Vezaguda

Native Tract

Widely distributed in tribal and rural areas and even small towns of Malkangiri district and Jeypore subdivision of Koraput district of Odisha and even adjoining areas of the state of Andhra Pradesh.

Characteristics

• Adult cocks are fairly large with majestic gait and high stamina.
• Predominant plumage colours are black, brown and white.
• Comb, wattles, face and ear lobes are red in colour, head is light red and beak yellow.
• Pea comb is common, fairly large in size and firmly set.
• Eyes are compact.
• Body length:
  -Male: 70 to 91 cm
  -Female: 52 to 70 cm.
• Height:
  -Male: 67 to 77 cm
  -Females: 47 to 56 cm.
• Standard Weight:
  -Cock: 2.5 to 3.5 kgs
  -Hen: 1.6 to 2.5 kgs.
• Egg laying age: 7 to 8 months.
• Egg production: 8 – 15 per clutch; an average of 3 – 4 clutches in a year.
• Average annual egg production: 50 to 60 eggs.
• Egg shell colour: Light brown.

Cultural / Economic Significance

Most of the eggs produced are used for hatching chicks as they fetch a higher price than eggs. Eggs are consumed only when it is absolutely necessary (ceremonies or during sever summer when hatchability is poor). Males are mainly used for cock-fighting and are sold for a very high price (Rs 500 to 1,000). All the birds are maintained under smallholder production system with a flock size varying from 5 to 40. The breed is well adapted to the environment and capable of protecting itself from predators.