~ 1515 ~ Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2020; 8(3): 1515-1518 E-ISSN: 2320-7078 P-ISSN: 2349-6800 www.entomoljournal.com JEZS 2020; 8(3): 1515-1518 © 2020 JEZS Received: 01-03-2020 Accepted: 03-04-2020 Siddharth Ranabijuli Scientist (Animal Science), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhanjanagar, Ganjam, Odisha, India Nishiswapna Garanayak Department of Clinical medicine, ethics and jurisprudence, College of Veterinary Sc & AH, OUAT, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India Santosh Kumar Samantray Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhanjanagar, Ganjam, Odisha, India Swagatika Sahu Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhanjanagar, Ganjam, Odisha, India Corresponding Author: Siddharth Ranabijuli Scientist (Animal Science), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Bhanjanagar, Ganjam, Odisha, India Body weight gain performance of poultry breed Kadaknath in semi-intensive rearing system of Ganjam District, Odisha Siddharth Ranabijuli, Nishiswapna Garanayak, Santosh Kumar Samantray and Swagatika Sahu Abstract Backyard poultry farming is one of the most remunerative ventures for rural farmers. Many improved breeds are thriving in different climatic zone of the country with higher production and economic performances. Black chicken or Kadaknath breed has gained popularity in recent times and the same was assayed in the agro-climatic zone of Ganjam district, Odisha with an objective to study its performance and economic viability. The breed performed better than the compared native indigenous breed birds in terms of body weight gain and economic returns. Overall mortality of the said breed was lower (19%) as compared to the native breed (30%). Similarly the 180 day mean body weight of Kadaknath bird (1227.11±2.416 g) was higher compared to native birds (807.614±2.033 g). The Kadaknath birds showed higher degree of growth rate with increasing age fetching higher returns and producing entrepreneurship opportunities. Keywords: Backyard, black meat, body weight, indigenous, Kadaknath Introduction Poultry farming in India is one of the fastest growing industries. Poultry farming has gained its importance both in rural, semi- urban and urban areas as both livelihood and business oriented enterprise [1] . The 20 th Livestock census figured out of 851.81million of total poultry population in 2019, 317.07 million (nearly 37%) poultry birds are reared under backyard poultry farming. The backyard poultry has increased by 45.8% over previous census indicating increasing demand for poultry meat as a source family protein and income. The backyard poultry farming contributes 16.7% of total egg production in India as per the animal husbandry statistics, 2018-19. This higher percentage of backyard poultry enlightens the importance of improving the same for better production and livelihood security of rural sector. This can be ascertained from the observation that 30.3 million families of rural poor farmers are directly or indirectly involved in rural poultry for poverty alleviation and food production [2] . The contribution of native birds in the total poultry production has dropped [3] . The contribution of egg production by native birds is 11.5% of the total egg production, while that of improved birds is 5% (Animal husbandry statistics, 2018-19). This accentuates the importance of improved breed incorporation to the backyard system for higher production. In the state of Odisha backyard poultry constitute a major livelihood component. In Odisha indigenous/native poultry birds are reared in small flocks of about 5-25 numbers by rural households under the traditional scavenging system which provides food and financial security, and has socio cultural and socio-religious significance [4] . Common indigenous or desi chicken breeds reared in Odisha are Hansli, Gujuri, Dumasil, Vezaguda, Dhinki, Phulbani and Kalahandi fowls [5, 6] . Varied poultry breeds developed by different agencies for backyard poultry farming are being tried for their suitability to local agro climatic conditions. Improved poultry breed not only increases the production of the backyard system, also improves the entrepreneur related opportunities for rural youths [7, 2, 8] . Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) of Odisha have propagated many improved breed of backyard poultry in the state alleviating the production and livelihood security of rural mass. Recently one breed Kadaknath has been introduced in the backyard system of Odisha. KVK, Ganjam – 1 also assayed the said breed in the year 2019-20 for its adaptability and profitability in the north eastern ghat zone mostly prevailing in its operational area.