Yubjha: dominant poultry breed

BHUTAN - Despite cross breeding and introduction of new breeds, for more than four decades, 95 percent of the chickens in the country are of the “Yubjha” or indigenous stock .

Of the 230,723 poultry birds recorded in Bhutan 220,197 are Yubjhas that feed on household refuse and grain and are generally scavengers within the households and village boundaries.

The Yubjha is the dominant stock of chickens in the country for several well founded reasons the study states.

The indigenous breed of chickens for instance are preferred by the Lhotshampas of Hindu origin while conducting important social and traditional rituals.

Chickens are also slaughtered to entertain guests and to strengthen the health of a woman during pregnancy and after delivery. The egg and meat of indigenous chickens are prized and cost more than the farm produce.

Unlike exotic or introduced breeds, the Yubjha is resistant to many diseases and are also resistant to crude feeds and good at protecting themselves from predators. These are some of the reasons that have contributed to the dominance of the indigenous stock.

A prominent characteristic of indigenous chickens is broodiness, a maternal instinct in birds, often misinterpreted as unwanted and unproductive says the study.

Source: Kuensel Online