Performance of Pratap Dhan chickens under field condition of semi-arid ecosystem in central Gujarat

The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of Pratap Dhan chickens in field condition of semi-arid ecosystem in central Gujarat at KVK, Panchmahal during the year 2012–14. The overall mean body weights of Pratap Dhan chickens at 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 40 weeks of age were 604±8.57, 774.61±16.48, 1024.57±19.24, 1196.55±26.42, 1393.78±46.56, 1558.85±50.61, 1746±56.37 and 2147.50±51.49 g, respectively. Differences in body weights between male and female chickens were found to be significant after 8 weeks onwards. The mortality in Pratap Dhan chicken during the period from 6 to 20 weeks and 21 to 40 weeks of age was recorded 11.96 and 3.02 per cent, respectively. The average age at first egg laying was recorded 151.49±1.10 days while age at sexual maturity was recorded 170.42±2.63 days. The average egg production up to 40 and 72 weeks of age was recorded 51.34±0.56 and 159±2.42, respectively. However, mean egg weight at 28 weeks was measured 45.67±0.46 g whereas at 40 weeks of age it was 51.23±0.53 g. The value for different egg quality traits indicated that the eggs produced from Pratap Dhan is better quality. The benefit cost ratio was recorded 4.06 per family for rearing under backyard farming system. From the present study it may be concluded that Pratap Dhan chickens could performed better with respect to reproductive and productive performance and well adaptability in the semi-arid ecosystem of central Gujarat.