Kadaknath Farming – Kadaknath farming is a very profitable agri-business. Both, Kadaknath Egg Production Business and Kadaknath Chicken Production Business are very good and low investment start-up. The breed is very popular in India.
Introduction: Kadaknath
What is Kadaknath?
Kadaknath is the name given to desi breed of chicken. It is native to central India i.e.- Madhya Pradesh. The word Kadaknath is made up of two words, ‘Kadak and Nath’. The word ‘Kadak’ means ‘Strong or Hard’, while the meaning of the word ‘Nath’ is ‘Lord or Natha in Shaivism. Kadakhnath is totally different from other desi and foriegn spp. of chicken. Origin of this important species is western Madhya Pradesh in India where research works is being conducted since many years.
Table 01. Biological information.
| S. N. | Common Name | Sc. Name |
| 1. | Kadakhnath or Kali Masi | Gallus gallus domesticus |
Distribution
The species is native to Jhabua and Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. They can adapt a wide range of climatic conditions. Kadaknath has been introduced to these Indian states- Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra, Jharkhand, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana etc.
This breed of chicken can be reared easily where other breeds of desi chicken are grown commercially.
Characteristics and behavior
Female – Female starts laying eggs after 6 months. They are not a good broody hen.
Male – Males are double the size of female.
- Feather – Feather is shiny and dark black. Some feathers reflect green colour in sunlight.
- Comb – Comb is black. It is fully developed in healthy rooster.
- Legs – The muscular legs are also black in colour.
- Tongue – Black.
- Egg – There is false fact that the eggs of kadaknath are black in colour. But the colour is creamy.
Importance
- Rich in protein.
- Low quantity of fat.
- Low cholesterol.
- Beneficial to diabetic patience.
Kadakhnath Farming
Source to Buy
Madhya Pradesh – Jhabua, Dhar.
Chhattisgarh – Kanker, Baikunthpur.
Uttar Pradesh – Praveen Enterprises, South city, Lucknow.
Karnataka – Sri Krishna Poultry, Magadi, Bengaluru.
Housing System
- Cage sytem
- Deep litter
- Free range
Kadakhnath in Cage System
cage system is used for layers in egg production industries. Kadaknath loves natural surroundings. Kadaknath farming in cage system will increase extra expenses. This includes – Expense in cage, feeding and other management practice.
Kadakhnath in Deep Litter
Deep litter system is very good for young chicken. The thickness of litter should be same as used for other breed of chicken. It is 4 inch to 1-2 feet.
Kakhnath in Free Range
Free range is best for adults. Male and female perform best in free range system. In this system 1 rooster should be reared along with 10 females. More number of male cock is the reason of brawl among them. The main benefit of this system is low maintenance and management. It requires low investment. Naturally available food cuts extra expense in feeding. Minimum 1 acre of land is sufficient for free range system.
Feeding
Kadaknath can eat all types of poultry feed.
Egg Laying
Developed chicken starts laying eggs after 6 months. One hen lays 12-15 eggs in a clutch. They can lay egg anywhere, so nest should be make to prevent it.
Brooding
- Natural brooding
- Artificial brooding
Natural brooding
Female of this breed is not very good in brooding. One hen out of ten tends to brood. Remaining eggs should be kept in the nest of other broody hen.
Artificial brooding
Artificial hatching machine and chambers are used.
Growth and Development
Kadaknath is a slow growing breed of chicken. A mature rooster can weigh up to 2 kg. Proper diet helps in fast growing. Young chicken should be fed with standard poultry feed in deep litter system.
Marketing
- Through contract farming.
- Online selling.
- Marketing channel.
- Local sellers.
Pests Management
Disease and Management
1. Ranikhet/New Castle Disease
Cause – Virus.
Mode of infection – It is a highly contagious disease. Air, contaminated foods are the source of infection.
Mortality – Both, chicken and adults are affected by the virus. It can empty a farm from chicken. The mortality rate is 50-100 %.
Prevention – Sanitation and scheduled vaccination.
Source of Vaccine – Govt. supply through veterinary department. Professional farms.
2. Coryza –
Cause – Bacteria. Haemophiluspara gallinarum.
Mode of infection – It is infectious disease. Contaminated water and food is major source of infection.
Mortality – Deadliest disease in kadaknath.
Prevention – Clean water and food. Shed should be disinfected.
Risk Factors
Abiotic Factors
- Malnutrition
- Weather
- Predators
- Thieves
Biotic Factors
- Bacteria
- Virus
- Mycoplasma
Questions
- Which is dangerous disease in Kadaknath?
Answer
- Coccidiosis, ranikhet, disease caused by mycoplasma.
Conclusion: In Points
- It is a disease resistant breed of chicken.
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