Research Article Open Access

Effect of Photoperiod on the Production of Chukar Partridges (Alectoris chukar)

Authors

V.I.A. Alva
Departamentos de Medicina zootecnia de Aves, Etologia, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, FMVZ, UNAM, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Delegacion Coyoacan, D.F.C.P. 04510, Mexico, Km 38.5 carretera Mexico-Texcoco, C.P. 56230, Chapingo, Estado de Mexico
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CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
L.J.A. Quintana
Departamentos de Medicina zootecnia de Aves, Etologia, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, FMVZ, UNAM, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Delegacion Coyoacan, D.F.C.P. 04510, Mexico, Km 38.5 carretera Mexico-Texcoco, C.P. 56230, Chapingo, Estado de Mexico
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I.C. Gonzales-Rebeles
Departamentos de Medicina zootecnia de Aves, Etologia, Fauna Silvestre y Animales de Laboratorio, FMVZ, UNAM, Circuito Exterior, Ciudad Universitaria, Delegacion Coyoacan, D.F.C.P. 04510, Mexico, Km 38.5 carretera Mexico-Texcoco, C.P. 56230, Chapingo, Estado de Mexico
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A.M. Gonzalez
Departamento de Zootecnia, Posgrado en Produccion Animal, Universidad Autonoma Chapingo, Km 38.5 carretera Mexico-Texcoco, C.P. 56230, Chapingo, Estado de Mexico
DOI 10.3923/ijps.2015.657.663
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Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of variations in photoperiod duration on production indicators such as amount of eggs-laid and weight in chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar). Ninety individuals were divided into groups of 3 males and 7 females per cage (9 cages). Three different photoperiod treatments were used (18, 16 and 14 h light) with three repetitions per treatment. Males and females were randomly selected for each group. Means between treatments were compared using ANDEVA with Tukey’s multiple comparisons in a GLM using the SAS V.8.0 software package. The following variables were evaluated during 18 production weeks: egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), eggs per female (EF) and laying percentage (LP). Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in EW between 18 and 14 h light, representing a 7.1% in EW with decreasing photoperiod. No significant differences (p>0.05) were found in the remaining parameters between treatments. There was an improvement of all production variables at the smallest photoperiod (14 h) even though only EW was statistically significant.

Keywords:

Egg production, laying cycle, light-hours, partridges, photoperiod

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How to Cite

Alva, V., Quintana , L., Gonzales-Rebeles, I., & Gonzalez, A. (2015). Effect of Photoperiod on the Production of Chukar Partridges (Alectoris chukar). International Journal of Poultry Science, 14(12), 657–663. https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2015.657.663

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