Study of Aseel birds under field conditions distributed under frontline demonstration by KVK, Utukur, Kadapa District

Introduction

Backyard poultry rearing is an established component of rural farming systems in India. It provides families with readily accessible animal protein, an avenue for supplementary income, and a livelihood activity well suited to women and landless households. The system relies on small flock sizes, scavenging-based feeding and low capital investment, making it particularly suitable for semi-arid areas such as Kadapa district in Andhra Pradesh. Local and indigenous poultry breeds continue to be preferred in backyard settings because they withstand climatic variation, possess good alertness and scavenging ability, show natural disease resistance, and meet market demand for desi poultry products. Among these, the Aseel breed is valued for its strong body conformation, active behaviour, broodiness, survival under low-input conditions, and ability to utilize household waste efficiently. Despite its potential, reliable field data on Aseel performance under backyard conditions remain limited for several districts. Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) implemented by KVKs help generate location-specific evidence by introducing farmers to improved breeds and scientific practices, while recording field performance under real farming conditions. Studies from other regions, such as the work of Aparna (2024) [1] and Leonal Rabins et al. (2024) [2] , have documented favourable livability and economic returns from Aseel birds under backyard systems. Similarly, production trials such as those reported by Vinothraj et al. (2020) [3] confirm the suitability of Aseel-type birds for village rearing systems In this context, the present study was undertaken to document the performance of onemonth-old Aseel birds distributed through a KVK FLD programme in Balapalle and CK Dinne villages. The objective was to examine early livability, growth trends, farmer management practices and economic feasibility under natural field conditions.

Materials and Methods

Study area

The FLD was implemented during 2023-24 in Balapalle and CK Dinne villages of Kadapa district, located in the southern agro-climatic zone of Andhra Pradesh. The area experiences semi-arid weather, with high dependence on rainfed agriculture and significant reliance on livestock and backyard poultry.

Farmer selection

Ten farmers (five from each village) were selected based on their interest in backyard poultry, availability of basic night shelter, and willingness to follow recommended management practices. Women from farming households were given priority to strengthen household-level income and nutrition benefits.

Inputs supplied Each farmer received:

• 20 one-month-old Aseel chicks • Initial average weight: 200-250 g • Starter feed (limited quantity) • Vaccination and deworming schedule • Orientation on housing, feeding and health management All birds were vaccinated for Ranikhet disease before distribution.

Rearing practices and monitoring

Birds were reared under backyard conditions with free scavenging during the day and shelter at night. Farmers supplemented birds with household grains, broken rice, kitchen leftovers and occasional greens. KVK technical staff visited the farms for monitoring during the early acclimatization period and provided advisory support.

Data collection

The following parameters were recorded:

• Initial weight range • Livability for the first two weeks • Farmer practices and challenges • Growth projections based on established Aseel performance values • Economic assessment using available cost benchmarks and BCR ranges reported in literature

Data analysis

Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Cost sensitivity analysis was carried out using cost values and BCR ranges reported in earlier backyard poultry FLDs. The chicks displayed uniform body weights, indicating good brooding and pre-distribution care.

Results

Distribution and initial weights

Early livability and adaptation

All 200 birds survived the initial post-distribution period, resulting in 100% early livability. Farmers reported quick adaptation to backyard conditions and active scavenging. These observations are comparable with the high survivability reported in other Aseel backyard studies, such as the findings of Aparna (2024) [1] who noted livability above 92% in rural settings.

Growth performance

Expected growth under backyard conditions was compared with field benchmarks from available literature. [3] TNV-IJCMAS_2020_9(9)2447-2450 20 weeks 900-1050 Pre-laying stage projections 40 weeks 1100-1500 (males higher) Full maturity range reported in field studies

Although direct long-term weight measurements are still in progress, the birds are expected to follow these trajectories under consistent backyard feeding. These values are consistent with published field reports on Aseel-type birds.

Reproductive expectations

Cost-economics

A sensitivity-based cost analysis was performed using cost values reported for backyard poultry demonstrations and field studies.

A lower-bound cost scenario of Rs. 2065.21 per flock of 20 birds is taken from a previous extension report (Aparna, 2024) [1] . For generalizability, two additional cost scenarios were included: Rs. 3000 and Rs. 4000. Benefit-Cost Ratios (BCRs) for backyard Aseel units have been reported in the range of 1.75-1.87 (Aparna 2024; Leonal Rabins et al., 2024) [1,2] . All scenarios show positive net gains, confirming the economic viability of backyard Aseel poultry units even at higher input costs.

Discussion

The FLD demonstrated that Aseel chicks distribute effectively and adapt well under backyard conditions in smallholder households. The initial weights of 200-250 g are within expected ranges for one-month-old field-reared Aseel chicks. The 100% early livability observed in this study is higher than or comparable to survivability rates reported in other field-level studies on native poultry, including those reported by Aparna (2024) [1] and Leonal Rabins et al. (2024) [2] , who noted strong livability and minimal early mortality in Aseel backyard units.

Projected growth patterns align with findings of Vinothraj et al. (2020) [3] , who documented steady weight gain for Aseel birds in backyard conditions in Tamil Nadu. These comparisons suggest similar adaptability of the breed across diverse agro-climatic regions. The cost-economic analysis also reinforces the viability of the enterprise. Even with conservative cost benchmarks, the expected net returns per flock remain positive. Reported BCR values from earlier field studies fall within the profitability range achieved in this sensitivity model. These results support the continued promotion of Aseel birds among rural households for supplementary income and nutritional security. Farmer responses during the FLD indicated strong interest in continuing backyard poultry and expanding flocks in the future. The primary concerns expressed were predator pressure and the need for sturdier night shelters.

Conclusion

The FLD conducted by KVK Utukur in Balapalle and CK Dinne villages demonstrated the successful introduction and early performance of Aseel birds under backyard poultry conditions. The uniform initial weights, complete early survivability, and positive farmer responses confirm the suitability of Aseel for village poultry systems. Growth expectations and economic assessments further indicate that Aseel birds can contribute meaningfully to income and nutrition of rural families. Strengthening housing, vaccination and feed supplementation practices will further improve productivity and sustainability.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgementsThe authors thank the farmers of Balapalle and CK Dinne for their active participation in the demonstration. The efforts of field staff and subject matter specialists of KVK, Utukur, Kadapa district are acknowledged for their assistance in training, monitoring and data collection.

References

1. Aparna N. Impact of Aseel rearing on livelihood and nutritional security of rural farmers. International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development. 2024;7:43-344.
2. Leonal Rabins S, Joan Jose, Sethupathi S. Economic traits of Aseel on backyard rearing at Tenkasi district of Tamil Nadu. International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry. 2024;S-9:19-240.
3. Vinothraj S, Alagesan P, et al. Production performance of Aseel poultry breed in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 2020;9(9):2447-2450.
4. Ezhilvalavan S, Omprakash AV. Production performance of Aseel under Indian tropical conditions. 2016.
5. Haunshi S, et al. Characterization of indigenous poultry breeds under Indian conditions. 2011.