Sunflower oil supplementation alters meat quality but not performance of growing partridges (Alectoris chukar)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sunflower oil supplementation (0%, 3%, 6% and 9%) to partridge chicks (Alectoris chukar) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics. Feed consumption and live weight gain were responsive to dietary sunflower oil inclusion during the starter period, but not during the grower period. Increasing sunflower oil level linearly increased crude protein and fat digestibilities. Except for abdominal fat, weights of inedible parts and edible organs remained unchanged by the diets. The treatments linearly decreased weight and efficiency of carcass and weights of wings and breast and did not alter weights of thighs and neck. Breast meat saturated fatty acids decreased linearly by 17.9% and unsaturated fatty acids increased linearly by 10.6%, as sunflower oil level increased in the diets. Monounsaturated fatty acids decreased linearly by 27.3%, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids increased linearly by 51%. Overall, n-3 (0.78% vs. 0.59%) and n-6 (42.6% vs. 29.8%) were greater in breast meat in treatment groups than in control group. In conclusion, sunflower addition into diets has minimal effects on performance of growing partridges, but significantly alters meat fatty acid composition.

The effect of stocking density on growth performance and average cost in partridge rearing (Alectoris graeca)

In this study, stocking density and economic evaluation of partridge rearing was investigated. Experimental design was constructed as 576.9 cm(2)/chick (group I), 384.6 cm(2)/chick (group II), 288.5 cm(2)/chick (group III), and 230.8 cm(2)/chick (group IV). Live weights of the first, second, third, and fourth groups at 12 wk of age were determined as 376.46, 367.95, 371.07, and 358.80 g, respectively. Additive feed consumption and feed conversion ratio of the groups were determined as 1,781.74 g and 4.93, 1,805.13 g and 5.13, 1,830.51 g and 5.15, and 1,720.09 g and 5.02, respectively. Total mortality rates of the groups at the end of the feeding time were determined as 3.5, 3.75, 6.75, and 13.00%, respectively (P < 0.05). As a result, it was concluded that rearing in 288.5 cm(2)/chick was suitable according to live weights of partridges, feed conversion ratio, and mortality rates. Also, it was concluded that decreasing costs and increasing profitability in partridge rearing could be achieved.

Effect of Hen Weight on Egg Production and Some Egg Quality Characteristics in the Partridge (Alectoris graeca)

A study was conducted to determine the effect of live weight of partridges on egg production and egg quality characteristics. A total of 144 Rock Partridges were divided into control, heavy, middle, and light BW groups at 32 wk of age. Live weights averaged 512.78 g for the control group, 576.18 g for the heavy group, 523.49 g for the middle group, and 473.83 g for the light group. Egg production rates of these groups were 41.44, 45.78, 32.38, and 24.67%, respectively, over an 8-wk period (P < 0.05). Live weight significantly affected egg weight, specific gravity, albumen index, shell weight, shell thickness, Haugh unit, and albumen weight (P < 0.05). Live weight did not affect the shape index, membrane weight, or yolk weight. As a result, the live weights of partridges used for breeding should not be under the average live weights of hens of the stock. On the other hand, other important factors that affect the egg quality of partridges should be investigated.

Effects of egg mass and percentage mass loss during incubation on hatchability of eggs of the rock partridge (Alectoris graeca)

1. The effects of initial egg mass (IEM) and percentage mass loss during incubation (%ML) on hatchability of rock partridge eggs were investigated. 2. Eggs at the extremes of IEM had lower fertility and embryonic mortality. 3. Eggs at the extremes of %ML also had low fertility and hatchability was disproportionately reduced in eggs that had lost less mass during incubation. 4. Chick mass was a function of both IEM and mass lost during incubation. 5. In these respects rock partridge eggs are similar to that of other domesticated species of poultry.