Effect of dietary supplementation with insect meal on anatomical and morphological traits of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the effect of the use of insect meal in the diet of pheasants in aviary breeding on anatomical and morphological traits which can affect their survival in natural conditions and their suitability for introduction. The study consisted of measurements of the weight and length of selected body parts of pheasants (hens and cocks) from two groups – control and experimental. The control group consisted of 15 individuals (7 cocks and 8 hens) fed a traditional diet, and the experimental group comprised 15 birds (7 cocks and 8 hens) receiving a diet supplemented with insect meal. The weight of the following body parts was measured: body, carcass, breast muscles, whole thighs, thigh muscles, drumstick muscles, drumstick and thigh bones, heart, liver, stomach muscle, and head. The length of the spur (left), whole leg, humerus, forearm, femur, tibia, and sternum was also measured. The use of insect meal contributed to increased leg muscle weight, which should be regarded as a positive trait in this species, given the threat of predation in natural conditions.

Keywords

• pheasant
• Phasianus colchicus
• insect meal
• dietary supplementation
• anatomical and morphological traits