Question

What would happen if poultry birds are larger in size and have no summer adaptation capacity? In order to get small sized poultry birds, having summer adaptability, what method will be employed?

Answer 1

Following difficulties will be faced for rearing up of large size fowls that are unable to adapt during summers:

1. Large-sized fowls cannot be raised as broilers, as broiler chicks should be dwarf (small-sized) so that they yield more and consume less.
2. As the birds are unable to adapt in summer their efficiency will be hampered during high-temperature conditions (summers). More expenditure needs to be done on their maintenance and providing them suitable conditions for increasing their productivity. Crossbreeding methods should be employed for the production of small-sized species which are well adapted to summer conditions. Various crossbreeding programmes between desi (indigenous) and exotic (foreign) breeds are being carried out for the production of crossbreeds with desirable traits. Other desired traits besides temperature adaptability and dwarf size are as follows:
   • They should require less expenditure for their maintenance.
   • The crossbreeds should lay more eggs and produce good quality chicks.