Vol. 12, Special Issue 12 (2023)

Author(s):
K Devaki and PR Nisha

Abstract:
Aseel is a breed of chicken known for its robust and powerful build, originating from the Indian subcontinent, particularly from the region that encompasses India and Pakistan. A dual-purpose native variety of Aseel with all the characteristic features of the breed was evolved for table purpose with continuous selection and breeding at TANUVAS, which is termed as TANUVAS Aseel. A study was undertaken with the objective to popularize TANUVAS Aseel rearing at backyard among rural youth for employment and income generation to enhance their livelihood status in Chengalpet and Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu by comparing its performance with the desi birds available in the study area. A total number of 125 day-old chicks of TANUVAS Aseel chicks were distributed to 5 numbers of farmers each with 25 numbers. The findings of the study revealed that the body weight in 8 weeks, livability, marketing weight, feed efficiency, age at egg production, egg production, gross cost, gross return and net return of the TANUVAS Aseel was far better than the performance of desi chickens. The farmer’s income was increased as the marketing weight of the birds were increased. Hence awareness and capacity building programmes should be conducted among the rural youth on TANUVAS Aseel rearing at their backyard which in turn fetches them income and employment throughout the year to improve their livelihood status.