Dr. Rafiqul Islam

@aau.ac.in

Assistant Professor, Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science
Assam Agricultural University

Dr. Rafiqul Islam


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https://researchid.co/rafiqul

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Veterinary, Food Animals, Small Animals
24

Scopus Publications

827

Scholar Citations

16

Scholar h-index

31

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • Small scale duck production in India: present status, prospects, and challenges
    R. Islam, A. Ali, J. D. Mahanta, M. Sarma, S. D. Deka, L. Bora, S. Payeng, M. Rahman
    World S Poultry Science Journal, 2026
    SUMMARYThe objective of this review is to analyse the status, production systems, constraints, and prospects of small-scale duck farming in India. Between 2010 and 2019, India’s duck population increased from 25.5 to 33.5 million, contributing about 1.1% of national egg output and 2.4% of poultry meat production (BAHS, 2023). Duck farming remains concentrated in eastern and southern states, with growth in Assam and Tripura but a gradual decline in Kerala. Most ducks are raised under scavenging or semi-intensive systems that rely on wetlands, paddy fields, and household by-products. Indigenous breeds such as Pati, Maithili, and native ducks of Odisha and West Bengal are hardy and disease-tolerant but low-yielding compared to improved strains. Key constraints include poor access to breeding stock, seasonal feed scarcity, weak veterinary coverage, and unorganised marketing channels. Opportunities lie in integrating ducks into rice – fish systems, improving feed efficiency through locally available ingredients like Azolla, and establishing community-based breeding and health programs. Strengthening extension support, cooperative marketing, and targeted policy interventions can transform duck rearing from a subsistence activity into a profitable, climate-resilient enterprise for smallholders. The review concludes with specific pathways to enhance productivity, profitability and policy relevance of duck farming for rural livelihoods.
  • Fermented banana feed and nanoparticles: a new eco-friendly, cost-effective potential green approach for poultry industry
    Muhammad Saeed, Faiz‐ul Hassan, Hanan Al-Khalaifah, Rafiqul Islam, Asghar Ali Kamboh, Guiqin Liu
    Poultry Science, 2025
    The quest for sustainable, alternative, and cost-effective biofeed resources has been driven by the increasing costs and environmental concerns linked to conventional poultry feed. The banana plant (Musa spp.), traditionally valued for its fruit, is gaining recognition as a versatile and sustainable resource for the livestock and poultry industry. Rich in essential nutrients, fibers, and bioactive compounds, banana by-products enhance animal health, improve digestion, and reduce feed costs. Studies reveal that banana plant have potential as natural growth promoters, prebiotics, and antioxidants, contributing to improved feed efficiency and resilience against diseases. The peel of a banana is a good source of vitamins, crude protein (6-9 %), starch (3 %), total nutritional fiber (43.2-49.7 %), and crude fat (3.8-11 %), making it good source of nutrition for animals and birds. In addition, banana's peels contain flavonoids, tannins, phlobatannins, alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoids. These compounds have antibacterial, growth promoter, antioxidant, stress reducer, anti-cholesterol, antihypertensive, immunostimulants, and anti-inflammatory properties. The banana plant, which is often regarded as agricultural waste, is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential minerals, making it a valuable feed component. Results from experimental studies showed improved feed conversion efficiency, growth performance, and gut health in poultry fed with fermented banana plant-based diets. Fermentation improves the nutritional quality of banana plant biomass by increasing digestibility, reducing anti-nutritional factors, and enriching it with probiotics and bioactive compounds. The fermented banana had a substantial influence on weight gain and feed consumption in chickens. Banana meal may be used into broiler chicken diets at a maximum of 10 % without negatively impacting productivity. Silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) produced by the banana plant can be used as an alternate growth-promoting supplement for poultry production. This approach offers environmental advantages by minimizing agricultural waste and encouraging more sustainable poultry production practices. Overall, the available studies highlight the considerable promise of fermented banana plants as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option in poultry feeding, tackling both economic and ecological issues faced by the poultry sector.
  • Bamboo plant: an emerging potential resource for livestock and poultry production
    R. Islam, O. Saleem, A. Ali, D. Sapcota
    World S Poultry Science Journal, 2025
  • Poultry Production and Management
    Poultry Production and Management, 2025
  • The Pati duck: first-listed native duck breed in India
    R. Islam, A. Ali, J. D. Mahanta, M. Rahman, M. Rahman, K. Begum, P. Deka, M. Sarma, A. Saikia, D. Sapcota
    World S Poultry Science Journal, 2024
    SUMMARYThe Pati duck, originating in Assam, India, is the first recognised native duck breed in the country. Widely distributed across Assam, this breed is crucial for generating income, employment and providing nutritional security to the resource-poor rural population. Traditionally reared by the Assamese people, the Pati duck holds a rich cultural heritage and contributes significantly to the local economy. However, scientific research on its improvement and conservation remains limited, posing a threat to its sustainability. This review aims to address this gap by evaluating existing studies on the Pati duck’s development and conservation. Key challenges include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, genetic erosion from crossbreeding, and insufficient scientific breeding programmes. Additionally, the lack of systematic disease management practices exacerbates these issues. The review highlights the necessity for integrated conservation strategies, such as habitat restoration to protect natural breeding grounds, community engagement to promote traditional rearing practices and the establishment of dedicated breeding centres to maintain genetic purity. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the current status and challenges of the Pati duck, this paper offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, researchers and local communities to ensure the sustainable development and conservation of this valuable indigenous breed.
  • Optimization of hatchability and survivability traits of indigenous duck managed under backyard farming system
    Mokidur Rahman, Rafiqul Islam, Md Shahinur Islam Ahmed
    Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 2023
    An extensive field study was made in subtropical hot humid climate of north-east India to identify the most influencing climatic and human-made environmental factors and their effects on hatchability of eggs and survivability of indigenous ducklings hatched through indigenous broody hen (chicken) managed under a backyard farming system. Hatchability and survivability ratio was estimated from 858 batches duck eggs recorded from 220 marginal/landless duck farmers over a period of 24 months. Statistical analysis by fitting fixed effect general linear models revealed that the ambient temperature and relative humidity were the most critical climatic factors that affect the hatchability ratio of duck eggs and survivability ratio of ducklings. Besides, the human-made factor was also found to be associated with variations of the hatchability and survivability performances of duck under broody hen incubation. Thus identification of these factors and their effects on the studied traits would be helpful to provide appropriate season-based management strategies for economic and sustainable duck production in rural backyard farming systems. The present finding could be a valuable insight for duck farmers not only in north-east India but also in other developing countries with a subtropical hot humid climate with prevailing backyard duck production systems.
  • Performance and Nutrient Status of Crop Contents of Indigenous, Vanaraja and Crossbred Chickens under Scavenging System
    I.U. Sheikh, N. Kalita, J.D. Mahanta, R. Islam, K. Barman
    Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research, 2022
    Background: Indigenous birds are low producer of egg and meat due to poor genetic potential. So, improved dual type backyard chicken rearing can increase egg and meat production in the rural areas. Scavenge feed resource is also an important factor on the performance of rural chicken. The nutrient status of these birds under scavenging system shall help to take future steps in this area. Methods: A study was conducted on 600 numbers (200 each of Indigenous, Vanaraja and Crossbred) chicken. The day old chicks were distributed in a contiguous area for convenience of the study. Accordingly 30 farmers (10 numbers of farmers for each group) were selected randomly and 20 numbers of chicks were provided to each of them for rearing. The chicks were brooded for initial three weeks by the beneficiaries by their traditional methods and different parameters were recorded. Result: The final body weights and part period egg production up to 52 weeks of age were found to differ significantly (P≤0.05) among the types of chicken. The egg size was significantly (P≤0.05) different. Significantly (P≤0.05) higher percentage of Crude protein (CP) and Crude fibre (CF) and lower Nitrogen free extract (NFE) of the crop contents were recorded in Vanaraja than Indigenous and Crossbred chickens. The mean CP contents of crop were significantly (P≤0.05) highest in Vanaraja (10.24±0.37%) and lowest (9.16±0.29%) in Crossbred chicken. The mean CF contents of crop were differed significantly (P≤0.05) among the type of birds. The mean NFE content was significantly (P≤0.05) different among the types of chicken. The study showed that the nutrient concentrations of scavengeable feed resources consumed by rural poultry were below the recommended levels for optimum growth and egg production.
  • Comparative performance of vanaraja, srinidhi and desi chicken under traditional system among tribal community of Assam
    M. Sarma, R. Islam, M. K. Borah, P. Sharma, J. D. Mahanta, N. Kalita, B. N. Bhattacharyya
    Indian Journal of Animal Research, 2018
    A study was conducted covering a total of one hundred chicken farmers in tribal dominated Boko Block of Kamrup district in Assam to assess different productive and reproductive traits of Desi, Vanaraja and Srinidhi birds under field condition. Information was obtained on mean body weight at various ages, age at first egg, annual egg production, fertility and hatchability and mortality rate. Body weight, egg production and egg weight were significantly (P£0.05) higher in Vanaraja and Srinidhi birds compared to Desi chicken. The age at first egg was significantly (P£0.05) higher in Desi chicken while compared with Vanaraja and Srinidhi under traditional system of management. However no significant (P£0.05) difference was found between Vanaraja and Srinidhi in their body weight and egg production at various ages. Higher mortality percent in Vanaraja (12.23±1.62) and Srinidhi (11.34±1.23) were recorded during 0 to 5 week. No significant (P£0.05) differences were found among all three groups of birds in fertility and hatchability.
  • Performance of indigenous chicken in intensive system of management
    Indian Veterinary Journal, 2012
  • Performance of PB-2 bird under intensive system of management
    Indian Veterinary Journal, 2012
  • Effect of season on fertility, hatchability and embryonic mortality of eggs in an indigenous flock of Assam
    Indian Veterinary Journal, 2012
  • Hatchability and mortality of indigenous chicken in assam
    Indian Veterinary Journal, 2012
  • Blood chemical profile in indigenous chicken of assam
    Indian Veterinary Journal, 2011
  • Egg quality and carcass characteristics of Vanaraja and indigenous chicken reared under intensive system
    Indian Veterinary Journal, 2011
  • Effect of light and duration of exposure in counteracting aflatoxin B1 in broken rice
    Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2011
  • Protective efficacy of dietary methionine in experimental aflatoxicosis in broilers
    Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2007
  • Dietary supplementation of Piper nigrum in alleviating the experimentally induced aflatoxicosis in broilers
    Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2006
  • Use of methionine as a counteracting agent in experimental aflatoxicosis in broilers
    Indian Veterinary Journal, 2006
  • Effect of dietary Emblica officinalis in ameliorating aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens
    Indian Veterinary Journal, 2006
  • A study on the attitude of consumers towards egg quality in Guwahati city
    Indian Veterinary Journal, 2006
  • Induced aflatoxicosis and its amelioration by dietary Piper nigrum and methomin in broiler chickens: Haemato-biochemical, organ weight and leg/feather score studies
    Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2006
  • Effect of herbal liver stimulant on the performance of commercial broilers
    Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2005
  • Efficacy of andrographis paniculata in ameliorating aflatoxicosis in broilers
    Indian Veterinary Journal, 2005
  • Duck farming in North-Eastern India (Assam)
    R. Islam, J.D. Mahanta, N. Barua, G. Zaman
    World S Poultry Science Journal, 2002

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Performance of Kamrupa Chickens in the Field and Farm: A Comparative Study
    M Sarma, A Talukdar, D Choudhury, L Bora, R Islam, J Shyam, S Payeng, ...
    Archives of Current Research International 26 (4), 473-481 , 2026
    2026
  • Comparative Growth Performance and Morphometric Assessment of Ducks Reared under Semi-Intensive Management System
    D Choudhury, M Sarma, A Talukdar, D Bharali, R Islam, J Shyam, L Bora, ...
    UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY 47 (6), 241-247 , 2026
    2026
  • Small scale duck production in India: present status, prospects, and challenges
    R Islam, A Ali, JD Mahanta, M Sarma, SD Deka, L Bora, S Payeng, ...
    World's Poultry Science Journal, 1-18 , 2026
    2026
  • Tourism, FDI, and environmental sustainability nexus in South Asia
    MA Hasan, R Islam, AJ Urbee, M Ridwan, ME Hossain, F Joof
    Discover Sustainability , 2026
    2026
    Citations: 4
  • Economics of Growth Production of Indigenous Chicken Fed Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) with or without Supplementation of Exogenous Enzyme
    AK Saikia, R Islam, J Hussain, D Deka, A Saikia, B Borah
    Journal of Scientific Research and Reports 31 (10), 559-567 , 2025
    2025
  • Phenotypic Characterization of Syiar Markasa: An indigenous chicken of Meghalaya
    S Deori, U Rajkumar, AK Mishra, S Ghatak, DR Paul, H Chakravarty, ...
    Indian Journal of Hill Farming 38 (01), 1-6 , 2025
    2025
  • Fermented banana feed and nanoparticles: a new eco-friendly, cost-effective potential green approach for poultry industry
    M Saeed, F Hassan, H Al-Khalaifah, R Islam, AA Kamboh, G Liu
    Poultry Science 104 (7), 105171 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 31
  • Study on Some Important Morphometric Traits of Kamrupa Chicken
    M Sarma, A Talukdar, R Islam, A Phookan, A Deka
    J. Sci. Res. Rep 31 (4), 327-33 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 3
  • Effective strategies to reduce foul odors from pig farms: a comprehensive guide.
    A Ali, R Islam
    North-East Veterinarian 25 , 2025
    2025
  • Effect of Sex, Locations and Seasons on Nutritional Status of Non-descript Free-range Scavenge Chicken of Assam, India
    R Islam, JD Mahanta, K Begum, M Rahman, A Ali
    Indian Journal of Animal Research , 2025
    2025
  • Effect of different genetic groups and rearing systems on chicken egg quality parameters
    R Islam, DS Dutta, A Ali, M Rahman, M Sarma
    Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences 55 (4), 748-752 , 2024
    2024
  • Bamboo plant: an emerging potential resource for livestock and poultry production
    R Islam, O Saleem, A Ali, S Deben
    World's Poultry Science Journal 80 (4) , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 2
  • The Pati duck: first-listed native duck breed in India
    R Islam, A Ali, JD Mahanta, M Rahman, M Rahman, K Begum, P Deka, ...
    World's Poultry Science Journal 8 (4), 1-16 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 3
  • Characterization of traditional duck farming in rural areas of Morigaon district of Assam
    A Dutta, JD Mahanta, R Saikia, R Islam, S Payeng, L Bora
    International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry 9 (4), 355-361 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 2
  • Production performance of Khaki Campbell ducks in backyard system and its economics in Assam State of India
    FUA Ahmed, M Doley, M Rahman, BK Das, BJ Gharphalia, A Paul, ...
    Indian Journal of Veterinary and Animal Science Reserach 53 (1), 80-84 , 2024
    2024
  • Duck production and management practices in the rural areas of Assam
    R Islam, J Hussain, M Sarma, JD Mahanta, D Sapcota, A Ali, J Saharia
    The Pharma Innovation Journal 12 (11), 1671-1675 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 3
  • Comparative Performances of Improved Poultry Varieties under Backyard Rearing System in Dhemaji District of Assam
    A Saikia, G Gogoi, P Pathak, M Neog, PK Pathak, R Islam
    International Journal of Environment and Climate Change 13 (8), 2111-2117 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 4
  • Optimization of hatchability and survivability traits of indigenous duck managed under backyard farming system
    M Rahman, R Islam, MSI Ahmed
    Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems 47 (6), 791-809 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 4
  • Economic Analysis of Production Cost and Returns of Small Scale Kamrupa Chicken Farming under Different Systems of Management
    R Islam, S Islam, M Rahman, RN Barman
    Journal of Animal Research 12 (6), 973-978 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 1
  • Performance and Nutrient Status of Crop Contents of Indigenous, Vanaraja and Crossbred Chickens under Scavenging System.
    IU Sheikh, N Kalita, JD Mahanta, R Islam, K Barman
    Asian Journal of Dairy & Food Research 41 (4) , 2022
    2022

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • Comparative performance of Vanaraja and Indigenous chicken under backyard system of rearing
    R Islam, N Kalita, P Nath
    Journal of Poultry Science and Technology 2 (1), 22-25 , 2014
    2014
    Citations: 67
  • Duck Farming in North-Eastern India (Assam)
    R Islam, JD Mahanta, N Barua, G Zaman
    World's Poultry Science Journal 58 (2), 567-572 , 2002
    2002
    Citations: 66
  • Comparative performance of Vanaraja, Srinidhi and Desi chicken under traditional system among tribal community of Assam
    M Sarma, R Islam, MK Borah, P Sharma, JD Mahanta, N Kalita, ...
    Indian Journal of Animal Research 52 (10), 1518-1520 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 49
  • Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Powder on the Performance of Commercial Broiler Chicken
    D Choudhury, JD Mahanta, D Sapcota, BN Saikia, R Islam
    International Journal of Livestock Research 8 (7), 182-191 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 44
  • Fermented banana feed and nanoparticles: a new eco-friendly, cost-effective potential green approach for poultry industry
    M Saeed, F Hassan, H Al-Khalaifah, R Islam, AA Kamboh, G Liu
    Poultry Science 104 (7), 105171 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 31
  • Characterization of Free-range Indigenous Chicken Production System in North-East India (Assam)
    R Islam, N Kalita, D Sapcota, IU Sheikh, JDMM Sarma
    Journal of Animal Research 11 (1), 59-70 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 25
  • Performance of Indigenous chicken in intensive system of management
    N Kalita, N Pathak, R Islam
    Indian Veterinary Journal 89 (12), 43 , 2012
    2012
    Citations: 24
  • Effect of Feeding Garlic (Allium sativum) as Prebiotic on the Performance of Broiler Chicken
    B Borgohain, JD Mahanta, R Islam, D Sapcota, S Sarma, MC Borah
    International Journal of Livestock Research 7 (7), 225-233 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 22
  • Analysis of benefit-cost (B:C) ratio of Vanaraja and local chicken of Assam under backyard system of rearing
    R Islam, P Nath, A Bharali, R Borah
    J. Res. Agri. Anim. Sci. 3 (7), 7-10 , 2015
    2015
    Citations: 22
  • Performance of Vanaraja birds reared under intensive system of management in Assam
    N Kalita, N Barua, N Pathak, R Islam
    Indian Journal of Poultry Science 47 (1), 125-126 , 2012
    2012
    Citations: 22
  • Dietary supplementation of Emblica officinalis for experimental aflatoxicosis in commercial broilers.
    D Sapcota, R Islam, TN Upadhaya
    Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology 6, 65-71 , 2006
    2006
    Citations: 21
  • Effect of cold storage period on the quality of ram cauda epididymal spermatozoa recovered postmortem
    SS Mir, FA Lone, MZ Khan, AA Malik, R Islam, KA Sofi
    Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences 36 (6), 683-687 , 2012
    2012
    Citations: 20
  • Egg quality and carcass characteristics of Vanaraja and Indigenous chicken reared under intensive system
    N Kalita, N Barua, H Chutia, R Islam, N Pathak, R Kalita
    Indian Veterinary Journal 88 (10), 66 , 2011
    2011
    Citations: 20
  • Efficacy of Andrographis paniculata in ameliorating aflatoxicosis in broilers.
    D Sapcota, R Islam, AK Medhi
    Indian Veterinary Journal 82, 529-532 , 2005
    2005
    Citations: 19
  • Conserving poultry biodiversity of India
    D Sapcota, R Islam, IU Sheikh
    Livestock International 6 (12), 20-23 , 2002
    2002
    Citations: 19
  • Performances of Improved Dual Type Backyard Chicken in Free Range System: A
    R Islam, D Sapcota, AK Saikia, IU Sheikh
    Journal of Poultry Science 8 (02), 32-40 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 17
  • Constraints Perceived by the Broiler Farmers in Sivasagar District of Assam
    R Islam, P Nath
    Indian Res. J. Ext. Edu. 15 (1), 112-113 , 2015
    2015
    Citations: 16
  • Effect of Feeding Garlic (Allium sativum) on Haematological, Serum Biochemical Profile and Carcass Characteristics in Broiler Chicken
    B Borgohain, JD Mahanta, D Sapcota, B Handique, R Islam
    Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci 8 (10), 492-500 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 14
  • Morphology, morphometry and certain egg quality traits of indigenous ducks of North Eastern region of India
    A Phookan, B Das, A Das, R Islam, M Sharma, K Bharali, K Basumatary
    International journal of chemical studies 6 (2), 3131-3133 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 14
  • Effect of season on performance of broiler chicken under deep litter system of management in Assam
    M Sarma, MK Borah, KP Kalita, JD Mahanta, N Kalita, JK Talukdar, ...
    Int. J. Livestock Res 9 (7), 246-253 , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 12