Dr. Avinash Dhuleshwar Pange1*, Dr. Pradeep B. Ranaware2, Dr. Ramchandra Pandurang Patil3 and Dr. Prabhakar B. Ghorpade41Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Dispensary, Nimbargi, Taluka South Solapur, District Solapur, Maharashtra, India.2Veterinary Officer (Virology), Disease Investigation Section, Pune, Maharashtra, India. 3Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Dispensary, Pangaon, Taluka Barshi, District Solapur, Maharashtra, India.4Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Parbhani, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.*Corresponding author: avinashpange@gmail.com doi.org/10.5281/IndianVetMagazine.23492914
Abstract
Backyard poultry farming supports the livelihoods of rural, tribal and landless families by providing eggs, meat and supplementary income. However, scavenging alone often fails to meet the nutritional requirements of birds, particularly during the hot, dry season when natural feed resources become scarce. Maharashtra has abundant locally available feed ingredients, including jowar, bajra, maize, rice bran, soybean meal, groundnut cake and green leaves, which can be used to prepare low-cost, balanced poultry rations. Supplementary feeding with appropriately formulated chick, grower and layer mashes can improve growth, egg production and flock survival. Improved backyard birds may require approximately 25–50 g of supplementary feed per bird daily, depending on the availability of natural feed resources. Laying hens also need adequate calcium through limestone powder or shell grit to support eggshell formation. Proper grinding, mixing and storage help maintain feed quality and reduce wastage. Farmers must avoid mouldy, rancid or salty feed and ensure continuous access to clean water. Combining balanced supplementary feeding with scavenging, green fodder and safe household leftovers can improve poultry productivity and rural household income.Keywords: Backyard poultry; low-cost feeding; balanced ration; locally available feed ingredients; jowar; soybean meal; supplementary feeding; egg production; poultry nutrition; rural livelihoods