Aseel Leghorn (Italy)
Kadaknath White cornish (England)
Busra
Aseel (or Asil, real), chickens are a traditional breed originating from
India and Pakistan, known for their strength, endurance, and
muscular build. Historically bred for cockfighting, they are now
valued for their meat quality and hardy nature.
Characteristics of Aseel Chickens
Physical Appearance
Strong, muscular body with a broad chest
Thick legs and strong claws
Feathering is tight to the body, and they come in various colors
(white, black, red, brown, etc.)
Weight & Size
Roosters: 3-4.5 kg (some varieties can reach up to 5-6 kg)
Hens: 2-3 kg
Temperament
Very aggressive, especially roosters
Strong territorial instincts
Egg Production
Low egg production: 40-70 eggs per year
Small cream or light brown eggs
Adaptability
Very hardy and resistant to diseases
Tolerant to hot climates
Can thrive in free-range conditions
The Minorca poultry breed is a Mediterranean chicken
breed originating from the Balearic Island of Minorca,
Spain. It is primarily known for its large white eggs,
hardiness, and striking appearance.
Characteristics of the Minorca Poultry Breed
1. Physical Appearance
Size: Large, elegant birds with a long body.
Color Varieties: Black (most common), White, and Blue.
Legs & Skin:
Legs are black or slate blue (depending on the variety).
Skin is white.
2. Egg Production & Laying Ability
Minorca
Egg Color: Large white eggs (weighing around 65g-70g).
Annual Egg Production: Around 200–250 eggs per year.
3. Meat Quality
Minorcas are not primarily meat birds, but their meat is
lean and fine-textured.
Due to their large frame, they can still be used for dual-
purpose farming.
The Chittagong poultry breed, also known as Deshi Chittagong Chicken,
is a well-known indigenous breed from Bangladesh. It is particularly
famous in the Chattogram (Chittagong) region and is valued for its meat
quality, disease resistance, and adaptability to local farming conditions.
Characteristics of Chittagong Poultry Breed
Physical Appearance
Medium to large-sized body.
Reddish or golden-brown feathers (though some may be black or
white).
Long, strong legs with a yellowish color.
Compact body structure with a relatively long neck.
Growth and Productivity
Slower growth rate compared to commercial broilers but produces
high-quality, tasty meat.
Egg production: Around 80–120 eggs per year, making it a moderate Chittagong
egg-layer.
Adaptability and Disease Resistance
Well-adapted to the hot and humid climate of Bangladesh.
Suitable for free-range and backyard farming.
Meat Quality
Highly valued for its firm texture and rich flavor.
Preferred in traditional Bangladeshi cuisine.
White Leghorn Chicken Breed
The White Leghorn is one of the most popular and widely used chicken breeds in
commercial egg production due to its high egg-laying ability, adaptability, and feed
efficiency. It originated from Italy and was further developed in the United States.
Characteristics of White Leghorn
1. Appearance:
Color: Pure white feathers
Comb Type: Mostly single comb, though some have
rose combs
Body Size: Small to medium-sized with a slender frame
Legs & Skin: Yellow legs with no feathering
2. Egg Production:
Excellent layers – produce 280–320 white eggs per
year
Egg Size: Medium to large
3. Temperament & Behavior:
Active & Alert – constantly foraging and exploring
Not Broody – rarely sit on their eggs
Flighty & Nervous – not very friendly, prefer free-
range environments
Hardy & Adaptable – thrive in different climates, but
prefer warm weather
Rhode Island Red Chicken Breed
The Rhode Island Red (RIR) is a popular dual-purpose chicken breed known for its
excellent egg-laying ability, meat production, and hardiness.
Characteristics of Rhode Island Red
1. Appearance:
Color: Deep red or mahogany feathers
Comb Type: Single or rose comb (both varieties exist)
Body Size: Medium to large, broad body with a sturdy
frame
Weight:
Rooster: 3.2–3.9 kg (7–8.5 lbs)
Hen: 2.5–3.0 kg (5.5–6.5 lbs)
Legs & Skin: Yellow legs, clean (no feathering)
2. Egg Production:
Good layers – produce 200–300 brown eggs per year
Egg Size: Large
3. Meat Production:
Good dual-purpose breed (eggs + meat)
Grow to a decent market weight in a short time
Firm, flavorful meat
Poultry breeding and rearing
techniques
Free-Range Chicken Farming
Free-range farming is a natural and ethical method of raising chickens where
they can roam freely, forage, and exhibit natural behaviors. This method is
popular for Aseel chickens and other indigenous breeds due to their hardy
nature.
1. Benefits of Free-Range Farming
✅ Healthier Birds – Strong immune systems, fewer diseases
✅ Higher Quality Meat & Eggs – More flavorful and nutritious
✅ Lower Feed Costs – Chickens forage for insects, grains, and plants
2. Land & Space Requirements
Recommended Space Per Chicken:
Minimum: 1-2 square meters per bird
Ideal: 4-5 square meters per bird
Provide trees, bushes, and shelters for shade and protection
Avoid overcrowding to prevent stress and disease
3. Feeding & Nutrition
Though chickens will forage, they still need supplemental feed.
Supplementary Feed (if needed):
✅ Grains: Corn, wheat, millet, sorghum
✅ Protein: Fish meal, soybean meal, sunflower meal
✅ Minerals: Crushed eggshells, oyster shells for calcium
Organic Chicken Farming
Organic poultry farming is a natural, chemical-free, and sustainable way to raise
chickens. It focuses on healthy, stress-free birds, high-quality eggs and meat, and
minimal environmental impact.
2. Land & Housing Requirements
Chickens need ample space to roam, forage, and stay healthy.
Space Requirements (Per Bird):
🐔 Outdoor (Free-Range Area) – 4-5 square meters per chicken
🏠 Coop (Shelter Area) – 1 square meter per bird
3. Organic Feeding & Nutrition
Even though chickens forage, they still need organic feed for balanced nutrition.
Organic Feed Ingredients:
✅ Grains: Corn, wheat, millet, sorghum
✅ Protein Sources: Soybean meal, sunflower meal, earthworms, dried fish
✅ Greens & Herbs: Moringa leaves, Azolla, vegetable scraps
6. Waste Management & Sustainability
♻ Compost Chicken Manure – Use as organic fertilizer
🌱 Integrate with Crop Farming – Grow organic vegetables using chicken
manure
🐛 Earthworm Farming – Convert waste into protein-rich feed
Yarding Method of Chicken Farming
Yarding is a semi-free-range method of raising chickens where they have access to an
outdoor area (yard) enclosed by a fence. It combines the benefits of free-range and
confined systems, allowing chickens to roam while still being protected from
predators.
1. Features of Yarding System
✅ Chickens have outdoor access but are still confined to a secure area
✅ Reduces predator risks compared to full free-range
✅ Lower feed costs because chickens forage naturally
✅ Easier management than completely free-range farming
✅ Improves chicken health by allowing natural behaviors
2. Setup & Space Requirements
Chicken Coop (Shelter): Provides protection at night and during bad
weather
Yard (Outdoor Area): Fenced space where chickens can move freely
Recommended Space:
Coop: 1 square meter per bird
Yard Area: 2-5 square meters per bird
4. Egg Production & Meat Quality
🐣 Eggs:
Hens lay better quality eggs compared to caged systems
Eggs have stronger shells and richer yolks due to natural foraging
🍗 Meat:
Chickens develop strong muscles (leaner meat)
Meat is tastier and firmer than caged broilers
RANIKHET DISEASE
Ranikhet disease (also known as Newcastle disease) in chickens. This is a highly
contagious viral disease caused by the Newcastle disease virus (NDV), which affects
domestic poultry and wild birds.
Prevention & Control
Vaccination: The best way to prevent Ranikhet disease is through
regular vaccination of poultry.
Biosecurity Measures:
Isolate new birds before introducing them to the flock.
Keep the poultry house clean and disinfect regularly.
Prevent contact with wild birds.
Proper Disposal: Dispose of infected birds properly to prevent
further spread.
