eChapters

Flowsheet

Based on various experimentations concerning live fish transportation, a flow sheet may be prepared as:

Evaluation of the health status of the fishes purchased from the market to be packed for transportation. Serrated operculum and spiny fins, if any (as in Anabas testudineus) is serrated as it damages the packing materials. The trimmed fishes are treated with antibiotics and left for a week for wound healing.

In the case of abroad transportation of fish, clearance to the fitness of fishes is made available from a veterinary doctor/inspector. A no-objection certificate is also obtained from the office of the Marine Products Export Organization.

Proper sanitization of all the equipment and accessories for the determination of oxygen uptake of fishes as well as all the other steps of fish transportation in this pandemic of COVID-19.

Determination of oxygen requirement of the fish in terms of per hour and per unit body weight is essential. In the case of air-breathing fishes to be packed (Like Channa punctatus, Anabas testudineus, Clarias batrachus and Heteropneustes fossilis), determination of aerial and aquatic oxygen requirement of the fishes is essential. The oxygen requirement of oxygen was estimated from the calculated values of intercept (=a) and slope (=b). For this calculation, a relationship of aW^b is applied.

Shrimp culture, a subset of aquaculture is slowly emerging as one of the major and fastest-growing food production sectors in the world. Shrimp that were once caught from the wild are now being cultured using modern aquaculture methods. Thanks to international institutions such as the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) etc., who have the encouraged the production of shrimp that fetch huge returns on investment within a short period. Third world countries are also impressed by the potential of this sector to provide food security and to earn huge foreign exchange to redress their debt burdens.

Commercial shrimp farming developed in India on account of the government’s policy to promote shrimp culture because of its potential to utilise the vast saline tracts along the coastline, provide employment opportunities to coastal rural population and to earn valuable foreign exchange. After the liberalisation of the Indian economy in 1991, development of shrimp culture gained greater momentum. Individual entrepreneurs were also encouraged to take up shrimp farming with both financial and technical support.

The market for shrimp is growing by leaps and bounds as they provide a cheap source of protein at only a little above half the cost of producing animal protein. The unique attraction of shrimp being a ‘high-value commodity’ has led to revolutionise its production, currently known as the ‘Blue Revolution’. The revolution has expanded its wings to the coastal areas of Odisha and is becoming one of the most sought out livelihood. The exponential increase in income leading to a dramatic change in the standard of living has lured the people to opt for shrimp culture. In almost all the coastal districts of the state (Odisha), shrimp culture is prominent now.

In this chapter, an attempt has been made to review some of the earlier studies related to shrimp farming and its socio-economic and environmental impacts. The related pieces of literature are classified into the following five categories.

Shrimp Pond Management

Economic Impact of Shrimp Farming

Social Impact of Shrimp Farming

Impact of Shrimp Farming on Environment

Acts and Policies Relating to Shrimp Farming

This chapter is framed with different factors relating to socio-economic profile of shrimp farmers in Dhamara coastal zone. Shrimp farming offers significant employment opportunities, which may help alleviate the poverty of the local coastal population in many areas, if it is properly managed. The published literature on that topic shows large discrepancies, and much of the available data is of anecdotal nature. Estimates of the labor-intensiveness of shrimp farms range from about three times less to three times more^] than when the same area was used for rice paddies, with much regional variation and depending on the type of farms surveyed. In general, intensive shrimp farming requires more labour per unit area than extensive farming. Extensive farms cover much more land area and are often but not always located in areas where no agricultural land uses are possible. Supporting industries such as feed production or storage, handling, and trade companies should also not be neglected, even if not all of them are exclusive to shrimp farming.

Typically, workers on a shrimp farm can get better wages than with other employments. A global estimate from one study is that a shrimp farm worker can earn 1.5-3 times as much as in other jobs; a study from India arrived at a salary increase of about 1.6, and a report from Mexico states that the lowest paid job at shrimp farms was paid in 1996 at 1.22 times the average worker salary in the country.

Marine shrimp farming is a century-old practice. Until a decade ago, this commodity was generally considered a secondary crop in traditional fish farming practices. Shrimp fry trapped in salt beds, coastal paddy fields, or brackish water fishponds are allowed to grow to marketable size and harvested as a secondary crop. However, in recent years when higher income are derived from the harvest of shrimp than the principal crop, many farmers have converted their rice fields, salt beds and fishponds into shrimp farms.

In the traditional farming system, the ponds are stocked with fry either collected from the wild or concentrated through tidal water entering the ponds. Shrimp production is inconsistent and varies from year to year due to the dependence on seasonal supply of fry from the wild. Pond yield is also low (100–300 kg/ha/ year) because of inefficient control of predators and competitors, full dependence on natural food and inadequate pond depth.

Some improvements of the traditional farming methods have been made in the past years. The stocking density of shrimp ponds can be increased through the concentration of fry by pumping more tidal water into the pond. Pond depth is increased to minimize fluctuations of environmental parameters. As a result, pond yield has correspondingly increased. However, the expansion of the shrimp farming industry is still restricted due to the inconsistency in fry supply.

Introduction

This chapter has analysed the impact of shrimp farming on the farmer households. Income and employment generation being two important aspects, impact of shrimp culture on these two are discussed in this chapter. The income generated through shrimp culture is compared with the income from paddy cultivation. Returns to scale and returns to labour from shrimp culture are discussed to know whether shrimp culture is a preferred activity compared to paddy cultivation or not. Besides, the impact of shrimp farming on asset creation, expenditure pattern and savings behaviour of the sample households has been discussed in this chapter.

The livelihood of millions of people depends on shrimp farming around the world, especially in tropical and sub-tropical developing countries. On the other hand, failure to protect the ecosystem and environment from degradation due to shrimp farming is a major concern. The long-term sustainability of this industry depends on its ability to be economically efficient, and at the same time to minimize environmental effects. Therefore, it is important to consider both the economic outcomes and various environmental effects in achieving a more sustainable industry. From this viewpoint, an attempt has been made to explore the key environmental aspects of shrimp farming in the world in general, and in Dhamara area in particular.

Impacts of shrimp farming are mainly in four areas, namely, land resources, water resources, forest resources and fishery resources.

The impetus for the development of aquaculture extends beyond food production. Aquaculture can help to diversify rural employment opportunities, reduce trade deficits, reduce pressure on living marine resources and rebuild depleted wild stocks (FAO, 2000b). The rapid development of coastal aquaculture, however, is now an area of critical international concern owing to the immense role it plays in transforming coastal landscapes and livelihoods. With the advent of new technology and rising global demand for fish and fish products, the basic character of aquaculture in coastal communities is changing dramatically. Traditional, low production forms of aqua-culture catering to local households are being supplanted by modern, resource intensive high production systems that cater to international markets. This restructuring has generated widespread concern over the contribution of aquaculture to the degradation of coastal ecosystems and the social and economic costs that are being passed on to the rural poor leading to growing inequality (Lakshmi and Rajagopalan, 2000).

There is large-scale conversion of wetlands including mangroves for other uses despite their valuable functioning, products and attributes. Normal market forces always favour the conversion of mangroves (and other wetlands) to other uses and ; many alternative uses of natural mangroves in tropical and sub-tropical coastal areas have produced disappointing economic results due to low and declining productivity (eg. abandoned shrimp ponds due to unscientific shrimp farming in formerly mangrove areas) (Dixon and Lal, 1997).

The large-scale destruction of mangroves for shrimp ponds has adversely affected the productivity of nearby fisheries and consequently the economic conditions of traditional fishermen households. The conversion of mangrove forest into shrimp ponds in the coastal areas in Asia including India is nothing but redistribution of income from poor fishermen to rich investors, mostly non-fishermen marine product industrialists and merchants. (Maler, 1998). The destruction of mangrove forests in India, China, Thailand and other Asian countries is synonymous with the destruction of fishing grounds of the traditional fishermen leading to their occupational displacement.

Shrimp culture is slowly emerging as one of the major and fastest growing food production sector in the world. High demand in the international market encouraged many developing countries to grow shrimp in their coastal areas. Many countries including India earn sizable foreign exchanges by exporting both shrimp and frozen shrimp. International institutions like the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) etc. have also encouraged production of shrimp that fetch huge returns on investment within a short period of time. Indigent coastal people in India have been farming fish for hundreds of years. The warm climate, accessibility to coast, saline water and relatively low wage rate provides a comparative advantage for shrimp cultivation. Commercial shrimp farming developed in India on account of the government’s policy to promote shrimp culture in view of its potential to utilise the vast saline tracts along the coastline and to provide employment opportunities to coastal rural population. After the liberalization, development of shrimp culture gained greater momentum in the country. Individual entrepreneurs were also encouraged to take up shrimp farming with both financial and technical support from the government.

‘Shrimp’ which is an aquatic organism inhabiting the sea, estuaries and backwaters remained the backbone of Indian marine products exports. Shrimp is a protein-rich food with universal taste. Shrimp farming is a short duration activity and therefore, provides quick return on investment. It also provides gainful employment opportunities to the rural poor in the remote coastal areas. The value of shrimp exported in 2011-12 from India was estimated at about Rs. 8175.26 crores (US$ 1741.20 million). According to an estimate made by MPEDA, one hectare of shrimp culture operation can provide direct employment to atleast two persons and can also generate indirect employment to the extent of 1100 man-days.

Shrimp culture has a long tradition in India that began with the tidal stocking of shrimp in paddy fields and lagoons and holding them until harvest. More intensive forms of shrimp farming developed rapidly during the 1990’s. As was the case in many other nations in Asia, the development of shrimp farming in India took place without planning and regulation. This resulted in a variety of environmental problems and social conflicts. Although India has benefited from rising foreign exchange earnings, the conflict of coastal communities with shrimp farming has prompted a heated debate over the relevance of aquaculture in coastal ecosystem. Questions have been raised on its sustainability in the long run and some people also accused that this culture has disturbed the social harmony and has raised the inequality level in the rural areas.

Sustainable development has caught the imagination and action across the world. Sustainable agriculture is necessary to attain the goal of sustainable development. The word “sustain,” is derived from the Latin sustinere (sus-, from below and tenere, to hold), to keep in existence or maintain, implies long-term support or permanence. As it pertains to agriculture, sustainable describes “Farming systems that are capable of maintaining productivity and usefulness to society indefinitely. Such systems must be resource-conserving, socially supportive, commercially competitive, and environmentally sound”. “Sustainable agriculture is the successful management of resources for agriculture to satisfy changing human needs while maintaining or enhancing the quality of environment and conserving natural resources” (FAO). All definitions of sustainable agriculture lay great emphasis on maintaining an agriculture growth rate, which can meet the demand for food of all living things without draining the basic resources. Over time, the International Alliance for sustainable agriculture and an increasing number of researchers, farmers, policy-makers and organizations worldwide have developed a definition that unifies many diverse elements into a widely adopted, comprehensive, working definition

2.1 Introduction

Microbes are the oldest form of the life on earth. These organisms date more than 3 billion years to a time when they were covered with oceans. They are so tiny in size that million microbes can fit into the eye of a needle. Without microbes, we can’t live. Thus, understanding microbes is vital to understanding past and future. Microbes play vary roles in the earth’s environment recycling dead plant and animal matter through the soil, removing CO₂ from the atmosphere by photosynthesis in the oceans and nitrogen from the atmosphere to form nitrogenous fertilizers plants. Microbes play an important role in nutrient recycling, management, organic matter, decomposition and increasing the crop productivity and quality against diseases. Over the past century, many of the basic scientific principles of plant nutrition and soil fertility have been explained. In developed countries, inorganic chemical fertilizers have been widely accepted as a major source of improving and maintaining soil fertility. Plants need sufficient nutrients in proper balance for normal growth and development. Seventeen plant nutrients are essential for proper crop development. Each is equally important to the plant, yet each is required in vastly different amounts. Our understanding of nutritional needs of crop plants begin from the famous five year willow tree experiment conducted by J.B. van Helmont (1579–1644).

The earlier products of bio-fertilizers were carrier (solid) based where lignite is usually added as a carrier material. Lignite is hazardous to the production workers. Also, the shelf life of carrier based bio-fertilizers is only 6 months and is difficult to transport. Liquid Biofertilizers (LBFs) on the other hand have a shelf life of minimum one year, with no health hazards to production workers and are easy to transport. Additionally, LBF can be used in drip irrigation and as a component of organic farming. The liquid Bio fertilizers are suspensions having agriculturally useful microorganisms, which fix atmospheric nitrogen and solubilize insoluble phosphates and make it available for the plants. The use of this biofertilizer is environment friendly and gives uniform results for most of the agricultural crops and directly reduces the use of chemical fertilizer by 15 to 40%. The shelf life of the liquid bio fertilizer is higher (in the range of one to two years) compared to that of solid matrix base biofertilizer.

3.1 Definition

Liquid biofertilizers are liquid formulation containing the dormant form of desired microorganisms and their nutrients along with the substances that encourage formation of resting spores or cysts for longer shelf life and tolerance to adverse conditions. The dormant form on reaching the soil, germinate to produce fresh batch of active cells. These cells grow and multiply by utilizing the carbon source in the soil or from root exudates.

“A preparation comprising requirements to preserve organisms and deliver them to the target regions to improve their biological activity” or “A consortium of micro-organisms provided with suitable medium to keep up their viability for certain period which aids in enhancing the biological activity of the target site”.

Earthworms have been on the earth for over 20 million years. In this time they have faithfully done their part to keep the cycle of life continuously moving. Their purpose is simple but very important. They are nature’s way of recycling organic nutrients from dead tissues back to living organisms. Many have recognized the value of these worms. Ancient civilizations, including Greece and Egypt valued the role of earthworms played in soil. The Egyptian Pharaoh, Cleopatra said, “Earthworms are sacred”

4.1 Earthworms

Earthworms belong to Phylum Annelida of animal Kingdom. They are long and cylindrical shape, length of earthworms vary from a few mm to nearly 3mtr as noted in case of Megas colex species found in Australia. The body of earthworms has a large number of grooves. Due to these grooves the body of the earthworm is divided into number of compartments called segments. In mature earthworms, few anterior segments appear swollen due to glandular thickening. This part is called as clitellum. The segments are not clearly seen in this part. There are 2500 to 3,000 species of earthworms in the world which are adapted to range of environment. More than 350 species have been identified in India. The species of earthworms are differentiated mostly on the basis of external features such as length of earthworms, number of segments, position of clitellum and external aperture present on the body. Earthworms were referred by Aristotle as “the intestines of earth and the restoring agents of soil fertility”

Agriculture has been very successful in addressing the food and fiber needs of today’s world population. However, there are increasing concerns about the economic, environmental and social costs of this success. Integrated agricultural systems may provide a means to address these concerns while increasing sustainability. Integrated agricultural systems have multiple enterprises that interact in space and time, resulting in a synergistic resource transfer among enterprises. In an integrated agricultural system, management decisions, such as type and amount of commodities to produce, are predetermined. Full integration of agricultural systems at the producer or community scale may help in slowing or reversing some of the detrimental environmental and economic problems associated with specialized industrial agriculture. Modern agriculture requires intensive inputs.

6.1 Introduction

India experienced an impressive growth and productivity gains in agriculture since Independence reflecting our farmers’ resilience against multiple odds and challenges. Despite a structural transformation post-Green Revolution, characterized by a consumer centric and food security policy objective, the regular distress and crises in the recent past pose a severe threat to income and livelihood security of farmers. The income realised from agriculture compared to nonagriculture, has been too low with a wide variation across regions. The average income of an agricultural household during 2012-13 has been estimated as low as at `6426 per month, marginally higher than the average consumption expenditure (`6223). Further, around 23 per cent of the farmers still live below the poverty line (DFI Committee, 2017a). Estimates from the Central Statistics Office’s (CSO) indicated that the annual growth in gross value added from agriculture has reduced drastically from as high as 6.9% (October-December, 2016) to a mere 2.3% (April-June, 2017) at 2011-12 prices in the recent past ten quarters. Shockingly, the growth was lower in nominal terms in comparison to real prices during the April-June, 2017 quarter indicating the creeping deflation in farm sector.

Technological change has been the major driving force for increasing agricultural productivity and promoting agriculture development across the world. In the past, the choice of technologies and their adoption was to increase production, productivity and farm incomes. Over many decades, policies for agriculture, trade, research and development, education, training and advice have been strong influences on the choice of technology, the level of agricultural production and farm practices. Agricultural production today faces several challenges: an increasing world population has to be fed, but at the same time the environment and animal welfare need to be protected. Globalisation has led to increasing international competition, while the agricultural sector is also under heavy economic pressure as a result of regulation. These conditions can perhaps only be met by innovation, be it on the technological or on the systems-level (OECD, 2001). Agriculture is becoming more integrated in the agro-food chain and the global market, while environmental, food safety and quality, and animal welfare regulations are also increasingly impacting on the sector. It is faced with new challenges to meet growing demands for food, to be internationally competitive and to produce agricultural products of high quality. At the same time, it must meet sustainability goals in the context of on-going agricultural policy reform, further trade liberalization and the implementation of multilateral environmental agreements as agreed to by the government.

India is on the progressive path of development and its rural population is an integral part of this growth trajectory. As India gears up for an era of increased digitalisation, the issue of holistic and inclusive economic growth remains a pivotal concern. Hitachi, one of the leading Japanese conglomerate with a global footprint and a forerunner in digital innovation, has been an active contributor in transforming millions of Indian lives, its services reaching far beyond citizens within city limits. While India is one of the world’s fastest-developing economy, equitable growth remains a critical imperative. The rural population today constitutes above 45% of the national income. In 2050, despite urbanization, over half of India’s population will still be rural. Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has prioritized radical digitalisation to induce economic inclusiveness through a host of initiatives. ‘Digital India’, ‘Make in India’ and ‘Skill India’ provide for impetus and opportunity to rural citizens, to ensure they are equal participants in India’s growth story. Digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers. It’s also a cultural change that requires organizations to continually challenge the status quo, experiment, and get comfortable with failure. In many developed countries, farming has been modernized by a wave of technologies, adopted at farm level.

Digital technologies are finding increasing use in the agricultural value system, and High-tech farming is becoming the standard, thanks to use of sensors, logic controlled systems, data analytics, etc. In India, the increasing availability of energy and internet connectivity to the large rural landscape is further accelerating such changes. Digitised information systems allow remote access to knowledge, has given rise to group sharing and continue even now to revamp how societal exchanges happen interpersonally, commercially and in the extension services system. The digital spectrogram can be compared against a large database and spectral analysis can diagnose the contents of the sample. This analysis can happen in the cloud, and results communicated to the farmers almost instantaneously. There exist various similar technologies where a sample from a field, gets converted into digital information, is promptly analysed to provide accurate results, which then allows farmers to take decisions best suited to the land they farm on. The availability of satellite imagery, infrared imagery, and a myriad of remote inputs allow for more accurate weather forecasts, advance warnings on pest infestation and similar, and more. Instead of traditional homilies about temperature and rainfall events, the farmers now consult and share the advisories and forecasts of the same.

Introduction

The total Livestock population is 535.78 million in the country showing an increase of 4.6 % over Livestock census-2012. Total Bovine population (Cattle, Buffalo, Mithun and Yak) is 302.79 million in 2019 which shows an increase of above 1% over the previous census. The total number of cattle in the country in 2019 is 192.49 million showing an increase of 0.8% over the previous census. The female cattle (Cow population) is 145.12 million, increased by 18 % over the previous census (2012). The exotic/cross bred population in India is 50.42 million. Indigenous /non destript female population has increased by 10% in 2019 as compared to previous census. The population of the total exotic/ crossbred cattle has increased by 26.9% as compared to previous census. However, the pace of decline of indigenous/non-descript cattle population during 2012-2019 is much lesser than as compared to the 2007-12 which was about 9%. The buffalo in the country is 109.85 million showing an increase of 6.0% over the previous census. The sheep population in the country is 74.26 million in 2019, increased by 14.1% over the previous census. The goat population in the country in 2019 is 148.88 million showing an increase of 10.1 % over the previous census. The total pigs in the country is 9.06 million in the country census, decline by 12.03% over the previous census. The other livestock including Mithun, Yak, Horses, Ponies, Mule, Donkeys, Camel together contribute around 0.23% of the total livestock and their total count is 1.24 million.

Introduction

Buffaloes thrive best in the areas of moderate rainfall as they require plenty of water for their daily bath. They live on coarser grass and even then are heavy yielders of milk. Buffalo species is thought to have originated in India. Indian buffaloes are the descendant of Bos arni found in north-eastern parts of India, especially in Assam & surrounding areas. There are two main types of buffaloes in India: River and Swamp types. However, both are called Bubalus bubalis. Most of the buffaloes in India are river types, though swamp varieties are also found in certain parts of the country, especially in eastern parts. Buffalo is our main milch producing species, that’s why the contribution of buffaloes to the total milk production is larger than that of cattle. India is the home tract of some of the best buffalo breeds.

Introduction

Commercial pig farming in India is one of the best and profitable business ideas for the Indian people. There are several highly meat producing pig breeds available around the globes. Some of those are very suitable for commercial meat production according to the weather and climate of India. A few years back, pig farming had a bad image in the society, but at present at scenario has changed tremendously and commercial pig farming in India is no more restricted to lower class people. Now peoples are conscious about the economic value of pigs like other domestic livestock animals; and higher cast, educated people also started commercial pig farming business in a modern and scientific manner.

Among all domestic animals, pigs are the most prolific animal, giving 6-12 piglets in every litter and they are fast growing, attain a body weight of about 68 kg in about 6-8 months time, when they can slaughter. Pig has shortest generation interval among meat producing livestock. Pig products such as pork, bacon, ham, sausages, lord (pig fat) are increasingly in demand both for local consumption and for export. Pig skin used for the manufacture of light leather goods. Pig manure contains Nitrogen: 0.70%, Phosphorus: 0.60% and Potassium: 0.70%. Swine has superior feed conversion power (1: 3-3.5). Swine store fat rapidly. Pigs are prolific and bring quick return. A unit of 10 sows and 1 boar will produce about 160 piglets during the first year. Gilts may be bred between the ages of about 8-9 months furrowing when approximately 13 months old. Piggery enterprise requires moderate investment. Pig has highest dressing percentage (Pig: 65-80%) as compare to cattle (50-60%) and lamb and sheep (45-55%). Pork is the most nutritious meat. Pig is extremely sensitive to unfavorable ration and to careless management. Pigs are very susceptible to numerous diseases and parasites. Sow should required skilled attendants at the time of furrowing.

Introduction

Commercial pig farming in India is one of the best and profitable business ideas for the Indian people. There are several highly meat producing pig breeds available around the globes. Some of those are very suitable for commercial meat production according to the weather and climate of India. A few years back, pig farming had a bad image in the society, but at present at scenario has changed tremendously and commercial pig farming in India is no more restricted to lower class people. Now peoples are conscious about the economic value of pigs like other domestic livestock animals; and higher cast, educated people also started commercial pig farming business in a modern and scientific manner.

Among all domestic animals, pigs are the most prolific animal, giving 6-12 piglets in every litter and they are fast growing, attain a body weight of about 68 kg in about 6-8 months time, when they can slaughter. Pig has shortest generation interval among meat producing livestock. Pig products such as pork, bacon, ham, sausages, lord (pig fat) are increasingly in demand both for local consumption and for export. Pig skin used for the manufacture of light leather goods. Pig manure contains Nitrogen: 0.70%, Phosphorus: 0.60% and Potassium: 0.70%. Swine has superior feed conversion power (1: 3-3.5). Swine store fat rapidly. Pigs are prolific and bring quick return. A unit of 10 sows and 1 boar will produce about 160 piglets during the first year. Gilts may be bred between the ages of about 8-9 months furrowing when approximately 13 months old. Piggery enterprise requires moderate investment. Pig has highest dressing percentage (Pig: 65-80%) as compare to cattle (50-60%) and lamb and sheep (45-55%). Pork is the most nutritious meat. Pig is extremely sensitive to unfavorable ration and to careless management. Pigs are very susceptible to numerous diseases and parasites. Sow should required skilled attendants at the time of furrowing.

Introduction

Poultry farming is the process of raising domesticated birds such as chickens, ducks, turkeys, quails, guinea fowls, and geese for the purpose of farming meat or egg for food. Indian poultry industry is one of the fasted growing segments of the agricultural sector today in India. Undoubtedly, this impressive growth is a result of several factors such as active development support from the state and central government, research institutes, international collaboration and private sector participation. Indian poultry industry is self sufficient, supported by a broad and strong genetic base in which the productivity levels of broilers and layers are equal to those achieved elsewhere (i.e. in the United States of America and the European Union). Raising of day old chicks up to the stage of sale with assistance in the form of services from hatcheries, medical care from veterinarians, supply of medicine from pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing quality medicine, supply of poultry equipments and supply of nutritive poultry feed by commercial poultry feed manufacturers and financial assistance from various financial institutions are included under poultry industry.

In the recent days, poultry farming has become an important industry in our country. The changes, it has undergone in the past few years are quite surprising. The scope of the poultry farming is very much and there is lot of chances for improvement in this field. With the help of sophisticated instruments, the production of poultry products can be increased. Creation of public aware is needed for overall development of poultry industry. The egg is needed for over all development of poultry industry. The egg earlier treated as non-vegetarian item, is not being considered by most as not so.

Introduction

Milk is a natural food source of mammals. Animals produce milk to feed their young-ones until they are ready for solid feed. Cow milk contains protein, vitamins and minerals which are essential for the overall growth of the body. Cow milk contains a lot of nutrients and it has great role for overall health. Cow milk helps to boost the immune system of humans. Cow milk has a high content of calcium and minerals which plays a key role in maintaining bone density. Because of its high calcium content, cow’s milk is also considered great for teeth health. Cow milk has all essential amino acids that are required for growth and development. It is very beneficial for children as it helps to grow with physically and mentally. Cow milk help to reduce weight loss as it loaded with protein which is essential for weight loss. Calcium and vitamin D of milk increases the metabolic rate of the body. A better metabolic rate helps in burning calories faster. Drinking cow milk regularly helps you in maintaining the blood sugar levels in the body. Cow’s milk has essential minerals and vitamins that help in processing the food normally and this helps to maintain the insulin and glucose level.

Introduction

Sheeps were first domesticated by human being, many thousands of years ago for their wool, meat and skins. It provides a source of income to the shepherds through sale of wool and animal. Sheep do not need expensive building to house them and require less labour than other kinds of livestock. The foundation stock is relatively cheap and the flock can be multiplied rapidly. Sheep are economical convertor of grass into meat and wool. Sheep will eat varied kinds of plants compared to other kind of livestock. This makes them excellent weed destroyer. Unlike goats sheep hardly damage any tree. The production of wool, meat and manure provides three different source of income to the shepherd. The structure of their lips helps them to clean grains lost at harvest time and thus convert waste feed into profitable products.

Introduction

Goat is being raised for centuries as poor man’s cow due to its importance of providing employment in rural areas by producing meat and healthy meat. Goats also play major role in agriculture economy of India. Goat is excellent source of additional income for poor and landless owners. Farm can start from 1 male goat and 1 female goat. The goat milk is nutritious and easily digestible milk to their kids. Goats are easy to maintain as they can graze on open land. Goat farming is an excellent option where fodder and forage is limited. Goat farmers can get good returns with successful goat rearing. Now a day, goat farming has become more commercial and many people are taking up as a challenge to meet the demand and supply. There is good encouragement from governments and providing subsidies on especially stall fed goat farming. Most of the farmers, choosing stall fed goat farming as it has its own advantages as compared to open grazing methods.

Introduction

Horses are adapted for run to quickly escape from predator. They possess an excellent sense of balance and strong fight or flight response. Related to this need to flee from predator in the wild is an extraordinary trait. Horses are able to sleep both ways i.e. standing up and lying down. Horses and humans interact in a wide variety of sport competitions and non-competitive recreational pursuit, as well as in working activities such as police work, agricultural, entertainment and therapy. Horses were historically used in warfare, from which a wide variety of riding and driving techniques developed using many different styles of equipments and methods of control. Many products are derived from horses, including meat, milk, hide, hair, bones, and pharmaceuticals extracted from the urine of pregnant mares.

Unit of measurement of Horse is Hand (1 Hand= 4 inch). NRC equine situated at Hissar, Haryana. Mares may give milk up to 18 litres daily. Famous donkey sanctuary situated at Devon in U.K. In India, there are 6 well known distinct breed of horses i.e. Marwari (Origin: Rajasthan), Kathiawari (Origin: Gujrat), Spiti (Origin: Tibet and Himachal Pradesh), Zankari (Origin: Jammu and Kashmir), Manipuri (Origin: Manipur and Assam) and Bhutia (Origin: Sikkim and Darjeeling). Besides these, FAO also recognized 3 more breeds: i.e. Chummarti (Origin: Tibet), Deccani, Sikang.

Introduction

Commercial poultry farming in India has creating profitable business opportunity for entrepreneurs. Poultry farming business can provide a great employment source for the job seeking people. This is such as business in India that can never dry up. All types of poultry product have a great demand in the market inside India. There is no religious taboo about consuming the poultry meat and egg. Highly productive local and foreign breeds are available for commercial production. Requirement of initial investment for poultry farming is not too high. You can start small scale production and elaborate it gradually. Bank loans are available throughout the country. Numerous forms are available and you can easily learn about poultry farming from those established farmers. Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samba and Animal Husbandry department of Jammu & Kashmir are providing lot of scheme and vocational training regarding poultry farming for betterment of farmers.

Introduction

Goat is being raised for centuries as poor man’s cow due to its importance of providing employment in rural areas by producing meat and healthy meat. Goats also play major role in agriculture economy of India. Goat is excellent source of additional income for poor and landless owners. Farm can start from 1 male goat and 1 female goat. The goat milk is nutritious and easily digestible milk to their kids. Goats are easy to maintain as they can graze on open land. Goat farming is an excellent option where fodder and forage is limited. Goat farmers can get good returns with successful goat rearing. Now a day, goat farming has become more commercial and many people are taking up as a challenge to meet the demand and supply. There is good encouragement from governments and providing subsidies on especially stall fed goat farming. Most of the farmers, choosing stall fed goat farming as it has its own advantages as compared to open grazing methods.

Goats are among the main meat producing animal in India, whose meat (chevon) is one of the choicest meats and has huge domestic demand. Due to its good economic prospects, goat rearing under intensive and semi-intensive system for commercial production has been gaining momentum for the doubling the income of the farmers. High demand of goat and its products with potential of good economic returns have been deriving many progressive farmers, business, professionals, ex-servicemen and educated youths to take up the goat enterprise on a commercial scale. The emerging favorable market conditions and easy accessibility to improved goat technologies are also catching the attention of entrepreneurs. A number of commercial goat farms have been established in different region of the country. Initially, farmer may face a number of problems like high cost of production, high mortality and low price of the produce, but proper training and experience may resolve this problem. In an average, mortality in the goat farm is 3-8% per annum. The contribution of goat in total livestock is 27.80% which is a major share goat in total livestock. The rank of India in Goat population is 2^nd.

Introduction

Sheeps were first domesticated by human being, many thousands of years ago for their wool, meat and skins. It provides a source of income to the shepherds through sale of wool and animal. Sheep do not need expensive building to house them and require less labour than other kinds of livestock. The foundation stock is relatively cheap and the flock can be multiplied rapidly. Sheep are economical convertor of grass into meat and wool. Sheep will eat varied kinds of plants compared to other kind of livestock. This makes them excellent weed destroyer. Unlike goats sheep hardly damage any tree. The production of wool, meat and manure provides three different source of income to the shepherd. The structure of their lips helps them to clean grains lost at harvest time and thus convert waste feed into profitable products.

Introduction

Yak is a main source of livelihood for the high altitude residents in Ladakh. The domestic yak (Bos grunniens) is a long haired domesticated bovine found throughout the Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent as well as in the Tibetan plateau, Mongolia and Russia. They are originated from the wild yaks. Yaks are belonging to the genus Bos. The yak is the only bovine species (ruminant) which resides in the high hills of the Himalayas even at altitudes of 6000 meters above the mean sea level. The normal living range of yak is at 3000 to 4500 meters height from the mean sea level which are tree less uplands. Similar to domestic cattle and goat, Chromosomes number of yak is 60. Zoological name of yak is Poephagus grunniens or Bos grunniens.

Distribution

The distribution of Yak is majorly found in Northern Ladakh, the plateau of Tibet and part of the Kansu province in China. Within India, yak mostly found in Changechenmo valley in Ladak and spiti valleys of Himachal Pradesh, and also in North Eastern states, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Nagaland. Small number of yaks is also found in Garhwal district of Uttar Pradesh. It is native in Tibet country as well as surrounding countries in Central Asia. The yak is also found in Pakistan, Northern Afghanisthan, Bhutan, Mongolia and in China.

Introduction

The camel is an important animal part of the desert eco-system. With its unique characteristics, the camel has becomes adapted to tough way of living in arid and semi arid region. The camel called “Ship of desert”, because he can walk across the desert, even on a hot afternoon and Hot sand also can’t affect it. He can run on hot sand@ 25 km per hour with his thick and padded feet, so hot sun does not burn them. In desert, there are no rivers or lakes, then also it can’t affect to camel because he can drink 46 litres of water at a one time. He can eat a lot of food at one time, so he doesn’t need to eat for several days. Camel eats leaves, but there are no trees in a desert, so he can eat thorns with the help of thick lips and thick tongue. Camels in India are reared under extensive type of system. Camels are also kept in small numbers under intensive system, particularly for the routine work such as camel cart traction, transport for men and materials, agriculture operation. Seasonal movement of camel herds to the areas having comparatively better pasture facilities is a quite common practice. A camel is even toed ungulates that having distinctive fatty deposit on its back (hump). Camels have been domesticated as livestock. They provide food (milk + meat) and textile (fibres and felt from hairs). Camels are working animals especially suited to desert habitat as vital means of transport for passengers and goods. There are three species of camels.

Introduction

Dairy farming is a profitable business for every class of people. It provides an excellent opportunity for self employment for unemployed youth. It is also an important source of income generation to small/marginal farmer and agriculture laborers. India is the largest milk producers in the world and having the first rank rank in world in milk production. Per capita availability of milk in India is 394 gm/day and in Jammu and Kashmir, it is 401 gm/day (2018-2019). The demand and supply of milk and milk products are increasing rapidly. There is a vast scope of dairy farming in our country.

The increasing cost of feed ingredients and its seasonal variability can be reduced by undertaking fodder cultivation. Before starting a dairy farm, the entrepreneurs/ farmers are advised to undergo training on dairy farming. Farmers can contact Local Animal Husbandry Staff/ Veterinary colleges/ Agriculture University etc. for this purpose. Farmer should also visit progressive dairy farmers and Agricultural University in the locality. Farmer must check the following points before starting a dairy farm.

Introduction

Buffalo dairy farming is a profitable business and has good potential for employment generation. India has 575 of world buffalo population. Buffalo milk contributes 57% of total milk production. Buffaloes have several advantages over crossbred cows as farm animal. They are well adapted to agro climatic conditions of our country. They are more disease resistant in comparison to crossbred cow (less incidence of milk fever and mastitis in buffaloes). They can thrive well on crop residues. Buffalo milk contains more buffalo fat for which the price of buffalo milk is more. Dairy farming is a profitable business for every class of people. It provides an excellent opportunity for self employment for unemployed youth. It is also an important source of income generation to small/marginal farmer and agriculture laborers. India is the largest milk producers in the world and having the first rank in world in milk production. Per capita availability of milk in India is 394 gm/day and in Jammu and Kashmir, it is 401 gm/day (2018-2019). The demand and supply of milk and milk products are increasing rapidly. There is a vast scope of dairy farming in our country.

The increasing cost of feed ingredients and its seasonal variability can be reduced by undertaking fodder cultivation. Before starting a dairy farm, the entrepreneurs/ farmers are advised to undergo training on dairy farming. Farmers can contact Local Animal Husbandry Staff/ Veterinary colleges/ Agriculture University etc. for this purpose. Farmer should also visit progressive dairy farmers and Agricultural University in the locality. Farmer must check the following points before starting a dairy farm.

Introduction

Goat is being raised for centuries as poor man’s cow due to its importance of providing employment in rural areas by producing meat and healthy meat. Goats also play a major role in agriculture economy of India. Goat is excellent source of additional income for poor and landless owners. The goat milk is nutritious and easily digestible milk to their kids. Goats are easy to maintain as they can graze on open land. Goat farming is an excellent option where fodder and forage is limited. Goat farmers can get good returns with successful goat rearing. Now a day, goat farming has become more commercial and many people are taking up as a challenge to meet the demand and supply. Rank of India in goat population is 2^nd. Total goat population in the country is 148.88 million during 2019. Total goat has increased by 10.14% over previous livestock census (2012). About 27.8 % of the total is contributed by goats.

Introduction

Sheep is a multi-utility animal used for the production of wool, meat, skins and manure. They don’t require costly structures to house them. Sheep are sparing convertor of grass into meat and wool. The structure of their lips causes them to clean grains last to collect time and in this way convert waste feed into gainful items. Sheep eat different types of weed plant. This makes them phenomenal weed destroyer. They don’t damage plant like goats. They thrive well even under bad management practices. Unemployed youth can adopt sheep rearing as a source of gainful employment. Total sheep population in the country is 74.26 million during 2019. Total sheep has increased by 14.133% over previous livestock census (2012). About 13.8 % of the total livestock is contributed by sheep.

Introduction

The livestock enterprise is complementary to crop production providing a balance and protective program of farming. Farming that combine’s crop production with livestock rearing is called mixed farming. If cow, buffalo. Poultry, piggery, sheep, goat etc. has more than 10 % contribution to grow gross income of farm is called Diversified type of farming.

Introduction

Mithun is to be originated before more than 3000 years ago. Mithuns are found over a large area of southest Asia. This animal’s natural habitat is in the forests of highlands. In addition to meat production, Mithuns are used for sacrificial purposes and also for barter trade. Even today, Mithun is used as a holy sacrificial animal to appease the god by the tribe people. Mithun is a unique bovine species which are situated at limited geographical distribution. It is mainly found in the tropical rain forests of North Eastern hilly states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram of India. Mithun is also known as “Cattle of Mountain”. In Indian subcontinents, Mithun is also known as “Gayal” (Bos frontalis). In Myanmar and Bhutan, it is called Mithun, whereas in China, it is called Dulong cattle.

Mithun is a magnificent massive bovine and is presently reared under free range condition in the hill forests at an altitude of 1000 to 3000 m above mean sea level. Mithun plays an important role in the socio-economic and cultural life of the local tribal population. Presently, this animal is mainly reared for meat, which is considered to be more tender and superior over the meat of any other species. Although, Mithun produce less quantity of milk and can be used for preparation of various milk products. Leather obtained from this species has been found to be superior to cattle.

The massive unique beautiful animal is anatomically a physiologically well adapted to high altitude. Mithun is a social animal; they establish small groups usually containing an adult male and several female and juveniles. It is a potential source of delicious meat, and it can also be used for improvement of local, native cattle breeds. Mithun hide has almost three times the size and thickness that of native cattle.

Introduction

A hatchery is such a facility where eggs are hatched under artificial conditions, especially those of poultry eggs. Poultry hatchery produce a majority of bird’s chicks by hatching their eggs including chicken, turkey, ducks, quails, goose and some minor bird species. A broiler breeder produces about 150-180 fertile eggs in a year of reproductive life. This reproductive capacity can’t be utilized without liberating the breeding hen from incubating eggs. In India, there is huge demand of day old chicks for commercial poultry farming and for that there is great scope for hatchery business. The competition in the hatchery industry is increasing day by day for efficient production of quality chicks economically. Therefore, it may be necessary for the hatchery man have thorough understanding of the basic and practical aspects of incubation and hatchery operation for efficient working.

Introduction

Quails are also called as Bater in Hindi. Quail farming business is economically very profitable. Quail farming in India is now recognized as an organized and scientifically based farming and a potential tool to fight with poverty and malnutrition. There is considerable scope for increasing the egg production further to meet the growing demand. The importance of quails in the poultry scenario of India is well recognized and quail production has registered a remarkable progress in the country since its introduction during mid seventies. Japanese quail farming offers a viable and practical solution to the problems of animal protein shortage and unemployment in developing countries. For small holders, it is an important source of income and employment generating venture besides providing nourishing food. Quail farming has been accepted by farmers as a potential alternative to chicken farming because of its small size, short incubation period, less floor space requirement, rapid growth, early onset of egg production, short generation interval, high rate of egg production, less susceptible to disease and low feed intake.

Quails are one of the most efficient biological machines for converting feed into animal of high biological value. At present in India, quails occupy the third largest position among poultry species next to the chicken and ducks. Quail meat is renounced for richness in vitamins, essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, phospholipids and macro and micro elements. Cholesterol level is low as compared to chicken in quail egg and quail meat. Quail can adapt to varying environmental condition because of its hardy nature. Quail production requires less investment, gives quick return and higher profits and hence can be adapted by rural mass quickly. Incubation period of Japanese quail is 18 days. The Bob white quail is the second most important breeds of quail. Incubation period is 21 days. Quails were introduced in India in CARI in Izzatnagar in 1976 procuring hatching eggs from University of California.

Introduction

Milk is a natural food source of mammals. Animals produce milk to feed their young-ones until they are ready for solid feed. Cow milk contains protein, vitamins and minerals which are essential for the overall growth of the body. Cow milk contains a lot of nutrients and it has great role for overall health. Cow milk helps to boost the immune system of humans. Cow milk has a high content of calcium and minerals which plays a key role in maintaining bone density. Because of its high calcium content, cow’s milk is also considered great for teeth health. Cow milk has all essential amino acids which are required for growth and development of body. It is very beneficial for children as it helps to grow with physically and mentally. Cow milk help to reduce weight loss as it loaded with protein which is essential for weight loss. Calcium and vitamin D of milk increases the metabolic rate of the body. A better metabolic rate helps in burning calories faster. Drinking cow milk regularly helps in maintaining the blood sugar levels in the body. Cow’s milk has essential minerals and vitamins that help in processing the food normally and helps to maintain the insulin and glucose level.

Buffaloes thrive best in the areas of moderate rainfall as they require plenty of water for their daily bath. They live on coarser grass and even then are heavy yielders of milk. Buffalo species is thought to have originated in India. Indian buffaloes are the descendant of Bos arni found in north-eastern parts of India, especially in Assam & surrounding areas. There are two main types of buffaloes in India: River and Swamp types. However, both are called Bubalus bubalis. Most of the buffaloes in India are river types, though swamp varieties are also found in certain parts of the country, especially in eastern parts. Buffalo is our main milch producing species, that’s why the contribution of buffaloes to the total milk production is larger than that of cattle. India is the home tract of some of the best buffalo breeds. Buffalo has the major share in milk production in India. It is one of the major way for doubling the income of farmer by mix farming. Buffaloes are more resistant to many diseases as compare to cattle. Everyone know that, buffaloes milk are superior than cattle milk, hence fetching more price.

Introduction

Now a day, goat farming has become more commercial. Due to its good economic prospects, goat rearing under intensive and semi-intensive system for commercial production has been gaining momentum for the doubling the income of the farmers. There is good encouragement from governments with providing subsidies on especially stall fed goat farming. Goat is being raised for centuries as poor man’s cow due to its importance of providing employment in rural areas by producing healthy meat. Goats also play major role in agriculture economy of India. Goat is excellent source of additional income for poor and landless owners. The goat milk is nutritious and easily digestible milk to their kids. Goats are easy to maintain as they can graze on open land. Goat farming is an excellent option where fodder and forage is limited. Goat farmers can get good returns with successful goat rearing. Goats are among the main meat producing animal in India, whose meat (chevon) is one of the choicest meats and has huge domestic demand. High demand of goat and its products with potential of good economic returns have been deriving many progressive farmers, business, professionals, ex-servicemen and educated youths to take up the goat enterprise on a commercial scale. The emerging favorable market conditions and easy accessibility to improved goat technologies are also catching the attention of entrepreneurs.

Sheeps were first domesticated by human being, many thousands of years ago for their wool, meat and skins. It provides a source of income to the shepherds through sale of wool and animal. Sheep do not need expensive building to house them and require less labour than other kinds of livestock. Sheep are economical convertor of grass into meat and wool. Sheep will eat varied kinds of plants compared to other kind of livestock. This makes them excellent weed destroyer. Unlike goats; sheep hardly damage any tree. The production of wool, meat and manure provides three different source of income to the shepherd. The structure of their lips helps them to clean grains lost at harvest time and thus convert waste feed into profitable products.

Introduction

Poultry includes all that birds which are domesticated for commercial purpose i.e. chicken, duck, quails, turkey, geese, pigeon, emu, ostrich and other domestic birds. Indians represent a major success story of poultry industry. While agriculture production has been rising at the rate around 2 percent per annum over the past 2 to 3 decades but at the same time poultry industry has been rising at the rate of around 8 percent. There is no religious issue regarding consumption of eggs and chicken and are accepted by all communities and are available at the most reasonable price. In last two decades, the egg production has gone to 70 billion from few millions and the broiler production has gone to 3.8 million tones.

In Jammu and Kashmir, 84% off the population is mostly non-vegetarian. The peoples of J & K, consumed 121 crore eggs and 7.4 crore kg poultry meat per annum. From the last decade, poultry sector has tremendous growth in Jammu & Kashmir. Poultry farming has come up in a immense way in Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Pulwama, Srinagar and Budgam districts with large number of educated unemployed youth taking poultry farming as a sustainable means of earning their livelihood. More than 8000 youths in J & K have been engage poultry farming for self employment till date. It is high time to take several measures to increase local production so as to achieve independency in J &K youths. Most of the imports of poultry meat and eggs come from the Punjab and Haryana state. Nearly 90% of the poultry farmers of the borders belt of the Punjab are dependent on the supply to J & K, as there is huge demand of poultry products throughout the year in the J & K. Indian Nutritional Academy; Hyderabad has suggested consumption of 182 eggs per head per annum as standard. The national availability is 63 eggs while in J & K, it is only 38 eggs.

Commercial poultry farming in India has creating profitable business opportunity for entrepreneurs. Poultry farming business can provide a great employment source for the job seeking people. This is such as business in India that can never dry up. All types of poultry product have a great demand inside the Indian market. Highly productive local and foreign breeds are available for commercial production. Requirement of initial investment for poultry farming is not too high. You can start small scale production and elaborate it gradually. Bank loans are available throughout the country. Numerous farms are available and can easily learn about poultry farming from those established farmers, KVKs, Universities.

Introduction

Ducks are domesticated before 3000-4500 years. Ancestor of domestic ducks is wild mallard duck (Anas boschos) which are broody. Scientific name of domestic duck is Anas platyrhyncos. Duck farming is the part of poultry farming system. Duck can be raised for meat and eggs. In most part of the world, duck ranks next to the chicken in terms of egg and meat production. Commercial duck farming is increasing as this business has good potential to earn money through egg production. Duck can be feed on agro-industrial waste, swamp and marshy areas. These hardy birds can survive in such as areas where no other agricultural crops could be grown and other livestock raised. Duck farming business is a very profitable business as there are many duck breeds available all over the world. For commercial duck egg production and breeding, must go through water sources for raising ducks. It will reduce cost of feed. Duck can survive without water; but they need water pond kind things for fertile egg laying and mating. If pond is available then it is well and good for commercial duck farming. Chromosome number of duck is 80. Duck sound is whimpering or betch, honk. Incubation period of duck egg is 28 days. Egg weight duck is 72 gm.

Introduction

Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) domestication occurred in Central Meso America at least 2000 years ago from wild turkey. Domestic turkey is a popular and it is raised throughout the world. Commercial industrial farming has made it very economical for the amount of meat produced. Commercial turkey farming is a profitable business. Turkey grows faster like broiler chicken and become suitable for slaughter purpose within a very short time. Turkey farming for meat production is very popular than egg production. Turkey farming is similar to other poultry farming like chicken, duck, quails etc. Turkey is a very social with human; and raising it is really very fun and enjoyable.

Turkey farming is a big business in U.S. and some other western countries. It is almost non-existent in India. America is leading producer (55%) and after that >France>U. K.>Netherland. It is one of the white meat choices famous for its leanness and delicacy. In India, small flocks reared in C.A.R.I., Haryana Agriculture University, Bangalore University, Kerala Veterinary University.

Introduction

Rabbits are being domesticated in our country from a long time. Rabbit rearing is a profitable business. Rabbits are looking cute and small sized animal also. Some peoples can raise the rabbit as pet also. It can be reared in small land without much investment. They are a cute and soft and therefore are the good source of meat. There is very high demand of rabbit meat in the market. It is such as business where investment is low and profit is so high. There is high demand for fur obtained from Angora rabbits in India as well as from foreign. Rabbit meat is consumed by special population in India in which it further adds income from fur marketing. Good shed is necessary for keeping the rabbits to keep save from adverse weather condition, heavy rain, hot sun and various types of predators like dogs and cats etc. Rabbits adapt to a broad range of environmental conditions and are found in the wild and domestic state in all parts of the world. Rabbit has a good potential to produce meat, fur and wool. That’s why; rabbit is a good source of raising the income of farmers.

Introduction

Emu (Dromadius navaehollandiae) are reared commercially in many parts of the world for their meat, oil, skin and feathers, which are high economic value. Emu is considered as one of the latest emerging species in India. It is an exciting and rewarding new agri-business. Next to the ostrich, the Emu is the largest living flightless bird, standing more than 1.5 m tall, length varies from 130-190 cm, weight more than 45-55 kg, the wings are atrophied and the feathers are of earth-greyish to grey-brownish colour. Emus are curious and docile birds. Emu has a more slender body than an ostrich. But it has a shorter neck covered with feathers and fattier than an Ostrich. Body is covered with drab coloured plumage and both the sexes are similar having dark grey head and neck. There are no large decorative plumes in the male’s tail. The feathers are very primitive and look like coarse hair.

The anatomical and physiological feathers of these birds appear to be suitable for temperate and tropical climatic conditions. These birds can be well maintained on extensive and semi-intensive rearing systems with reasonably high fibrous diets. United state, Australia and China are leading in Emu. Emu is introduced recently into India. The Emu is a large flightless bird. They have 3 toes and long legs which allows them to run extremely fast. In this species, the female is larger than the male. Emu, feed on grass, leaves and small insects. They live all over Australia in grasslands. The female lays up to 20 eggs, which are large and are soft dark green in colour. These eggs are often prized not only by humans for decoration pieces, but by animals as a food source. The male incubates the eggs for a period of 7-8 weeks, and does not leave the nest for this period. When the eggs hatch, the male Emu looks after the hatchlings for another six month. The Emu is the world’s third largest bird. The Ostrich and Cassowary take the top positions. The nest of an Emu can be up to 1.5 meters wide.

Introduction

The demand of diversified food has increasing due to health consciousness in the modern civilization. The European communities have gone in search of new foods which contributed mainly to the health diet of population. In this process, animal and avian species have contributed to a large extent in providing the required health foods like milk, meat and eggs. The tendency to go for low calories foods has resulted in increased demand for new species for meat purpose. At present, the ostrich meat ranks highest among health food in Europe. Ostrich meat in terms of health value is credited to less percentage of fat, low cholesterol, less calories, rich in protein and iron. The demand of ostrich meat has been increasing especially after the threat of mad cow diseases. The unique taste of ostrich meat has been added into different meat dishes. This meat has a great demand in restaurant in Europe, Japan, Australia and China in a big way. The popularity of this bird can be judged from the fact that presently 65 countries, including our neighbor Pakistan and China are engaged in ratite farming. The increased demand of ostrich over the past few years has given way to rearing birds under controlled system. The intensive system become popular because of adoption of scientific technologies reduced risk of diseases, through improved bio-security measures, genetic selection and nutritional innovation, health regimes and extensive diseases surveillance. Scientifically proven management practices resulted in low cost production and improvement in quality of ostrich products.

Introduction

Guinea fowl has been domesticated in the recent past as a meat producing birds. Guinea fowl species are found across sub Saharan Africa. Guinea fowls found fairly in large numbers in wild type. Guinea fowl is from the family Numididae in the order Galliformes. They are endemic to Africa and rank among the oldest of the gallinaceous birds. Guinea fowls are hardy, sociable in habit, move in flock and thrive well in tropical as well as in temperate climates. They survive well even under the subsistence agriculture through scavenging. Guinea fowls are resistant to some of the diseases which may fatal to chicken. Guinea fowl meat is tender but slightly darker than that of chicken. Its special gamey flavor makes it a special table delicacy. Guinea fowl meat is drier and leaner than chicken meat and has a gamy flavor. They have marginally more protein than chicken or turkey roughly half the fat of chicken and slightly fewer calories per gram. Their eggs are substantially richer than those of chicken.

Guinea fowl are the insect and seed eating, ground nesting birds with featherless head. Under natural condition, they are monogamous in nature. Wild guinea fowl are strong flyer. Their breast muscle are dark, enabling them to sustain themselves in flight for considerable distances if hard situation. Guinea fowl hens are not known for good mother, but in the wild the guinea fowl cock may help the young keets during the day by keeping them worm and finding feed. Sometime more than one cock will help to raise the young.

Introduction

Pigeon are domesticated from 4500 B.C. Domestic pigeons are decedents from the wild pigeon, distributed in Rocky Ravines throughout the Asia and Europe. They are generally kept for ornamental purpose. The production of young meat pigeon provides alternatives income to the small farmers. Squabs are being reared as a side line in village, towns and on farms. Squab rearing can be made profitable source of income with good management and market. Squabs require little land since all breeders are kept in small pens and houses. There are fair demand of squabs in large cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. Squab rearing also has tremendous export potential to Dubai, Australia, Thailand and Singapore. A pigeon is a tradition part of Middle Eastern country diet. In China, pigeon meat is a popular restaurant dishes and there is a good demand from Jewish Community clubs all over the world. Rearing of pigeon using modern methods is a very profitable than traditional way.

Pigeons have been a friend of man from early times. They utilize not only for ornamentation but to get cheap food for the table. Pigeon are versatile birds and used for Sport of racing pigeon, Flyers and performers, showing of fancy pigeons and Meat production. In the earliest art, many used pigeons to symbolize love, peace and loyalty.

Introduction

Geese are found all over the world. There is great demand for day old green gooseling. Currently it produces in various country, but about 80% of the world production from the France. Geese are well adapted to hot climates, shady areas and to high rainfall regions. They are especially well suited in warm, shallow and water ways. It is difficult to estimate the percent contribution of geese in poultry numbers, but it would be a fraction of 1%. This intended that, little effort has been made to improve the strains of geese in relation to their genetic capabilities. In future, breeders and producers are likely to take a more technical approach to goose production and need to give greater attention to breeding, feeding and general management.

Peculiarity of geese

Geese are mainly ornamental birds and good forager. They are capable for taking care of itself by foraging after reaching adult stage. Swimming water is not so essential. They can digest 40-45% fibre which is higher than other poultry. Geese kept as a watch dog in farms either by biting or making noise. Geese don’t need elaborate housing but is necessary to safeguard against predatory animal. Geese are hardy in nature and resistant to most of diseases. Meat is very palatable with great calorific value. Gander reared as weeders; for this 6 weeks old gooseling used. Gander eats grass and weeds as quickly as they appear but don’t eat crop. After weeding season, they are fed with fattening diet for 3-4 weeks and marketed. Age of sexual maturity is 24 month and produces 50-60 eggs/years. Hybrid varieties produce even 90 eggs and 60 gooseling per year. They are broody in nature. Egg weight is 200-250gm. Grow very fast greater than other species of poultry. Reach 3.2 kg at 6 weeks with feed efficiency of 2.5. At 9^th week have 4.5 kg body weight with feed efficiency of 3. Adult male of goose is called Gander. Sound produced by goose is called Honking. Young one of goose is called Gooseling.