Comparative evaluation of native breeds of chicken for persistency of egg production, egg quality and biochemical traits

The experiment was conducted to study the egg production potential and persistency of egg production up to 44 weeks of age, egg weight, egg mass, biochemical parameters and egg quality traits in Aseel and Kadaknath breeds. Higher persistency of production was observed at 40 weeks of age in Aseel (50.81%) and at 44 weeks of age in Kadaknath (54.35%). Persistency of production in Aseel was relatively higher during initial stage of production (28-36 weeks) while it was higher in Kadaknath during later stage (40-44 weeks). Over all, higher 44 weeks egg production was observed in Kadaknath than in Aseel. Egg weight was significantly higher in Aseel as compared to Kadaknath. Egg mass recorded from 28 to 40 weeks of age was also higher in Aseel than in Kadaknath. Serum cholesterol levels at 20 and 32 weeks of age were significantly higher in Kadaknath as compared to Aseel while serum protein level (20 weeks) was significantly higher in Kadaknath. No significant difference was observed in antibody (HI) titre to New Castle disease virus between these breeds. Cage house survivability was similar in Aseel (97.53%) and Kadaknath (97.17%). Egg quality study revealed that yolk, albumen and shell weights were significantly higher in Aseel than Kadakanth, while shell percentage was significantly higher in Kadaknath. The study concluded that the persistency and number of egg production up to 44 weeks of age was relatively better in Kadaknath as compared to Aseel.