Effects of dietary protein and energy concentrations on performance and carcase characteristics of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) raised in captivity

1. This study was conducted to determine the effects of starter and grower diets with differing crude protein (CP) and metabolisable energy (ME) concentrations on the body weight (BW), live weight gain (LWG), feed consumption (FC), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and carcase, breast+back, rump, wing, neck and abdominal fat weights of chukar partridge raised in captivity. 2. Chukar partridges were fed on starter diets containing 4 concentrations of CP (160, 200, 240, 280 g/kg) and 4 concentrations of ME (10.9, 11.7, 12.6, 13.4 MJ/kg) from hatch to 8 weeks of age; they were fed on grower diets containing 4 concentrations of CP (150, 175, 200, 225 g/kg) and 4 concentrations of ME (11.9, 12.6, 13.2, 13.8 MJ/kg) from 9 to 16 weeks of age. All diets contained at least 5.5 g/kg methionine, 15 g/kg lysine and 10 g/kg methionine+cystine. Sixteen starter and 16 grower diets were arranged in a 4 x 4 factorial design with 4 levels of CP and 4 levels of ME. Each treatment was replicated three times with each replicate consisting of 5 males and 5 females. 3. Partridges fed on a starter diet containing 160 g CP/kg were significantly lighter at 8 weeks of age than those in groups given diets containing a higher CP. However, at 16 weeks of age, the differences in BW among treatments had disappeared. Throughout, there were no significant effects of ME concentration on BW and LWG. 4. The daily mean FC for the 0 to 8 week and 0 to 16 week periods was not affected by dietary CP concentration. For the 9 to 16 week period, the partridges fed on a grower diet containing 225 g CP/kg consumed more feed than those given a diet containing 175 g CP/kg. 5. The highest FCR for the 0 to 8 week period was in partridges fed on a starter diet containing 160 g CP/kg. For the 9 to 16 week period, the lowest FCR was in partridges fed on a grower diet containing 150 g CP/kg. For the 0 to 16 week period, there was not a significant effect of dietary CP concentration on FCR. The daily mean FC and the FCR for the 0 to 8, 9 to 16 and 0 to 16 week periods decreased when the ME concentration of the starter and grower diets increased. 6. The carcase, rump and breast+back weights of the male partridges increased when the ME content of the diets increased. Weights of all carcase components of the male partridges were significantly greater than those of the carcase components of the females. 7. There were no significant interactions between CP and ME concentrations on BW, LWG, FC, FCR and carcase characteristics. 8. We conclude that the starter diet for chukar partridges raised for meat production should contain at least 200 g CP/kg, 11.7 MJ ME/kg, and the grower diet should contain 150 g CP/kg, 12.6 MJ ME/kg.     

Chlamydiosis in pen-raised bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) and chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) with high mortality

In a flock of 12,000 bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) and 7200 chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), the owner had 100% morbidity and 40%-50% mortality in birds between the ages of 2 and 4 wk. Affected birds were stunted and anorexic and had yellow/green diarrhea. Two- and 4-wk-old birds submitted for necropsy all had slight nasal discharge. Histopathologic examination revealed mild (bobwhite) to severe (chukar) rhinitis. Immunohistochemistry was positive for Chlamydia psittaci in all birds. Chlamydia psittaci organisms were demonstrated histopathologically in hematoxylin and eosin and Gimenez-stained slides. Management sanitation and treatment with chlortetracycline stopped further excessive losses. The owners were also infected. Treatment by their local physician with tetracycline alleviated symptoms.     

Growth and development of chicks of two species of partridge: the grey partridge (Perdix perdix) and the chukar (Alectoris chukar)

1. In two partridge species, the grey partridge (Perdix perdix) and chukar (Alectoris chukar), from hatching up to 120?d, the growth rate and development of body mass, wing, tarsus, and bill length were measured and fitted by Gompertz equations.

2. As a typical precocial species, partridges hatched with relatively well developed legs and bills, and wing growth followed a gradual development of thermoregulation.

3. Gompertz growth constants for body mass growth were 0·039 and 0·038 for grey partridges and chukars, respectively.

4. The allometric relationship between tarsus length and body mass followed a geometric similarity (1/3 power) in both grey partridges and chukars.     

Electrocardiography of rock partridges (Alectoris graeca) and chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar).

Standard limb, six lead (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, and aVF) electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded in 10 awake mature rock partridges (Alectoris graeca) and 10 chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar). Durations and amplitudes of P and T waves and QRS complexes, durations of P-Q and Q-T intervals, and mean heart rates were calculated from the lead II ECGs. All observable P and T waves were negative in aVR and aVL, whereas they were positive in all remaining leads. The most frequent forms of QRS complex were r-s (r-S) and q-r (q-R). A Q wave was observed in all aVR and aVL leads in both species. Chukar partridges had significantly higher amplitudes of P and T waves and QRS complexes than rock partridges. Mean heart rates were 310+/-15 beats/min and 317+/-19 beats/min for chukar partridges and rock partridges, respectively. Mean electrical axes, calculated from leads II and III, were -99+/-6.3 degrees and -95+/-1.7 degrees for chukar partridges and rock partridges, respectively. Clear ECGs were easily obtainable without anesthesia or sedation.     

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of danofloxacin in chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) following intravenous,intramuscular, subcutaneous,and oral administrations

The aim of the present study was to determine the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and bioavailability of danofloxacin in chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) following intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), subcutaneous (SC), and oral (PO) administrations at a dose of 10 mg/kg. A total of eight clinically healthy chukar partridges weighing 480 ± 45 g were used for the investigation. The study was performed in a crossover design (2 × 2 × 2 × 2) with a 15‐day washout period between two administrations in four periods. The plasma concentrations of danofloxacin were determined using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Noncompartmental PK parameters were also estimated. No local or systemic adverse drug effects were observed in any of the chukar partridges. The mean elimination half‐life ranged between 8.18 and 12.08 hr and differed statistically among administration routes. The mean peak plasma concentrations of danofloxacin following IM, SC, and PO administrations were 8.05, 9.58, and 3.39 μg/ml at 0.5, 1, and 4 hr, respectively. Following IM, SC, and PO administrations, the mean bioavailability was 86.33%, 134.40%, and 47.62%, respectively. The mean total clearance and volume of distribution at steady‐state following IV administration were 0.13 L hr^?1 kg^?1 and 0.96 L/kg, respectively. These data, including favorable PKs and the absence of adverse drug effects, suggest that danofloxacin is a useful antibiotic in chukar partridges.     

Comparison of hatchability and some egg quality characteristics in spotted and unspotted partridge (Alectoris chukar) eggs

The current research was conducted to determine the comparison of hatchability and some egg quality characteristics in spotted and unspotted partridge (Alectoris chukar) eggs. The research was carried out on 51 male and 102 female chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) aged 50 wk, which were raised at the Research and Application Farm of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Selcuk University. In total, 244 spotted and 261 unspotted eggs were used in the research. The hatching eggs were stored at 75% RH and 13°C for 14 d. Thirty spotted and 30 unspotted eggs laid on the same day were used for the evaluation of egg quality characteristics. Egg weight, chick weight, egg weight loss during the hatching period, shape index, hatchability, and some egg quality characteristics were evaluated at the end of the research. Spotted eggs exhibited a higher fertility and hatchability, as well as a lower percentage egg weight loss and embryonic mortality when compared with unspotted eggs. No significant differences were observed between spotted and unspotted eggs for egg weight, chick weight, shape index, specific gravity, albumen height, Haugh unit, yolk color green-red chromaticity (a*), albumen pH, and yolk pH. Spotted eggs had higher eggshell color a*, eggshell color blue-yellow chromaticity (b*), and eggshell strength, as well as a lower eggshell color light-dark chromaticity (L*), yolk color L*, and yolk color b* scores when compared with unspotted eggs. It was demonstrated that spots on the eggshells of chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) improved their hatchability by affecting various quality characteristics of their eggs. It was concluded that spotted eggs are more suitable for hatching.     

Adenovirus group II-like infection in chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar)

Seven live 5-to-6-wk-old chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) were examined because of increased lacrimation, swollen eyelids, and increased mortality. Gross lesions consisted of mildly enlarged and mottled white spleens, swollen eyelids with external scab formation, and watery intestinal contents. Microscopically, there were increased numbers of mononuclear phagocytic system cells in the spleen, some of which contained faintly staining basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies, blepharoconjunctivitis, enteritis associated with coccidia and crop mycosis. Transmission electron microscopy of the spleen revealed icosahedral virus particles 65 to 75 nm in diameter, consistent with the morphology of adenovirus. Three out of seven chukars were positive for hemorrhagic enteritis virus by serology.     

Functional characteristics of the growth factor receptor family and some ligands in the oropharyngeal cavity of the Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar)

1. The aim of the present study is to describe, immunohistochemically, the expression and cell type localisation of growth factor receptors and some of their ligands in the oropharyngeal organs of the Chukar partridge.

2. The tissue samples from 10 healthy adult partridges were dissected under ether anaesthesia and then embedded in paraffin following routine histological procedures. The immunoreaction for receptors and ligands of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ligand system was localised in the cell membrane, nucleus and cytoplasm of the luminal and glandular epithelial cells, stromal and striated muscle cells, and vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells.

3. Variations were observed in the avian oropharyngeal organs. The immunostaining for the erbB1/HER1 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 1) and the EGF (epidermal growth factor) and AREG (Amphiregulin) ligands in the luminal epithelial cells was higher than in the glandular epithelial, stromal and striated muscle cells. However, the immunostaining for erbB3/HER3 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 3) and erbB4/HER4 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 4) were similar in the luminal epithelium, stromal and striated muscle cells.

4. Growth factor receptors and some of their ligands were localised in different cell types in the oropharyngeal organs. We suggest that erbB/HERs (human epidermal growth factor receptors) and their ligands play an important role in proliferation, differentiation, growth, survival and migration of the cells.     

Anatomical and histological structure of the tongue and histochemical characteristics of the lingual salivary glands in the Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar,Gray 1830)

1. The aim of the study was to examine the morphology of the tongue and the histochemical features of the lingual salivary glands in this species.

2. The tongue was elongated, terminating in a rather sharp, dagger-like apex. On the surface of the tongue and situated between the body and root of the tongue, two rows of conical papillae, the sharp apices of which pointed towards the posterior part of the tongue, were observed. The keratinised epithelium lining the dorsal surface lacked typical gustatory papillae. However, it was observed that taste buds were present in the epithelium of the lingual body and root. The tongue was supported by a structure composed of hyaline cartilage, the paraglossum, which extended from the lingual root to the apex. Simple branched tubular glands, which were encapsulated by connective tissue, were embedded within the submucosa in the body (anterior salivary glands) and root (posterior salivary glands) of the tongue. It was observed that the secretion of the lingual glands contained neutral mucins, proteoglycans containing carboxylic acid, weak and strong sulphated groups, N-acetylated sialomucins, but lacked glycogen.

3. It was demonstrated that, the general morphological features, papillary distribution of the tongue and the histological structure of the mucosa epithelium and the supportive elements displayed similarity to those of other domestic avian species. It was also determined that, in view of the particular feeding types, in the partridge, the presence of the papillary crest was not correlated with diet.     

Concurrent pulmonary adenocarcinoma and silicate pneumoconiosis in a red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa)

An adult red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) presented with concurrent pulmonary carcinoma and severe silicosis. The animal was submitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Córdoba (Spain) because of respiratory signs, and it died during clinical examination. At postmortem examination, numerous firm, whitish to yellowish nodules involving the lungs, mainly the right lobe, were found. The histopathologic study revealed numerous peribronchiolar large granulomatous lesions composed of macrophages, which showed abundant cytoplasm containing numerous birefringent crystals identified as silicates by transmission electron microscopy. An epithelial neoplasm showing papillary, acinar, and solid patterns occupied large areas of the pulmonary parenchyma. The histopathologic and immunohistochemical features were consistent with a pulmonary carcinoma. Small tumor nests were often located close to the granulomatous lesions. This is the first report of concurrent pneumoconiosis and pulmonary carcinoma in a nonhuman species.     

石鸡盲肠嗜银细胞形态结构特征及其分布规律

为了解石鸡盲肠消化生理特点,采用石蜡切片和Grimelius嗜银组织化学染色方法,鉴定石鸡盲肠嗜银细胞及其形态结构和分布规律.结果 表明:石鸡盲肠嗜银细胞呈棕黑色,嗜银细胞多分布于黏膜固有层结缔组织中,也有位于盲肠上皮细胞之间,形态多样,呈近圆形、锥形或长条形.近圆形嗜银细胞有的位于固有层,有的靠近肠腔,分别表现为封闭...     

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.     

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.     

Arterial vascularization of the uropygial glands (Gl. uropygialis) in the rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) living in Turkey

This study aims to observe the morphological characteristics of the uropygial gland (Glandula uropygialis), specifically the arterial vascularization, in rock partridges (Alectoris graeca) living in Turkey. Coloured-latex-injected animals were dissected and the gland and related arteries were observed. Mostly, the fourth paired caudal segmental arteries (Aa. segmentales caudales) arising from the median caudal artery (A. mediana caudae) were specified as the uropygial gland arteries. These arteries, in turn, gave the following rami: the muscular ramus (Ramus muscularis) to the levator coccygeus and lateral caudal muscles, the lateral ramus (Ramus lateralis) to the lateral coccygeus muscle and a small ventro-lateral division of the caudal component of the gland, and the medial rami (Ramus medialis) to the dorsal surface of the gland.     

饲粮不同蛋白质水平对半番鸭生产性能和血液生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究低蛋白质日粮对半番鸭生产性能和血液生化指标的影响。按照组间平均体重接近原则,将360只14日龄半番鸭称重后分成3组,每组4个重复,每个重复30只。每组分别饲喂14%、16%和18%3种不同蛋白水平饲粮,饲养至70日龄屠宰,测定屠宰性能并采集血液测定生化指标。结果表明:14⁷0日龄半番鸭平均日采食量、平均日增重及料重比各组间均无显著差异(P>0.05)。70日龄半番鸭的屠宰率、半净膛率、全净膛率、胸肌率、腿肌率、腹脂率各组间差异不显著(P>0.05)。70日龄半番鸭血液的总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白、碱性磷酸酶、尿酸、尿素氮、甘油三酯、胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白和低密度脂蛋白含量各组间均差异不显著(P>0.05)。由此可见,14%蛋白水平的饲粮完全可以满足半番鸭的生长需要,而不影响其生产性能和血液生化指标。     

West Nile virus-associated mortality events in domestic Chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) and domestic Impeyan pheasants (Lophophorus impeyanus)

West Nile virus (WNV) infection was diagnosed in captive juvenile chukars (Alectoris chukar), and captive juvenile Impeyan pheasants (Lophophorus impeyanus) on the basis of necropsy, histopathology, polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. The chukars were kept in a game bird farm that experienced two outbreaks with approximately 25% mortality in hundreds of chukars between September and October 2002 and during the same months in 2003. The submitted pheasants were part of a group of 15 juvenile Impeyan pheasants that all died within approximately 2 wk at the end of August 2002. The macroscopic lesions in the pheasants were dominated by mucosal hemorrhage at the proventricular to ventricular junction and cecal ulcers, whereas the gross lesions in the chukar partridges were nonspecific. The predominant microscopic lesion in the chukar partridges was myocardial necrosis, whereas fibrinous and necrotizing splenitis was prominent in the pheasants. Viral antigen was usually widespread in animals of both species. Spontaneously occurring WNV infection should be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of mortality among select species of galliform birds.     

Anti-predator behaviour of adult red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) tutors improves the defensive responses of farm-reared broods

1. The aim of this work was to improve natural anti-predator behaviour of farm-reared gamebirds.

2. We evaluated the anti-predator behaviour of reared red-legged partridge Alectoris rufa chicks kept in brooder houses in large groups (>350 chicks), trained and not trained by parent red-legged partridges acting as experienced tutors.

3. The experiment consisted of two conditioned tests (a raptor model and a human) and two control tests, which were conducted during three consecutive phases of life (1–4, 15–17 and 30–32 d after hatching). The motor anti-predator behaviour, its duration, the intensity of response in chicks and alarm calls elicited by adults were recorded.

4. Tutors elicited aerial alarm calls (76% of tests) and showed prolonged crouching (59% of tests) in response to the raptor model whereas uttering the ground alarm call (73% of tests) and showing vigilance behaviour (78% of tests) was the main pattern during the human test.

5. Trained and not trained chicks showed similar motor behaviour in response to the raptor model (crouching) and the human test (escaping), but frequency of strong responses (all chicks responding) from chicks trained with tutors was double that of chicks trained without them, and chicks trained with tutors showed a higher frequency of long responses (41–60 s).

6. This study indicates that anti-predator training programmes before release may improve behaviour of farm-reared partridges which may confer benefits to survival of birds.

     

The effect of production system (barn and free-range), slaughtering age and gender on carcass traits and meat quality of partridges (Alectoris chukar)

1. A total of 400 Alectoris chukar partridges were reared in either barn or free-range production systems and slaughtered at 14, 16 or 18 weeks of age in order to determine the effects of production system, age and gender on carcass traits (live weight, carcass weight, carcass yield, carcass part and edible inner organ percentages at slaughtering) and meat quality (L*, a* and b* meat colour and pH).

2. Production system had a significant effect on both slaughter traits and meat quality.

3. Partridges raised in barn conditions had higher live weights and carcass weights whereas meat quality was better in birds raised in the free-range system.