UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

The present study was conducted to compare the seasonal management practices followed for chickens under backyard poultry farming in the Eastern Plain (EP) and North Eastern Plain (NEP) zones of Uttar Pradesh. A total of 240 backyard poultry farmers, with 120 respondents from each zone, were selected for the study. Data were collected through personal interview, direct field observation, and a pre-tested interview schedule. The study covered housing, feeding and watering, breeding, health care, and marketing practices during summer, winter, and rainy seasons. The results showed that semi-intensive rearing with free-range access was the most common system in both zones throughout the year. Kaccha poultry houses were mainly used, while floor type and litter material changed according to season. Scavenging and supplementation with home-grown feed or kitchen waste was the main feeding practice, and tap water was the major source of drinking water. Natural breeding and broody-hen incubation were followed by almost all respondents (100 %), while home hatching and Krishi Vigyan Kendra supply were the main sources of chicks. Health care practices were mostly traditional, as self-treatment of sick birds, non-vaccination, poor deworming, and open disposal of dead birds were common. Marketing was also local and informal, with most respondents selling birds at their own doorstep, mainly as surplus stock. The study showed that backyard poultry farming in both zones was traditional and low-input in nature. The findings suggest that scientific seasonal management, veterinary support, and farmer training are needed to improve backyard poultry production in the study area.