Tarai Dooars Management Developers Private Limited
Animal husbandry includes fishery, Indian hen and piggery
Animal husbandry is a vital branch of agriculture concerned with the care, breeding, and management of domestic animals.
It encompasses various practices like fisheries, Indian hen farming, and piggery. These sectors contribute significantly to food security, employment, and the national economy.
Fisheries
Definition
Fisheries refer to activities involved in the harvesting of fish and other aquatic organisms, either from the wild (capture fisheries) or through cultivation (aquaculture).
Types of Fisheries
Capture Fisheries:
Involves the extraction of fish from natural water bodies such as oceans, rivers, and lakes.
Commonly relies on traditional and mechanized fishing methods.
Culture Fisheries / Aquaculture:
Involves breeding and raising fish in controlled environments like ponds, tanks, and cages.
Offers better yield and sustainability compared to wild capture.
Scope of Fisheries
Fishing operations: boats, nets, techniques
Processing and packaging of aquatic products
Transportation and marketing
Conservation of aquatic ecosystems
Importance
Food Security: A key protein source for millions.
Employment: Provides livelihood to a large number of people, especially in coastal and riverine communities.
Sustainable Development: Encourages responsible management of aquatic resources.
Indian Hen Farming
General Overview
Indian hen farming is a traditional and growing sector within animal husbandry. It involves the breeding and rearing of indigenous breeds of hens, which are known for their adaptability to local conditions, disease resistance, and high-quality meat and eggs.
India has made considerable progress in broiler and layer production, but indigenous hen farming continues to play an important role in rural livelihoods and nutritional security.
India ranks 4th in egg production and 5th in broiler production globally.
Broiler farming in India is growing at an annual rate of approximately 15%.
Advantages of Indian Hen Farming
Requires lower initial investment compared to commercial poultry.
Indigenous hens are hardy and can thrive in backyard conditions.
Short rearing period (6-7 weeks for broilers).
High feed conversion efficiency.
Strong market demand for native chicken meat and eggs.
Faster return on investment.
Classification of Indian Hen Breeds
Indian Breeds
Asil:
Primarily used for fighting.
Known for their strength and stamina.
Kadaknath:
Famous for its black flesh, high in protein and low in fat.
Popular for its medicinal and nutritional value.
Busra:
A local breed known for adaptability to free-range farming.
Other Important Breeds
Chittagong
Ghagus
Naked Neck
Haringhata Black
Vanaraja: Dual-purpose breed (meat and eggs), suitable for rural backyard farming.
Giriraja: High-yielding breed with good adaptability.
Indigenous vs Commercial Hen Farming
Commercial Broiler Strains
Cobb, Hubbard, Lohman, Anak 2000, Avian-34, Starbro, Samrat, etc.
Commercial Layer Strains
BV-300, Bowans, Hyline, H&N Nick, Dekalb, Lohman, etc.
Key Differences
Indigenous hens are more disease-resistant and require less intensive care.
Commercial breeds provide higher yield but need more feed, vaccines, and controlled environments.
Indian hen farming offers sustainable and organic options for rural communities.
Rearing Periods and Production Types
Broiler
Young chickens reared for meat purposes.
Typically marketed at 6-8 weeks.
Grower
Birds in the age range of 9-20 weeks.
Focused on body development before they start laying eggs.
Layer
Birds aged 21-72 weeks.
Rearing focuses on egg production.
Purpose-Based Hen Farming
Egg-Type Indigenous Hens
Selected for high egg-laying capacity under rural and backyard systems.
Example: Vanaraja, Gramapriya
Meat-Type Indigenous Hens
Selected for quality and taste of meat.
Example: Kadaknath, Asil
Piggery
Introduction
Piggery involves the rearing and breeding of pigs for meat production (pork). It is a profitable livestock business due to pigs’ high feed conversion efficiency and rapid growth.
Importance
Economic Value: Requires low initial investment and provides fast returns.
Meat Production: Pork is a major source of animal protein in many parts of the world.
Employment: Supports rural livelihood, especially in tribal and backward regions.
Common Indian Pig Breeds
Ghungroo – Native to West Bengal; known for good reproductive performance.
Doom – Indigenous to Assam; hardy and disease-resistant.
Niang Megha – From Meghalaya; small-sized but hardy.
Exotic Breeds Used in India
Large White Yorkshire
Landrace
Hampshire
Duroc
Management Practices
Housing: Well-ventilated, clean sheds with adequate space per pig.
Feeding: Balanced diet with grains, kitchen waste, and greens.
Health Care: Regular vaccination and deworming are essential.