A fine specimen of Aseel Cock

The Aseel is a famous indigenous poultry breed of India which has been selectively bred by local communities in East Godavari (Andhra Pradesh), from the original Red Jungle Fowl which is often recognised as the ancestor of many of today’s modern domestic poultry breeds (Gopalakrishnan and Lal, 1985). East Godavari is located on the eastern side of the Godavari River and has 57 revenue blocks, of which 11 are Adivasi blocks governed by special laws under the Indian constitution. The Aseel has a short and broad breast, straight back and a close setting strong tail root. Its outstanding feature is its thick and long neck, long and slender face without feathers, short beak, short and small comb, ear lobes and the absence of wattles. Its legs are long, strong and straight and the bird has an upright and majestic gait. It has been traditionally bred for its meat with the average weight of a 2 year old adult male ranging between 3-4 kg and average weight of a hen between 2-3 kg. With 36-60 eggs laid per year, the Assel is not a prolific layer. The hen matures and begins to lay eggs between 5-6 months of age, and lays 3-4 clutches per year, with each clutch having 10-12 eggs.