution of the poultry, indicated that a large section of unemployed youth, landless labour and housewives, earned their livelihood through poultry (broiler) farming. Apart from good quality stock and feed, these farmers were also very enthusiastic to rear their birds in low-cost comfortable housing with optimum stocking density, in order to have a better remuneration for their product. Keeping this in mind, a study was conducted on the effect of different roofing materials (polythene sheet, corrugated iron sheet and thatch) and stocking densities (0.75 and 1.00 sq. ft. per bird) on the performance of broilers in rural conditions in Assam. Results of the study in respect of socioeconomic status of the farmers, demographic distribution and productive performance in terms of body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and mortality and economy are highlighted. A total of 600-day-old commercial broiler chicks, in five groups, were used in the study.