Indigenous Chicken Production and Conservation in Bangladesh

The issue of Indigenous Chicken Production and Conservation is a debatable one in the Bangladesh aspect at present because a lot of commercial chicken breeds lead the country’s protein demand by producing eggs and meat. But, they are more susceptible in various diseases and not properly fit in our native environment. Moreover, continuous genetic dilution is occurred by those birds in our local chicken. However, our native chicken still popular in the country people for their tasty meat and eggs which have special flavor. Any way, the indigenous chickens are less vulnerable for diseases and almost independent for their feed. The most valuable argument on behalf of indigenous chicken is that they will give us more production, if we take care of them slightly than the present condition. For this reason a well planned indigenous chicken production and conservation activity should be launched in our country which already started by Prof. Dr. A. K. Fazlul Haque Bhiyan in Mymensingh and Sherpur district in Bangladesh named UNEP-GEF-ILRI FAnGR Asia Project. Now, his student M. Shahjahan wants to start the same work but in different form and planning to conserve the native chicken in some selected area of Bangladesh In-Situ. Inshallah, it’s will start very soon and also surprised to all.

Naked Neck Chicken of Bangladesh

Long Legged Indigenous Cock

Cap Headed Chicken of Bangladesh

Pen Area for Herd Bulls

Herd bulls should not be allowed to run with the cows the entire year. They should be kept in a separate enclosure during the non-breeding season. Plenty of exercise as well as a good feeding program is necessary if you expect bulls to stay strong and vigorous. Pastures or large paddocks are recommended as confinement areas for herd bulls. Bulls can be run separately or in a group. The practice of running bulls together is more economicaland saves labor; however, due to temperament, there can be more injuries when bulls are handled in this manner. This is particularly true when older bulls thathave not been raised as contemporaries are intermingled. Bulls should be grouped according to age so that their respective feed requirements can be met more easily. Good pasture is an ideal feed for bulls of any age. Therefore, well-fenced, clean, dry and productive pasture (about 2 acres per bull) will provide needed room for exercise and ideal grazing. These pastures or paddocks should provide adequate shade via trees or shelter and provide easy access to water and a free-choice mineral mix. It is also advantageous to locate these pastures at some distance from the open heifers and the cow herd during the off-breeding season.


Source:

Development and Management of Bulls
EDITED BY J.W. Lemaster and R.S. Sand

Feeding Mature Bulls

During the off-breeding season, mature bulls in moderate flesh can be maintained on spring and summer pasture. During the fall and winter feeding periods, mature bulls should be conditioned for breeding. The importance of having bulls in propercondition upon start of the breeding season cannot be over-emphasized. Herd bulls must be in good condition to be fertile and sexually active. In the fall, start feeding mature bulls hay or silage plus one pound of protein supplement before they start to lose weight. Mature bulls will consume daily amounts of feed equal to 1 1/2 to 3 percent of their body weight, depending upon condition and individuality. It is suggested to evaluate body condition score of bulls prior to the breeding season. A small amount of extra feed may be needed 60 days prior to the breeding season to get mature bulls in moderate condition. Five pounds of grain daily should be ample for most bulls; however, if a bull is lacking in condition, he may require as much as 15 to 25 pounds of grain per day. It is important to realize that "hard-keeping" bulls, which require excessive amounts of grain to maintain moderate body condition, will likely sire offspring that are also "hard-keepers" and probably should not be used for breeding due to the economics involved with feeding such animals.


Source:

Development and Management of Bulls
EDITED BY J.W. Lemaster and R.S. Sand