Effect of hen weight on egg production and some egg quality characteristics in pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

A study was conducted to determine the effect of live weight of pheasants on egg production and egg quality characteristics. A total of 48 ring-necked pheasants were divided into control, heavy, middle and light BW groups. Live weights of the control were 1,187 g, 1,352.92 g for heavy group, 1,247.92 g for middle group and 1,003.33 g for light group. Egg production of groups were found as 47.32, 42.82, 45.79 and 46.51% respectively, in 10 weeks of period. There were no statistical differences on egg production among the groups. The effect of live weight on egg weight, shape index, specific gravity, shell weight, shell thickness, Haugh Unit, yolk weight and albumen weight were found statistically significant (p<0.05). The effect of live weight on albumen index, membrane weight and membrane thickness were found not important (p>0.05). On the other hand, other important factors to be effective on the egg quality of pheasants should be investigated. As a result of this study, live weight of pheasant hens is not an important factor to obtain high egg production in pheasants. But, body conformation of breeding materials should be in good conditions.