Performance of Vanaraja birds under extensive system of rearing at different altitudes in Nagaland

Performance in terms of body weight, gain in body weight, age at first egg, egg production and mortality of Vanaraja birds was studied at three altitudes, i.e. altitude 1 (A1, 145 mt); altitude 2 (A2, 305 mt) and altitude 3 (A3, 1524 mt) above mean sea level (msl). The overall mean body weight was significantly (P<0.01) higher (2128.23±35.08 g/bird/month) at A3 followed by A1 (2067.57±34.07 g/bird/month) and the least at A2 (2050.83±29.37 g/bird/month); however, there was non - significant difference between A1 and A2. The mean age at first egg ranged between 187.87±2.04 to 189.10±1.81 days while the total egg production up to 252 days ranged between 34.27±1.70 to 36.63±1.90 numbers at the three altitudes; however, these values did not differ significantly. The mortality rate was also negligible (3.95±0.65) irrespective of altitudes. From the results, it can be concluded that Vanaraja birds can be successfully raised and can be a promising variety for sustaining eggs and meat under the agro climatic condition of Nagaland.