Nutritional composition and heavy metal content in breast and thigh muscles of wild and intensively reared common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

Abstract

Differing conditions in captive breeding and in the wild have impact on the mineral profile of the pheasant carcass and its heavy metal contents. This may be an indicator of environmental contamination. The study evaluated the nutritional composition and selected macro- and trace element contents (heavy metals in particular) in usable sections of pheasant breast and thigh muscles originating from captive breeding and wild birds.

Keywords

• pheasants
• chemical composition of muscles
• heavy metals
• environmental contamination