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Introduction
The north western part of the Himalayan region of India shows varied climatic and topographic features. This area exhibits an extremely cold and dry climate for most of the year, which hinders the growth and productivity of biomass. Vegetation cover is therefore very scarce in areas like Ladakh, Kargil, Drass and Lahaul-Spiti. In winter, the temperature falls to -35°C and the altitude varies from 3048 to 3658 m from mean sea level (MSL). The atmospheric oxygen pressure is 30% lower than at MSL. These type of cold, arid, desert-like conditions are not suited to the natural habitat of poultry birds.
The term 'poultry' includes a number of avian species such as the chicken, duck, turkey, goose, guinea-fowl, quail, ostrich and emus domesticated for economic purposes. However, chicken accounts for more than 90% of the total poultry population of the country. Both chickens and ducks are reared for egg and meat production, while turkeys, guinea fowls, geese, ostriches and emus are used mainly for meat production.
The growth of the poultry industry in India has been phenomenal in the last two decades, and has reached a stage of self-sufficiency and sophistication. However, the picture is far worse in the cold, arid parts of Himalaya, where it is a backyard venture with very small numbers of birds. The non-existence of any commercial hatcheries, problems with transporting day-old chicks and the unavailability of poultry feed continue to be major obstacles to the expansion and popularization of poultry farming in this particular region.
Due to the sustained efforts of the state government, animal husbandry department, non-governmental organizations (NGO'S) and a few agro-animal researchers; the awareness and importance of poultry farming amongst farmers has increased. The presence of army personnel, increased tourism, changing life-styles and eating habits has created a huge demand for poultry meat and eggs. Additionally, as traditional agricultural activities cease in winter, there is an opportunity for farmers to participate in an occupation like poultry farming during this time. Therefore, despite numerous constraints, the poultry industry has good potential for expansion in this region. A few farmers have established small scale broiler farms in cities like Leh and Kargil. At a 'backyard' level most of the farmers opt for 15...