Kadaknath Chicken

     The Kadaknath is an Indian Chicken breed, local to the Madhya Pradesh area, where it is known as “Kali masi” (literally means “fowl of black flesh”). As the Indonesian Ayam Cemani, this chicken breed has black skin, and even its internal organs, meats and bones are black too.

     The Kadaknath mostly has a jet-black plumage, but penciled or golden black plumage varieties do exist too. It is mainly popular for its adaptability, and the good-tasting black meat. Kadaknath’s meat is highly priced, as it has lower cholesterol and fat contents, and higher protein values. The bird has special medicinal values too, as its meat is believed to infuse vigor. Also Kadaknath’s eggs are an ideal nutritive, especially for old people and high blood pressure victims. It’s because the cholesterol content is lower, and the amino acids are higher than what’s found in other breeds’ eggs.

     The Kadaknath is thought to be a healthier alternative to Broiler chickens, as its meat has higher values. In fact, The bird has a lower feed conversion ratio, and it can survive and thrive on kitchen waste, plus being a disease resistant too. 

     Kadaknath hens lay creamy-brown eggs (80 – 90 eggs per year) but they are not good brooders. Its egg production isn’t ideal for a dual-purpose bird, but considering the conditions that the bird can thrive in, and the benefits it yields, surely this bird is an excellent choice. Unfortunately, the Kadaknath is rare at the moment, but conservation efforts are being done with villagers’ cooperation in India, to protect this heritage breed.