Package of Practices : Livestock & Poultry

Topics	Recommended Practices
Breeds	Choose HF or Jersey crossbreds for high yield, or Kangayam and Sahiwal for low-input systems.
Shed	Orient the shed east–west, with about 3.5 m² covered and 7 m² open area per cow.
Daily feed	15–25 kg green fodder, 4–5 kg dry fodder and concentrate at 1 kg per 2.5 litres of milk, plus 30–50 g mineral mixture.
Breeding	Breed heifers at 15–18 months and inseminate using the AM–PM rule. Aim for a calving interval of 12–13 months.
Calf care	Give colostrum within one hour of birth.
Health	Vaccinate against FMD every 6 months, and against HS and BQ before the monsoon. Deworm every 3–4 months.

Topics	Recommended Practices
System	Rear animals semi-intensively, with 5–6 hours of grazing plus stall feeding of green fodder, tree leaves and concentrate.
Shed	Use a raised slatted-floor shed (3–4 feet high) to keep animals dry and reduce worm problems.
Breeding	Breed does at 10–12 months and aim for 3 kiddings in 2 years, with one breeding male per 20–25 females.
Health	Vaccinate against PPR, enterotoxaemia and FMD. Deworm every 3 months based on faecal egg count.

Topics	Recommended Practices
Chicks	Buy chicks only from a reputed hatchery.
Brooding	Brood chicks at 95°F in the first week, reducing the temperature weekly.
Broilers	Give 1 sq ft per bird. Market at 6–7 weeks at 2–2.2 kg.
Layers	Feed chick, grower and layer mash by stage, with 16 hours of light from 18 weeks.
Vaccination	Follow the Marek’s, Ranikhet, IBD and fowl pox vaccination schedule.
Biosecurity	Practise strict biosecurity and report sudden high mortality to the Veterinary Officer.
Backyard birds	Keep 5–10 improved birds with a night shelter and supplementary feed.