Journal of Biology and Nature

Aim: The present investigation was carried out to evaluate and compare growth performance, mortality rate, disease occurrence, and egg production of CHABRO chicks reared under intensive and backyard farming systems. CHABRO is a dual-purpose improved poultry strain widely recommended for rural poultry development due to its adaptability and hardiness.

Study Design: A comparative experimental study was conducted using two distinct poultry rearing systems, namely intensive and backyard farming, to assess their effect on growth and productivity parameters of CHABRO chicks.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Government Poultry Farm, Chauntra, District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, under the intensive farming system, and at a private poultry farm owned by Suresh Kumar, V.P.O. Chauntra, Tehsil Joginder Nagar, District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, under the backyard farming system. The experimental period extended from September 2024 to March 2025.

Methodology: A total of 2,560 CHABRO chicks were reared under intensive management at the government poultry farm, while 100 CHABRO chicks were maintained under backyard conditions at the private farm. Body weight was recorded weekly from one to twenty-five weeks of age to evaluate growth performance. Mortality rate and disease incidence were observed and recorded throughout the experimental period. Egg production performance was recorded between eighteen and twenty-two weeks of age. Birds were managed according to standard practices followed under respective farming systems.

Results: The results revealed that CHABRO chicks reared under the intensive farming system achieved significantly higher body weight gain compared to those reared under backyard conditions. Mortality rate was lower in the intensive system, indicating better health management and controlled rearing conditions. Disease prevalence varied between the systems, with coccidiosis being commonly observed in intensively reared birds, while Escherichia coli infection was more frequent in backyard-reared birds. Egg productivity was higher in birds maintained under the intensive system. Overall, intensive farming showed superior performance in growth and productivity parameters.

Conclusion: The study concludes that intensive farming systems result in better growth, lower mortality, and higher egg production in CHABRO chicks compared to backyard farming. However, with improved management and disease control, backyard rearing can still support rural poultry development.