Feed Management in Kadaknath/Black Chicken: Feeding Plan, Feed Formula, and Feed Requirement

There is an Indian breed of chicken called the Kadaknath (also spelled Karenath). The bird is also locally known as Kali masi because it is black throughout – the skin, feathers, legs, meat, blood, etc. Melanin pigment is deposited in the connective tissue of organs and the dermis of these birds, resulting in intense black coloration of their internal organs.

Kadaknath’s black flesh is very delicious and very popular among native tribes. Kadaknathis is a native Madhya Pradesh poultry breed well adapted to extreme climatic conditions. Extreme heat and cold climatic conditions can be tolerated with minimal maintenance costs.

Feed Management in Kadaknath/Black Chicken

Kadaknath Chicken Breed information

Kadaknath Feed Management

Feed accounts for 65-70% of the total cost of production in Kadaknath farming. An adequate amount of balanced and wholesome feed is therefore important for optimum production. The feed should be formulated to provide optimum nutrient concentrations at a reasonable cost for maximum growth, production, and feed efficiency.

To prepare balanced and economical feed, detailed knowledge of nutrient contents and the ingredients available to formulate the diet is essential. Feed manufacturing aims to produce feed that meets the nutritional specifications, palatability, and medication level and is free of contaminants.

Basic Kadaknath Chicken Nutrition Requirements

Food provides the energy and materials needed to grow bone, flesh, feathers, and eggs. A lack of any of these compounds can have serious health consequences for poultry, as even the smallest deficiency can lead to serious health problems. There are five main components in the feed:

Carbohydrates

Most of a poultry’s diet consists of carbohydrates (compounds of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen). The most common forms of carbohydrates are starch, sugar, cellulose, and other non-starch compounds. Typically, poultry cannot digest cellulose and crude fiber, which are non-starch compounds. However, most starches and sugars can be used well by poultry. In poultry diets, corn, wheat, barley, and other grains are important sources of carbohydrates.

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Fats

By weight, fat contains two and a quarter times more calories than carbohydrates. The oil from corn, soy, and canola are all acceptable unsaturated fats. In commercially produced poultry feeds, animal fat, poultry fat, and yellow grease are common supplemental fat sources. The high cost of vegetable oils makes it uneconomical to include these fats in poultry diets.

Proteins

A protein is a complex compound of smaller units called amino acids. After consuming, a bird’s digestive system breaks down protein into amino acids. The poultry diet primarily consists of plant proteins such as soybean, canola, and corn gluten meals. Among the animal proteins used are fishmeal and meat and bone meal. It is only recommended to use fishmeal in limited quantities (less than 5% of the total diet composition). Otherwise, poultry meat and eggs will taste fishy.

Minerals

Minerals play an important role in bone formation, but they also play a role in the formation of blood cells, blood clotting, enzyme activation, energy metabolism, and muscle function. Commercial poultry feeds contain mineral supplements because grains are low in minerals. There are many sources of calcium, such as limestone and oyster shells. A common source of phosphorus and calcium is dicalcium phosphate. Microminerals are usually supplied in mineral premixes.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that poultry needs in small quantities. Vitamins are vital in normal body functions, growth, and reproduction despite low requirement levels. Vitamin deficiencies cause several diseases or syndromes. Several essential vitamins are partially supplied by feed ingredients like alfalfa meal and distillers’ dried solubles. In vitamin premixes, the fluctuating levels of vitamins naturally found in food are compensated for, and all vitamins are adequately supplied.

Feeding of the Kadaknath Birds

Pre-starter broiler feed and maize crumbs can be fed to birds before two months of age. A 20% protein diet can be given to them after two months. It is best to start with broiler feed and then switch to regular feed based on the weight and age of the bird. The breed requires little care and can eat seeds, grass, leafy vegetables, etc.

Feed Consumption and Feed Efficiency in Kadaknath Birds

Water Requirements for Kadaknath Birds

One of the most important nutrients is water, which is often overlooked. An animal can live longer without food than without water. It is, therefore, important to always have access to clean water. Fill the drinkers twice a day if you do not use automatic waterers. Birds can run out of water by midday if their drinkers are only filled in the morning. Laying hens drink about 25% of their daily water intake during the last two hours of daylight. In general, poultry consumes twice as much water as they do feed.

In case you missed it: Feed Management in Layer Chickens: Feeding Plan, Feed Formula, and Feed Requirement

Conclusion

In addition to its black pigmentation on all parts of its body, Kadaknath is highly popular due to its unique characteristics. Despite its slow growth rate, its unique meat quality is gaining popularity. Farmers will benefit from Kadaknath poultry farming if it is properly managed and the market price is assured.

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