The Influence of Physical Characteristics of Pheasant Egg on Incubation Results

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the influence of physical characteristics of pheasant eggs (egg weight, egg length, egg width, egg shape index) on incubation results. The study was performed on 150 randomly chosen pheasant eggs from the parent flock at 45-50 weeks of age. The birds were bred at the pheasant station „Ub“ (44°28’N, 20°03’E, 97 m a.s.l.). Eggs were incubated and divided into three groups: all eggs, eggs lighter than average ( 28 g). Each group was subdivided into three categories: all eggs, hatched eggs, and eggs that did not hatch. Significant correlation (p0.05). In all groups and categories of pheasant eggs, correlation between weight of eggs and egg shape index was not statistically confirmed (p>0.05), except in hatched eggs with lower than average weight (p<0.05). It can be concluded that egg weight significantly impacts incubation results, but egg length and shape index should also be considered to improve hatchability and offspring vitality. Overall, incorporating all examined physical parameters of pheasant eggs into the selection criteria for incubation is essential for optimizing hatchability and offspring vitality.

Keywords

• Egg length
• egg shape index
• egg weight
• incubation
• pheasant