Farming system of Nicobari fowl – an endangered breed of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Abstract

A survey was conducted in two districts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, where the endangered Nicobari fowl can still be found. For this survey, a stratified multi-stage sampling design was adopted as per the proforma prepared by the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources, Karnal, India. The estimated population was found to be less than 8000. A total of 1256 respondents were selected randomly covering ninety villages spread over nine zones within two districts. Results of the study in respect of socio-economic status of the farmers, geographical and demographic distribution, physical characters, husbandry and feeding practices, housing, growth, production and reproduction performances under free-range/backyard system, egg and carcass quality traits, stress tolerance, incidence of diseases, mortality pattern and health maintenance programmes are highlighted. The results of earlier studies on this breed like performances under intensive management and molecular characterization are also reviewed.

Keywords:

• farming system
• Nicobari fowl
• endangered breed
• Andaman