Sarkari Naukri

30 December 2021 Current Affairs:The National Breed Conservation Award for 2021 was Awarded on 23 December By ICAR – the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR)

Highlights:

• Mannuthy’s “All-India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP)” on poultry breeding, which is run by the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Science University, won the award (KVASU).
• It was recognized by ICAR – the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) for its conservation and research efforts on the Tellicherry breed.
• In Kerala, the Tellicherry breed is the only native chicken breed that is registered. The award comes with a monetary prize of Rs 10,000 as well as a citation.
• The award was given out at the Kisan Divas celebrations, which were recently organized by ICAR-NBAGR.

National Breed Conservation Award

• ICAR – NBAGR established the National Breed Conservation Award.
• It was established for centers or projects that contribute to the conservation and improvement of Indian domestic poultry and livestock breeds that are registered.

Tellicherry Breed

• The Tellicherry breed of chicken is named after Tellicherri, a town in Kerala that is also known as Thalassery in the Kannur district. 
• The breed is mostly found in Kozhikode district, with a few scattered throughout Kannur and Malappuram districts. 
• They are primarily bred for meat. They’re also used to make ayurvedic medicines for treating asthma and worm infestation.
• The Tellicherry breed was first conserved by the AICRP in 2014. Through scientific selection and management, this breed began laying eggs in just five months. 
• Annual egg production increased to 160-170 eggs as a result of the study. The Tellicherry breed is also being genetically characterized by the AICRP. It was crucial in establishing the breed’s identity.