Browsing by Author "Athilakshmy, S"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    ArticleItemOpen Access
    Rearing of day old Swarnadhara chicks by farmers in Karaikal – evidence from an action research project
    (2013) Athilakshmy, S; Rao, SVN; TANUVAS
    The aim of this study is to ascertain whether poultry farmers are ready to purchase and rear day old chicks. Based on survey conducted among 120 randomly selected backyard poultry farmers, 50 interested families were identified in two selected communes to conduct the action research project. One day training programme on scientific rearing of chicks was conducted before distributing Swarnadhara chicks (developed by Veterinary College, Bangalore) among selected farmers. A total of 1000 Swarnadhara day old chicks procured from Veterinary College, Bangalore were distributed @ 20 chicks per respondent to all the 50 selected respondents on cost basis. The findings revealed that the average body weight of the birds at 12th week of age was 837g. The total mortality of birds was 40.8% up to 12th week and was attributed to disease, predators and accidental deaths. None of the respondents slaughtered their birds for meat consumption since they were interested to rear the birds for egg production. Attempts to diffuse the innovation through radio programmes were successful as the demand for supply of Swarnadhara day old chicks has gone up. It is proved that the farmers can pay and rear day old chicks, if chicks and timely veterinary services are delivered at their door step.