KADAKNATH

Introduction

Kadaknath or Kali Masi(fowl with black flesh) is unique breed of chicken that is completely black in colour. Apart from its meat,it's bones and most organs are also black. It's egg are also in black. Its black colour stems from deposition of melanin pigment.

This breed of chicken is popular for its adaptability and flavourful good tasting black meat, which is believed to have medicinal properties.

It contains 25–27% of protein in comparison with other breeds of chicken that contain 18% Protein. Breeders claim that it's cholesterol content is just 0.73–1.05%,in comparison with 13–25% level in regular white chickens.

It is from Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh and has received Geographical Indication(GI) tag. It was awarded GI tag in “meat product, poultry and poultry meat”, category.

GI tag will ensure that no one else can use name kadaknath chicken while selling any other black chicken. It will also enhances its commercial value that will translate into higher prices for producers mainly tribal districts of Jhabua but now kadaknath are available in Nepal, Kapilvastu district Banganga 02 municipality.

Price:

Male-1500 Nepali Rupee

Female-1200 Nepali Rupee

But private sellers retail the chicken for 1500 to 2000 each.

Contact - +9779866845889 / +9779866845889

E-mail - sumanmgr1212@gmail.com

Kadaknath Farming – Kadaknath farming is a very profitable agri-business. Both, Kadaknath Egg Production Business and Kadaknath Chicken Production Business are very good and low investment start-up.

What is Kadaknath?

Kadaknath is the name given to desi breed of chicken. It is native to central India i.e.- Madhya Pradesh. The word Kadaknath is made up of two words, ‘Kadak and Nath’. The word ‘Kadak’ means ‘Strong or Hard’, while the meaning of the word ‘Nath’ is ‘Lord or Natha in Shaivism. Kadakhnath is totally different from other foriegn spp. of chicken. Origin of this important species is western Madhya Pradesh in India where research works is being conducted since many years.

Distribution

The species is native to Jhabua and Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. They can adapt a wide range of climatic conditions. Kadaknath has been introduced to these Nepal Province No. 05 Kapilvastu,Palpa district etc.

Characteristics and behavior

Female – Female starts laying eggs after 6 months. They are not a good broody hen.

Male – Males are double the size of female.

• Feather – Feather is shiny and dark black. Some feathers reflect green colour in sunlight.
• Comb – Comb is black. It is fully developed in healthy rooster.
• Legs – The muscular legs are also black in colour.
• Tongue – Black.
• Egg – There is false fact that the eggs of kadaknath are black in colour. But the color is creamy.

Importance

• Rich in protein.
• Low quantity of fat.
• Low cholesterol.
• Beneficial to diabetic patience.

Source to Buy

Provinces No 05 – Kapilvastu District Nepal.

Housing System

• Cage system.
• Deep litter.
• Free range.

Kadakhnath in Cage System

Cage system is used for layers in egg production industries. Kadaknath loves natural surroundings. Kadaknath farming in cage system will increase extra expenses. This includes – Expense in cage, feeding and other management practice.

Kadakhnath in Deep Litter = Deep litter system is very good for young chicken. The thickness of litter should be same as used for other breed of chicken. It is 4 inch to 1-2 feet

.

Kakhnath in Free Range = Free range is best for adults. Male and female perform best in free range system. In this system 1 rooster should be reared along with 10 females. More number of male cock is the reason of brawl among them. The main benefit of this system is low maintenance and management. It requires low investment. Naturally available food cuts extra expense in feeding. Minimum 1 acre of land is sufficient for free range system.

Feeding = Kadaknath can eat all types of poultry feed.

Egg Laying

Developed chicken sta

Female of this breed is not vrts laying eggs after 6 months. One hen lays 12-15 eggs in a clutch. They can lay egg anywhere, so nest should be make to prevent it.

Brooding

• Natural brooding
• Artificial brooding

Natural brooding

One hen out of ten tends to brood. Remaining eggs should be kept in the nest of other broody hen.

Artificial brooding

Artificial hatching machine and chambers are used.

Growth and Development
Kadaknath is a slow growing breed of chicken. A mature rooster can weigh up to 2 kg. Proper diet helps in fast growing. Young chicken should be fed with standard poultry feed in deep litter system.

Marketing

• Through contract farming.
• Online selling.
• Marketing channel.
• Local sellers.

Pests Management

Disease and Management

1. Ranikhet/New Castle Disease

Cause – Virus.

Mode of infection – It is a highly contagious disease. Air, contaminated foods are the source of infection.

Mortality – Both, chicken and adults are affected by the virus. It can empty a farm from chicken. The mortality rate is 50-100 %.

Prevention – Sanitation and scheduled vaccination.

Source of Vaccine – Govt. supply through veterinary department. Professional farms.

2. Coryza –

Cause – Bacteria. Haemophiluspara gallinarum.

Mode of infection – It is infectious disease. Contaminated water and food is major source of infection.

Mortality – Deadliest disease in kadaknath.

Prevention – Clean water and food. Shed should be disinfected.

Risk Factors

Abiotic Factors

• Malnutrition
• Weather
• Predators
• Thieves

Biotic Factors

• Bacteria
• Virus
• Mycoplasma

Questions

1. Which is dangerous disease in Kadaknath?

Answer

1. Coccidiosis, ranikhet, disease caused by mycoplasma.

Conclusion: In Points

• It is a disease resistant breed of chicken.