Effect of Antioxidants on Physio-Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in Broiler Chicken at High Altitude (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION North western part of Himalaya shows varied climatic and topographic features. This part exhibits extreme cold and dry climate for most of the year, which hinders the growth and productivity of biomass. Vegetation cover is very scarce in areas like Ladakh, Kargil, Drass and Lahaul-Spiti in India. In winter, the temperature falls to -35[degrees]C and the altitude varies from 10,000 to 12,000 feet from mean sea level (MSL). The atmospheric oxygen pressure is 30% short of MSL. This type of cold arid and desert like condition doesn't suit to poultry birds for their natural habitat. The term "Poultry" now includes a number of avian species such as chicken, duck, turkey, geese, guinea-fowl, quail, ostrich and emus domesticated for economic purpose. However, chicken accounts for more than 90% of the total poultry population of the world. Chicken and ducks are reared for egg and meat production, turkey, guinea fowl, geese, ostriches and emus etc are maintained only for meat purpose. The growth of poultry industry in India has been phenomenal in last two decades, and has reached a stage of self-sufficiency and sophistication. However, the picture is very grim in cold arid part of Himalaya. Here, still it is a backyard venture with very little number of birds. The nonexistence of any commercial hatchery, problem in transportation of day old chicks and unavailability of poultry feed acts as the major obstacle in growth and popularization of poultry farming in this region.