Abstract:
A study was conducted to find out the productive performance and production patterns
of village chicken in existing flock in the Trincomalee district. The study covered 150
farmers in 15 villages, from three veterinary ranges in the Trincomalee district during
the period March to August 2007. Random Sampling method was used in this study and
data were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Socio-economic profiles of farmers, village chicken, management practices,
productivity parameters, disease occurrence, marketing, cost of production and
constraints to productions were studied using a pre-tested questionnaire. The main
source of income of chicken farmers (72%) was derived from crop production while
village chicken supplied additional income. All the village chicken was managed by the
family members. Farmers let the birds to roam in the day time and during night time
shelters were provided. Night shelters were constructed generally by locally available
materials. The average flock size in the district was 10±4 birds. Most of the cockerels
and the young hens were used for breeding. The common feeding method was by
broadcasting grains on the bare ground. Supplementary feed such as rice, squeezed
coconut scrap and vegetable wastes were provided during night time. Manure was left
without proper management. Age at first lying of village chicken was 6.9 ±1.17
months. The average weight of hen and cockerel were 1.51±2.31kg and 2.1±1.09 kg,
respectively. Brooding period differed on behavioral pattern of mother hens. The main
reasons for keeping village chicken were family consumption and generation of
income. The average price for adult male and female birds was Rs.400.00±50.92 and
Rs.350±30.83, respectively. The average price for a dozen of eggs was Rs.l20±5.16.
The average annual income from village chicken production per year is.unstable, due to
the Consumption pattern of the village chicken farmers. Diarrhoea, newcastle disease
and fowl pox during diy season were the main disease of economic important of village
chicken production. Scarcity of roaming area, theft of village chicken, civil war and
displacement and lack of supportive services, were the major limitations that faced by
the village chicken farmers in this district. The result revealed that, village chicken
production is a part time livelihood industry for small farmers in Trincomalee district
which improves the family nutrition and additional income.
