Kadaknath Chicken Farming: Best Breeds, Feeding & House Management and Complete Business Plan

"Kadaknath" as a breed is unique because of its meat colour i.e. black and also for its meat health benefits. This breed of chicken is generally found in the state of Madhya Pradesh mostly in the eastern parts and neighbouring areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat. These birds accommodate well under hot semi arid climatic conditions and grim growing situations. The chicken has black coloured legs, comb, toenails etc. because of the presence of melanin pigment in the body. The fat quantity for this breed of chicken is very minimal i.e. 0.70 to 1.05 % compared to other breeds that have 12 to 26 % of fat. Population for this breed is diminishing day by day because of its growing demand in the market and scarcity of commercial poultry farming.

Kadaknath Chicken Breeds:

There are three available varieties:

- Jet Black Kadaknath: Both hen and cock are black coloured.

- Penciled Kadaknath: This variety has white coloured feathers around the neck.

- Golden Kadaknath: Both hen and cock have golden coloured feathers in the neck.

Kadaknath Farming:

Poultry farming is primitive and is making a lot of profit in current times. Kadaknath breed is inhabitant to the Jabhua and Dhar districts of MP. Because of its growing demand, farming for this famous breed has started in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Weight for the breed ranges between .50 grams to 1.75 kilo and takes around 107 to 115 days.

Kadaknath Business Plan:

Kadaknath farming generates income and profit within a very short span of time and is solely based on eggs and meat. For getting started one needs to have a bit of training and a small piece of land to start the business. A proper business plan has to be prepared and should include functions like housing, feeding, caring, labour resource, investment and marketing.

Feeding of the birds:

Prior to 2 months, birds can be fed prestarter broiler feed along with maize crumbs. Post 2 months, they can be given a 20% protein diet. Based on the weight and age, you can start with broiler feed and then with regular feed. This breed needs minimum care and can feed on seeds, grass, leafy vegetables etc.

House Management:

Kadaknath breed grows best in a room temperature of 20 to 26 degree Celsius and a humidity of 50 to 70 percent. Either Litter system or cages can be used for rearing kadaknath chickens. Sheds as well as surrounding areas must be clean and free of animals like cats, snakes, dogs and also from flies as well as mosquitoes. Proper lighting and ventilation must be maintained in all seasons. Floor must be spreaded with sawdust, chopped straw, paddy husk etc. and should not contain any sharp objects. Width for the shed must be maintained at 30 feet and length can be of any size. Middle of the shed should be 10-15 feet and sides should be 8-10 feet in height. Flooring should be concrete as the same will reduce disease, infection, maintenance etc. Roof can be either coconut leaf, asbestos, plastic, fiberglass etc. 

Egg Incubation:

Sixth month onwards, Kadaknath hens start laying eggs and lay in 2 to 3 clutches. Each clutches produces 25 to 40 eggs and adds up to 100-120 eggs per annum. Make sure maximum hatching happens by putting the eggs into artificial incubation. Eggs should not be allowed to lay on the floor and enough next boxes should be arranged.

Diseases and Care: 

Newborns are to be kept in clean and dry brooder with a temperature setting of 35-37.5 degree Celsius. These birds can survive under extreme conditions and can resist several diseases. Try not to overcrowd the shed to prevent coccidiosis.

Marketing:

For profitability, proper marketing must be done. Advertising through leaflets, banners regarding its health benefits and educating locals from your area will play a major role in increasing your sales. Online and social media will also help grow your business. Other modes include newspaper, posters, flyers etc.

Kadaknath Chicken Farming: Economics

Capital cost: Rs 52,200

- Shed Construction: Rs 50,000

- 500 1 week old chicks: Rs 17,500 (@ rs 35 per chick)

- Commercial Feed (15 quintals): Rs 18,000

- Home Feed: (17.5 quintals): Rs 15,500

- Medicines: Rs 1,500

Income: Birds + Eggs = Rs 1,93,750

From Birds Sale:

- 35 birds at 5 months: Rs 7,000 (@rs200/Bird)

- 120 birds at 6 months: Rs 48,000 (@rs400/Bird)

- 180 birds at 7 months: Rs 72,000 (@rs400/Bird)

- 150 birds at 8 months: Rs 60,000 (@rs400/Bird)

From Eggs: (105 eggs per bird per annum)

Total Eggs: 450

- Eggs for incubation: Rs 3,000

- 250 eggs sale @ Rs 15/ Egg: Rs 3,750

Net Profit:

Rs 1,93,750 - Rs 52,500: Rs 1,41,250

Conclusion:

Kadaknath chicken farming is a low maintenance profitable business and provides jobs to a lot of people related directly or indirectly to the business. An average tribal family makes Rs 5,000 per chicken per annum. Entrepreneurs and businessmen will make a lot of profit as well.