CARIBRO-Tropicana
CARIBRO-Tropicana (also known as CARI Tropicana or Tropicana Broiler) is a commercial broiler genotype developed by ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), Izatnagar, in the late 1990s to early 2000s. It incorporates both the Naked Neck and Frizzle genes, which significantly reduce feather coverage and modify feather structure to improve heat dissipation and survival in high temperature and humidity. It was developed specifically for hot and humid coastal and tropical regions of India.
Practical Overview & Field Action
Field Verification Checkpoints
- FCR Benchmarks: ≤1.95 at 7 weeks (technical specifications); 2.11–2.30 at 7 weeks (hot-humid field conditions)
Breed Characteristics
Economic Importance
CARIBRO-Tropicana is highly cost-effective for smallholders and rural backyard operations in hot-humid coastal regions, where standard broilers experience high mortality and poor feed conversion. It was developed by introgressing both the Naked Neck and Frizzle genes into high-yielding broiler lines, creating a hybrid that combines improved meat yield with superior heat dissipation in hot-humid climates.
Overview
CARIBRO-Tropicana (also known as CARI Tropicana or Tropicana Broiler) is a commercial broiler genotype developed by ICAR-Central Avian Research Institute (CARI), Izatnagar, in the late 1990s to early 2000s. It incorporates both the Naked Neck and Frizzle genes, significantly reducing feather coverage and modifying feather structure to improve heat dissipation. Developed for hot and humid coastal and tropical regions of India.
Origin
Developed by ICAR-CARI, Izatnagar. Alternate names include CARI Tropicana and Tropicana Broiler. Latest genetic version: CARIBRO-Tropicana (Naked Neck & Frizzle). It was developed by introgressing both the Naked Neck and Frizzle genes into high-yielding broiler lines, creating a hybrid combining improved meat yield with superior heat dissipation in hot-humid climates.
Production Performance
| Performance Parameter | Technical Specifications | Hot-Humid Field Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Market Age | 6–7 weeks | 7–8 weeks |
| Weight at 6 Weeks | 1.100–1.200 kg | 0.900–1.000 kg |
| Weight at 7 Weeks | 1.400–1.500 kg | 1.150–1.300 kg |
| FCR (Grow-out) | ≤1.95 (at 7 weeks) | 2.11–2.30 (at 7 weeks) |
| Livability Percentage | ≥97.0% | 95.0%–96.5% |
| Dressing Yield | 68.0%–70.0% | 65.5%–67.5% |
Key Characteristics
- Feather Color: Naked Neck and Frizzled feather phenotype
- Heat Tolerance: Outstanding — Naked Neck and Frizzle genes improve heat dissipation and survival in high temperature and humidity
- Leg Strength: Good — robust metabolic profile
- Thermal Stress Resistance: Reduced feed depression and high livability under thermal stress
Management Requirements
- Housing: Traditional open-sided and backyard systems in hot-humid coastal 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
Health Considerations
- Excellent heat and humidity 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-humid regions, where standard broilers experience high mortality and poor feed conversion. Heat tolerance helps ensure consistent growth and survival, supporting stable returns.
Advantages
- Outstanding heat and humidity tolerance in tropical coastal climates
- Good adaptability to varied housing and management systems
- High physical robustness and disease resistance
- Lower feed depression and high livability under thermal stress
Limitations
- Slower growth rate and higher FCR compared to specialized commercial broilers in intensive systems
- Distinct naked neck and frizzled phenotype may not be preferred in standard commercial processing plants
Best Suitable Farming Systems
- Traditional open-sided and backyard systems in hot-humid coastal regions
- Semi-intensive operations in hot and humid tropical zones
- Smallholders in coastal and high-humidity regions where standard broilers fail
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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