CARIBRO-Mritunjaya
CARIBRO-Mritunjaya (also known as CARI Mritunjai or Mritunjaya Broiler) is a commercial broiler genotype developed by ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), Izatnagar, in the late 1990s to early 2000s. It incorporates the Naked Neck gene, which reduces feather coverage on the neck and body by approximately 20%–30%, improving the bird's ability to dissipate heat and survive in high temperatures. It was developed specifically for hot and dry agro-climatic zones of India.
Practical Overview & Field Action
Field Verification Checkpoints
- FCR Benchmarks: ≤1.95 at 7 weeks (technical specifications); 2.10–2.25 at 7 weeks (hot-dry field conditions)
Breed Characteristics
Economic Importance
CARIBRO-Mritunjaya is highly cost-effective for smallholders and rural backyard operations in hot-dry regions, where standard broilers experience high mortality and poor feed conversion. Its heat tolerance helps ensure consistent growth and survival under challenging conditions. It was developed by introgressing the dominant Naked Neck gene into high-yielding broiler lines.
Overview
CARIBRO-Mritunjaya (also known as CARI Mritunjai or Mritunjaya Broiler) is a commercial broiler genotype developed by ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), Izatnagar, in the late 1990s to early 2000s. It incorporates the Naked Neck gene, which reduces feather coverage on the neck and body by approximately 20%–30%, improving the bird's ability to dissipate heat. It was developed for hot and dry agro-climatic zones of India.
Origin
Developed by ICAR-CARI, Izatnagar. Alternate names include CARI Mritunjai and Mritunjaya Broiler. Latest genetic version: CARIBRO-Mritunjaya (Naked Neck). It was developed by introgressing the dominant Naked Neck gene into high-yielding broiler lines, creating a hybrid that combines improved meat yield with superior heat dissipation.
Production Performance
| Performance Parameter | Technical Specifications | Hot-Dry Field Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Market Age | 6–7 weeks | 7–8 weeks |
| Weight at 6 Weeks | 1.100–1.200 kg | 0.950–1.050 kg |
| Weight at 7 Weeks | 1.400–1.500 kg | 1.200–1.350 kg |
| FCR (Grow-out) | ≤1.95 (at 7 weeks) | 2.10–2.25 (at 7 weeks) |
| Livability Percentage | ≥97.0% | 95.5%–97.0% |
| Dressing Yield | 68.0%–70.0% | 66.5%–68.5% |
Key Characteristics
- Feather Color: Naked Neck phenotype — feather coverage on neck and body reduced by approximately 20%–30%
- Heat Tolerance: Outstanding — improved heat dissipation through Naked Neck trait
- Leg Strength: Good — robust metabolic profile
- Water Requirement: Lower than standard feathered broilers under thermal stress
Management Requirements
- Housing: Traditional open-sided and backyard systems in hot-dry regions; semi-intensive systems
- Brooding Temperature: 33°C on day one, reducing weekly
- Stocking Density: 1.2–1.3 sq. ft. per bird in semi-intensive systems
- Water: Lower water requirement under thermal stress compared to standard feathered broilers
Health Considerations
- Excellent heat tolerance and disease resistance — survives and performs under high ambient temperatures
- Good leg strength with robust metabolic profile
- Newcastle Disease and Fowl Pox vaccinations highly recommended
Economic Importance
Highly cost-effective for smallholders and rural backyard operations in hot-dry regions, where standard broilers experience high mortality and poor feed conversion. Heat tolerance helps ensure consistent growth and survival, supporting stable returns under challenging conditions.
Advantages
- Outstanding heat tolerance and survivability in hot-dry climates
- Good adaptability to varied housing and management systems
- High physical robustness and disease resistance
- Lower water requirement and feed depression under thermal stress
Limitations
- Slower growth rate and higher FCR compared to specialized commercial broilers in intensive systems
- Naked neck phenotype may not be preferred in standard commercial processing plants
Best Suitable Farming Systems
- Traditional open-sided and backyard systems in hot-dry regions
- Semi-intensive operations in hot and dry agro-climatic zones
- Smallholders in regions where standard broilers fail due to extreme heat
References
- ICAR-CARI Core Research Areas: Avian Genetics and Breeding — ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute, 2025, CARI Official Portal
- Guide to Backyard Poultry Farming for Sustainable Livelihoods — Central Poultry Development Organization, 2022, CPDO Portal
Review official commercial growth, feed intake, and FCR efficiency trajectories for Cobb 500, Ross 308, and VenCobb 430 with governed biophysical comparability.
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