Factors affecting fertility, hatchability and chick survivability of Vanaraja birds under intensive rearing in sub-temperate condition

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the effect of various factors viz. season, age of hen, egg weight and source of egg on reproductive performance of Vanaraja birds at an altitude of 1300 m at mean sea level in Sikkim. Fertility rate during summer was significantly higher than spring and winter. Fertility rate was significantly higher from 41 to 50 age of week as compared to 51 weeks onwards. Significantly higher fertility rate was observed in medium size egg as compared to other groups. The fertility rate of eggs produced in the farmers field were significantly lower than at farm. Hatchability on fertile egg set was highest during spring followed by summer while it was significantly lower during winter. Significantly higher hatchability was observed in age of 26 to 40 weeks compared to 51–60 and 61–70 weeks of age. Also, significantly higher hatchability was observed in medium size egg group than the other two groups. Chick weight on day of hatching was significantly higher in summer compared to autumn and winter. Egg weight also significantly affects chick weight which was highest in medium size egg. Significantly higher chick’s survivability was recorded in summer, spring and autumn season as compared to winter. Although, season, age of hen, egg weight and source of egg affected the production performance of Vanaraja birds, but it can be reared successfully throughout the year for production purpose.