Abstract

Poultry Industry is largest agro based segment of Pakistan contributing 1.3% to the national GDP. More than 67 % of Pakistani population lives in rural areas using agriculture means. It was before 1960 the native breed “Desi” was mainly raised with a maximum of 73 eggs production per year under local conditions. After that commercial poultry production started and has been providing a major source of daily proteins to the Pakistani population. It generates employment and provides source of income to more than 1.5 million people of Pakistan through direct and/or indirect means. Though it has faced several challenges such as disease outbreaks and retail price fluctuations and there is no sufficient data regarding its important role in the country’s economy. Available data lacks reliability and accurate statistical analysis. This mini review focuses poultry industry, its growth, current status and various challenges which Pakistan is currently facing

Abbreviations: HPS: Hydro Pericardium Syndrome; WHO: World Health Organization; PAWS: Pakistan Animal Welfare Society; PARC: Pakistan Agricultural Research Council