A flock of turkeys in the farm (above); a farm employee at Birsa Agriculture University employee shows the eggs of an emu in Ranchi on Monday. Pictures by Hardeep Singh

Ranchi, Dec. 1: Egg and bird meat lovers could not have asked for more. From an omelette made from the egg of Australian emu to the delicious turkey meat — the mouthwatering fare has become only wider, thanks to the bird farm that was recently opened by the Ranchi Veterinary College of Birsa Agriculture University.

Instructional Varietal Bird Farm breeds a range of exotic fowls — mainly emus, turkeys, Japanese koel popularly known as bater and Guinea fowl (Chinese murgi in local language). The total area of the bird farm is one hectare, which has separate sheds for Japanese koel, turkey and Guinea fowl.

The other exotic variety is the White Leghorn from the US that lays 300 eggs per year. The eggs and meat of these birds are also exported.

The farm is following an integrated farming system under which duck, poultry, and cattle are being reared along with fish.

Tulsidas Mahto, who looks after the farm, said the birds are in huge demand during Christmas and New Year. “The demand for turkey had picked up in the last two months. Currently, we have 500 turkeys, enough for meeting the demands. If the demand escalates, we can breed turkey in our hatchery,” Mahto said. The employees of the veterinary college also get to feast on the turkeys that cost Rs 60 per kg. “The weight of each turkey egg is 80gm,” Mahto said.

There is also a separate shed for duckery, a storehouse of a special variety of duck called Khakhi Campbell. The farm has 30 of it.

“This duck, which is one feet in height, is in demand during the festive season.They have been brought from Calcutta and Ramakrishna Mission Ashram. A Khakhi Campbell lays 150-200 eggs a year,” said a farmer, Rameshwar Toppo. This special type of fowl comes for Rs 100 per kg. A male Khakhi Campbell weighs 150kg. This duck is quite popular in Bangladesh, Bengal and Tamil Nadu.

“The eggs of Khakhi Campbell were brought from Central Duck Breeding farm, Bangalore and multiplied here. The result was really good and we are planning to bring fresh ducklings from Bhubaneshwar after February,” said Sushil Prasad, professor of the department of livestock production and management of Ranchi Veterinary College.

The farm also has in-house 40 local ducks, along with the Japanese quail. “Although, duck eggs are a favourite outside the state, people here have to develop a liking for it,” Prasad added.

“In rural areas, the tribals eat duck meat or use it for sacrifice during pujas, but the people are unaware of its nutritional value,” Prasad said.

The farm also breeds Emu. “This bird can adapt to the climate of Jharkhand. An emu egg weighs around 550gm and is also nutritious. Though the demand of these eggs in the state is not much, at five-star hotels, its omelettes cost Rs 700,” Prasad said.

The oil from the fat of Emu is of medicinal value. Each egg costs Rs 200 while in Andhra Pradesh, it is Rs 500 per and a day-old chick Rs 3,000. The farm is training the local farmers to breed the species.