Kadaknath

Kadaknath, also called Kali Masi ("fowl having black flesh"), is an Indian breed of chicken. They originated from Dhar and Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh. These birds are mostly bred by the rural and tribals.[1] There are three varieties: jet black, golden and pencilled.[2] The meat from this breed has a geographical indication (GI Tag) tag that was approved by the Indian government on 30 July 2018.[3]

For other dark-meat chickens, see Black chicken.
Kadaknath Chicken
Other namesBlack chicken/black hen
NicknamesKali Masi
Country of originIndia
UseDual-purpose breed: eggs, meat
Traits
Weight
  • Male:
    1.8kg - 2kg
  • Female:
    1.2kg - 1.4kg
Skin colorGreyish Black with a Turquoise glow
Egg colorCream
Classification

Breed

The Kadaknath is popular for its adaptability and its grey-black meat,[4] which is believed to infuse vigour.[5] Its colour is caused by melanin. The breed is considered to have originated from the Kathiwar Alirajapur jungles in Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh.[6]

The roosters weigh 1.8–2 kg (4.0–4.4 lb) and the hens 1.2–1.5 kg (2.6–3.3 lb).[6] Kadaknath hens' eggs are brown with a slightly pink tint;[6] they are poor setters and rarely hatch their own brood. Eggs weigh an average of 30–35 g (1.1–1.2 oz).[6]

Colour

Kadaknath birds are grey-black all over and have gold plumage with greenish iridescence. The greyish black colour is present in the legs and toenails, beak, tongue, comb and wattles; even the meat, bones, blood and organs have black colouration.

Threat of extinction

Due to the relatively high consumption of the breed, its numbers have sharply declined throughout the years. To save the breed from extinction, the state government started a Kadaknath poultry breeding program involving 500 families who are below the poverty line, who were to receive financial support and assistance.[5]

Scams

Because of the limited availability and increased popularity of the breed since the mid-2000s, there have been multiple types of scams in which both poultry farmers and consumers have been swindled.[7][8][9][10]

References
  1. "Breeds Selection". ICAR-CCARI. Retrieved 2019-12-31.
  2. Parmar, S N S; Tolenkhomba, T C; M S Thakur; C G Joshi; D N Rank; J V Solanki; P N Srivastava; P V A Pillai (2007). "Analysis of genetic relationship among three varieties of indigenous Kadaknath breed using 25 chicken microsatellite markers" (PDF). Indian Journal of Biotechnology. 6: 205–209.
  3. "Famous Kadaknath chicken meat from Jhabua of C.G. gets Geographical Indication tag". The Financial Express. 2018-08-02. Retrieved 2018-08-04.
  4. Belsare, R. M.; Narayankhedkar, S.G. (2004). "Relative selection efficiency and expected selection estimates in Kadakanath breed of poultry". The Journal of Bombay Veterinary College. 12 (1–2): 64–65.
  5. Mahapatra, Dhananjay (2008-11-26). "For 'kadaknath' lovers, party no bar". The Times of India. Retrieved 2019-12-31.
  6. "कड़कनाथ मुर्गीपालन" (in Hindi). Retrieved 2019-12-30.
  7. "'Kadaknath' chicken scheme fraud: Four officials of poultry firm held after farmers lodge FIRs". Mumbai Mirror.
  8. "Kadaknath poultry scam: Farmers who took loan to invest worst hit". The New Indian Express.
  9. "Kadaknath poultry scam: One more case registered in Satara district | Kolhapur News - Times of India". The Times of India.
  10. "Kadaknath chicken scam: three arrested for duping farmers". Business Standard India. Press Trust of India. September 17, 2019 – via Business Standard.


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