DINDIGUL
An exclusive expo on rare breed of Aseel roosters and hens held at Kuttiyapatti near here on Sunday drew enthusiasts from Tamil Nadu and nearby States.
More than 350 roosters ranging from six-month-old chicks to three-year-old cocks and hens from Nilakottai, Madurai, Theni, Cumbum Thanjavur, Kerala, Andhra and Karnataka were on display.
Kili Mooku and Visiri Vaal roosters, tall, muscular and aggressive in nature, were the star attractions.
A cock owned by Prabath of Dindigul was sold for ₹1.5 lakh. “I have been rearing 20 varieties of cocks and hens. Aseel variety of cock was sold for the highest price in the expo. No other place in the country can match the quality of Aseel from Dindigul and Madurai. Now, Aseels are available only in Tamil Naduand Andhra Pradesh. They use only Tamil Nadu birds to multiply the breeds in Andhra Pradesh, says, Mr. Prabath.
“Meticulous care is a must for this breed. Besides grains, we feed nuts, especially cashew and almond to make it strong. I spend a few thousands of rupees a month,” he adds.
“The price of a rooster depends on various factors especially the colour of the eye – white or pearl - short combs, thick beaks and long and beautiful multi-coloured tail. Each bird weighs around 5 kg to 7.5 kg. The price of bird ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹1.75 lakh. A pair of male and female chickens costs ₹15,000,” say breeders.
“Short beak, red comb, radiant golden yellow, black, bright red and white feathers, long tail and neck, and strong legs are Aseel’s unique features”, say S. Periyasamy of Dindigul.
He owns a rooster worth ₹75,000. “We can get pure and authentic rooster bloodlines of Aseel in Madurai and Dindigul districts only.”
A blanket ban on rooster fight did not dampen spirits of breeders as number of birds displayed in the expo was on the increase this year. But the arrival of birds was less last year owing to acute drought.
But Aseel roosters, like jallikattu bulls, are a source of pride and symbol of affluence for rural people, say the organisers. Forty-five roosters were honoured with prizes and certificates.
