A Study on Nutritional Status and Performance of Broilers under Backyard Management for Nutritional Intervention and Profitable Farming in Mizoram

Author: Rajat Buragohain*

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Abstract

Nutritional assessment is very important for appropriate feeding management of poultry birds and for nutritional interventions utilizing the available feed resources for economic feeding. Inadequate feeding significantly affects performance of the birds and profitability of the enterprise. The present study assessed the feeding management, growth performance and nutritional status of broiler birds under backyard feeding management in Mizoram. One hundred and fifty small to medium poultry farmers, selected from 10 villages each of Tlangnuam and Thingsulthliah rural development blocks of Aizawl district, were interviewed through a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Information on growth rate at different stages, feeding management data and mortality records were collected and representative samples of feeds fed to broilers were sampled for nutritional analysis. The study revealed rearing of broilers in small flock size of 10 to 50 numbers (averaging 23.33±2.75) and average mortality rate of 6.94±1.57 recorded at 42nd days of age. Availability of quality chicks and feeds were not consistent throughout the year. Proximate analysis of different broiler feeds revealed lower crude protein levels, but higher energy density considering BIS (2007) standard for broiler birds. Intakes of feeds were lower and lower growth rate at different stages under backyard management were recorded. Deficient intakes of protein were recorded during the initial growing period. Energy density of the rations and intakes of energy were higher than their requirements. The findings of the study indicated lack of adequate scientific knowledge about feeding of broilers among the farmers and local constraints affecting broiler farming. Acquiring knowledge from Veterinary professionals about scientific broiler farming, and nutritional interventions through feeding of balanced rations utilizing available feed resources meeting the nutritional needs and intakes, supplementations of deficit nutrients, regular quality checking of feeds were recommended for profitable and sustainable broiler farming in Mizoram.

Keywords

Backyard farming, broiler, growth, feed intake, nutrient intake, mortality

Conclusion

From the findings of the present study, it was concluded that smaller flock size and lower growth rate of broilers under backyard in Mizoram might be for topographical constrains, constraints relating to quality chick and broiler feeds and lack of knowledge about scientific feeding and management. High energy density of the broiler rations might cause deficient intakes of protein and other nutrients for lower feed intakes. Higher mortality of broilers under backyard rearing might be for compromised immune status of the birds. Nutritional interventions with balanced rations at right amount and time and supplementations of deficient nutrients were suggested for profitable broiler farming in Mizoram. Farmers may be suggested for regular nutritional analysis of the feeds at CAU/ICAR/KVK laboratories to ensure their nutritional adequacy and getting advice from Veterinary professionals for proper feeding. Farmers may further be suggested to follow scientific management practices and to increase flock size to get remunerative profit from broiler farming.

References

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How to cite this article

Rajat Buragohain (2022). A Study on Nutritional Status and Performance of Broilers under Backyard Management for Nutritional Intervention and Profitable Farming in Mizoram. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4): 562-566.