Comparative Evaluation of Performance and Mortality Rates in CARI Debendra and CARI Nirbheek from Hatching to Maturity in Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India
Khushboo Yadav
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
P. S. Pramanik
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
S. S. Kashyap
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
A. K. Verma
Department of Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
M. K. Verma
Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
K. D. Singh
Department of Livestock Farm Complex, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
R. K. Verma *
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Ankit Jaiswal *
Department of Livestock Production Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Anmol
Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya- 224229, Uttar Pradesh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study evaluated body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality in the popular crossbred poultry varieties CARI Debendra and CARI Nirbheek from hatching to 20 weeks of age. A total of 300 healthy day-old chicks (150 of each variety) were monitored under identical management conditions. Statistical analysis revealed significant variation (p < 0.05) in performance across the production cycle. CARI Nirbheek had a higher day-old body weight (38.76 ± 0.05 g) and a lower FCR at week 1 (1.34 ± 0.01) than CARI Debendra (1.39 ± 0.00). From week 2 onwards, CARI Debendra generally exhibited lower FCR values, reaching 1.04 at week 16, and subsequently attained a greater body weight. At week 20, CARI Debendra reached 2221.57 ± 10.75 g, compared with 1923.18 ± 3.96 g for CARI Nirbheek (p < 0.001), despite the lower recorded feed intake of 76.00 ± 0.11 kg versus 85.80 ± 0.07 kg. Mortality did not differ significantly between the varieties. Both recorded their highest mortality during the early brooding phase (0–5 weeks), with an identical mean rate of 21.33%, whereas mortality declined markedly during weeks 6–20. These findings indicate that CARI Debendra achieved greater later-stage growth and generally better feed conversion under the study conditions, while both varieties showed comparable mortality. Improved management during the first five weeks is therefore important for reducing early chick losses in both varieties.
Keywords: CARI Debendra, CARI Nirbheek, body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, growth performance, mortality rate, brooding phase, survivability, dual-purpose chicken