Rearing and breeding of Kadakhnath, or Kali Masi, a rare and exotic variety of fowl or chicken with black flesh from Madhya Pradesh of India, is gaining popularity in Rajshahi day by day.
The Kadakhnath fowl is learnt to bear with potential medicinal properties. It is completely black in colour and not only its meat but also its bones, stomach, liver, digestive canals and all other organs are black. Its egg also looks black or brownish in colour.
For hundreds of years, aboriginal people of Madhya Pradesh used to rear the unique Kadakhnath chicken for its delicious flesh which is regarded as a cure for many diseases and can easily be consumed by patients suffering from diabetes, high pressure, kidney disease, heart diseases, sex disorder and even cancer for it medicinal quality because it is cholesterol free, high in natural protein and bred in natural environment.
Kadaknath has special medicinal value in homeopathy and in a particular nervous disorder. The tribal people use kadaknath blood in the treatment of chronic disease while its meat is used as love drug (a substance that increases vigour during lovemaking). Experts says that Viagra or sildenafil citrate, basically a vasodilator designed for rejuvenating sex disorder, is derived from flesh of Kadakhnath. This breed of chicken is popular for its adaptability and flavourful tasty black meat.
According to sources, the flesh of Kadakhnath chicken contains 25–27 percent of protein in comparison with other breeds of chicken that contain 18 percent protein. Breeders claim that its cholesterol content is just 0.73–1.05 percent, in comparison with 13–25 percent level in regular white chickens.
It is from Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh of India and has received Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Kadaknath eggs and meat are also having more protein than normal. The eggs are very low production (80 to 120 per bird/year) and people use those eggs for hatching.
Kadaknath eggs and chicken (meat) are regarded to contain highly medicinal values for the reasons stated behind:
Firstly, Protein content in Kadaknath is higher than 25% in an ordinary bird it varies between 18-20%.
Secondly, Research has shown that this species has lower cholesterol (0.73-1.05%) than white chicken (13-25%).
Thirdly, it contains high levels of 18 amino acids out of which 8 are essential for the human and rich in hormone.
Fourthly, the chicken meat contains Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E, Niacin, protein, fat, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Nicotinic acids, etc.
Masudur Rahman Chowdhury Sweet, a poultry farm owner at Maskatadighi under Kantakhali Municipal area who reared the Kadakhnath fowl at a farm informed, the Kadaknath is highly disease resistant and a hardy bird.
“Unlike broiler chicken, it can survive and even thrive on kitchen waste. It is also a semi-scavenger and an ideal ally for farmers who are looking to supplement their income. The Kadaknath is a healthier alternative to broiler chicken,” he said, adding “It has more protein, less fat and its meat contains less cholesterol than regular chicken. Compared to broiler chicken, the Kadaknath also has a lower Feed Conversion Ratio.”
He further said, “The Kadaknath converts feed quickly into meat — unlike broiler chicken, which also requires an energy-rich diet to sustain itself. Kadaknath meat fetches around Rs 600 per kg in India.”
The birds currently go for Indian Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 per piece and per egg is to sell out at Rs 50.
The chicken's black meat is priced between Indian Rs 700- Rs 1,000 per kilogramme.
In Bangladesh, some amateur poultry farm owners have just started breeding of Kadakhnath. That’s why there is no regular price of the chicken or it is not available in the market so far.
It is learnt, some original bred of Kadakhnath chicken are available in Rajshahi. The chicken aged 60 to 100-day are supplied to only to the amateur chicken farmers. The price per piece of chicken ranged from Tk 2,000 to 2,500.
Amateur poultry breeders have been requested to contact-(88) 01763383686 or e-mail to: bwjs123@gmail.com for further details.
