Indian Chicken Breeds

Indian Chicken Breeds: List of Indigenous Breeds and Their Characteristics

India is home to several indigenous chicken breeds that are well adapted to diverse climatic conditions and local production systems. These breeds vary in their body characteristics, plumage, egg production, and other economically important traits. This article provides a list of Indian chicken breeds, along with the important characteristics of selected indigenous breeds such as Aseel, Chittagong, Kadaknath, and Busra.

India has 21 indigenous breeds of chicken registered with ICAR-NBAGR.

1. Ankaleshwar
2. Aseel
3. Busra
4. Chittagong
5. Danki
6. Daothigir
7. Ghagus
8. Harringhata Black
9. Kadaknath
10. Kalasthi
11. Kashmir Favorolla
12. Miri
13. Nicobari
14. Punjab Brown
15. Tellichery
16. Mewari
17. Kaunayen
18. Hansli
19. Uttara
20. Aravali
21. Mala

1. Aseel

• It is noted for its pugnacity, high stamina, majestic gait, and dogged fighting qualities.
• The popular varieties of Aseel are Peela (golden red), Yakub (black and red), Nuri (white), Kagar (black), Chitta (black and white spotted), Java (black), Sabja (white and golden or black with yellow or silver), Teekar (brown), and Reza (light red).
• It has a pea comb, bright red wattles and ear lobes, a long neck, and strong legs.

2. Chittagong

• It is also known as Malay.
• It is a dual-purpose bird.
• The popular varieties are buff, white, black, dark brown, and gray.
• It has a pea comb, red ear lobes, prominent overhanging eyebrows, and featherless shanks.

3. Kadaknath

• The skin, beak, shanks, toes, and soles of the feet are slate-like in color.
• The comb, wattles, and tongue are purple.
• Most of the internal organs show intense black coloration, and varying degrees of black coloration are seen in the skeletal muscles, tendons, nerves, brain, etc. The black pigment is due to the deposition of melanin.

4. Busra

• It is a medium-sized bird, deep-bodied, lightly feathered, and alert in nature.
• It is a poor layer.
• There is wide variation in body color.

Note:

• Araucana is an American breed that lays blue- or green-colored eggs.
• Aseel is an indigenous game fowl with a fighting temperament.
• Frizzle is an Asian breed that is notable for its distinctive feather formation. Each feather is curled toward the head of the bird.
• Silkie is an Asian breed that has a persistent broody character.
• White Leghorn is the most popular egg-type breed.