Journal of Biology and Nature

The objective of this study was to assess the growth performance, egg production and survivability of Janapriya, an improved dual-purpose native chicken strain under traditional backyard farming conditions in Kallakurichi district. The study aimed to evaluate its potential as a productive and sustainable alternative to local desi chickens for rural poultry farmers. The field study was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Villupuram- II), Kallakurichi across three villages. Five farmers engaged in backyard poultry rearing were selected and each were provided with 20 Janapriya chicks (30 days old), consisting of 18 females and 2 males. The birds were managed under typical backyard conditions for a period of one year. Parameters including body weight, egg production, age at sexual maturity, egg weight and mortality were recorded and compared with local native birds. At end of the experiment, Janapriya chickens exhibited significantly superior performance compared to local native birds across all evaluated parameters. At 16 weeks of age, the Janapriya birds recorded an average body weight of 1677 grams while the local birds recorded 1017 grams, indicating fast growing and better feed conversion efficiency of Janapriya chicken under backyard conditions. Egg production performance was also notably better in Janapriya hens, with an average of 166 eggs per hen, while the local produced 64 eggs at 72 weeks of age. In addition, Janapriya chickens reached sexual maturity earlier and produced heavier eggs, contributing to their overall reproductive efficiency. Mortality rates were substantially lower in the Janapriya group, with only 6% of birds lost during the study, while 19% mortality were recorded among the local birds. These findings collectively highlight the enhanced adaptability, productivity and survivability of Janapriya chickens in rural backyard systems.