Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Rainfed agriculture in the scarce rainfall zone of Andhra Pradesh is heavily dependent on small ruminant farming, where traditional sheep housing systems often suffer from poor hygiene, ammonia accumulation, higher disease incidence, and low productivity. To address these constraints, the present study evaluated the economic performance and sustainability of an elevated duplex housing systems integrating with sheep and poultry demonstrated by Krishi Vigyan Kendra. The study was conducted during 2023–24 at three locations in Nandyal and Kurnool districts using uniform duplex sheds (50 × 32 ft; 1600 sq. feet) constructed with three material combinations: (i) Taddy (Borassus flabellifer) logs with wooden flooring, (ii) Taddy logs with plastic slatted flooring, and (iii) Galvanized iron structures with plastic slatted flooring. Economic analysis included fixed and recurring costs, returns from sheep, poultry, and manure, and depreciation and interest on capital. Performance was assessed using benefit–cost ratio and normalized indices such as Net Return Index, Cost Efficiency Index, Integration Efficiency Index, Livestock Survival Index, and Housing Sustainability Index. Results showed that the duplex system substantially outperformed the traditional system. Construction costs ranged from Rs.384 to Rs.503 per sq. feet, with taddy log–based housing being the most economical. Net annual income after deductions ranged from Rs.3.36 lakh to Rs.32.70 lakh under duplex systems compared to Rs.1.92 lakh in the traditional system. Benefit–cost ratios (1.58-1.92), higher NRI (0.22-0.44), lower CEI (0.020-0.024), IEI values above unity (1.06-1.11), and higher livestock survival (94-97.4%) confirmed superior economic and biological efficiency. The elevated duplex housing system emerges as a profitable, space-efficient, and climate-resilient solution for integrated sheep–poultry farming in rainfed regions.