Backyard Poultry Production and Management is a comprehensive guide tailored for farmers, students, extension personnel, and poultry enthusiasts aiming to establish or improve small-scale poultry farming. With a focus on sustainable practices, this book explores the practical and scientific aspects of rearing poultry in rural and peri-urban backyard settings. It covers a diverse range of topics and highlights the role of backyard poultry in enhancing rural livelihoods, food and nutritional security, and women empowerment. Special attention is given to improved chicken breeds suited for local conditions, along with insights into rearing ducks, quails, guinea fowls, etc. It also discusses market opportunities and the socio-economic impact of poultry farming in rural areas. Written in an accessible style, this book bridges academic knowledge with real-world experiences, making it equally useful for beginners and experienced practitioners. Whether for household nutrition or income generation, this book serves as a reliable companion for anyone interested in sustainable backyard poultry farming.
Dr. M.T. Banday is Ex-Dean, F.V.Sc. & A.H., Shuham, SKUAST-Kashmir. He is the recipient of Fellow National from Animal Production Management Society of India and Fellow of Indian Poultry Science Association. He is also the recipient of SK Ranjhan Award from Animal Nutrition Society of India for his Doctoral Programme. He is presently working as a Professor and Head Division of LPM and he has also served as an Associate Director Extension (Animal Science). He has published about 260 research papers/abstracts/popular scientific articles, 7 books, 45 book chapters, 5 technical bulletins, one monograph, four practical manuals and edited learning material on Poultry Production for National Institute of Open School, New Delhi. He is associated with a number of internal and external research projects. He is in the editorial board of two Poultry magazines. He has guided a number of students for M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. programme. He has been a lifetime member of a number of professional/ scientific bodies. He can be contacted at drbandayade@gmail.com.
Dr. Sheikh Adil is currently working as a Senior Assistant Professor in the Department of Livestock Production and Management, F.V.Sc. & A.H., SKUAST-Kashmir. He has a vast experience in teaching, research and extension. His area of interest is poultry nutrition. He is the recipient of various awards. He has guided a number of students at UG and Post graduate level. He has published a number of research and technical papers in various national and impact factor international journals. Besides he has number of books, book chapters, manuals, monographs, pamphlets, etc. to his credit. He is an Editorial board member in various reputed national and international journals. He is a lifetime member of number of professional/scientific bodies. He is associated with many internally & externally funded projects. He can be contacted at aadilsheikh5@gmail.com.
Dr. Abdul Hai is presently working as a Professor in the Division of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension, F.V.Sc. & A.H., Shuhama. He has a vast experience spanning more than 30 years in Teaching, Research and Extension. He is the recipient of various awards including Life-time achievement award-2024 and Extension Scientist award-2019 from Society of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education (SVAHE). He has published a number of Research and Technical papers in various journals of repute. Besides he has a number of books, book chapters, manuals monographs, pamphlets, etc. to his credit. He has been lifetime member of a number of Professional/Scientific bodies. He has guided a number of P.G. and Ph.D. students in the field of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension. He is pioneer in establishing Faculty Outreach Centre (FOC) and Division of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension at Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-K.
1. Introduction .............................................................................................1
2. Indian Poultry Industry ...........................................................................5
3. Status of Backyard Poultry ....................................................................23
4. Chicken Breeds for Backyard Poultry ...................................................27
5. Housing and Equipments for Backyard Poultry ....................................47
6. Systems of Rearing Backyard Poultry ..................................................65
7. Nutrition and Feeding of Backyard Poultry ..........................................71
8. Health and Diseases of Backyard Poultry .............................................87
9. Diversified Poultry for Backyard Farming ..........................................105
10. Status of Backyard Poultry in SAARC Countries ...............................125
11. Marketing of Backyard Poultry ...........................................................149
Annexures ............................................................................................155
