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After 15 years of dedicated research, scientists at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have successfully developed a new chicken subtype that produces colored meat. Officials announced the breakthrough, noting the birds are fast-growing and possess firm, reddish meat, similar to native chicken varieties. This development is expected to enhance farmers' profits, reduce the need for imports, and introduce a distinct branded poultry product to the market.

The research, led by Professor Dr Bazlur Rahman Mollah of the Poultry Science Department, focused on preservation, selection, and crossbreeding of parent lines over nearly a decade and a half. The goal was to meet consumer demand and improve farmers' economic benefits. The domestically developed subtype is anticipated to save foreign currency if produced locally. A key aspect of the research involved improving the homozygosity of a sex-linked white line to between 89% and 93.11%, crucial for establishing a stable commercial line. The team also developed a simple PCR method to detect a gene related to feather color, a significant advancement for future breeding programs.

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The domestically developed subtype would help save foreign currency if produced locally.

Early results indicate promising growth rates. Parent lines of the subtype can produce up to 205 eggs in 62 weeks. While conventional Sonali chickens typically weigh 26–28 grams as day-old chicks, the new hybrid line averages about 38 grams. Researchers estimate that each gram increase in day-old chick weight can translate to approximately 50 grams more in final market weight, directly increasing farmers' profits. The birds can reach around 950 grams within 45 days.

A significant feature of the project is its direct field-level technology transfer. To bypass limitations of traditional training centers, the research team provided hands-on training to groups of 15 to 25 women farmers in villages. Field results showed marked improvements in growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and reduced mortality among flocks that received chicks along with ongoing technical support, timely vaccinations, and health monitoring. Driven by market demand, many farmers are now raising these birds for 10 to 12 weeks, selling them for up to Tk 700 per kilogram and achieving higher profits.

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Each one-gram increase in day-old chick weight can translate into around 50 grams additional final market weight, potentially increasing farmers’ profits.