Male Pheasants Research Articles

Habitat selection and density of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) in Northern Italy: effects of land use cover and landscape configuration

Knowing the ecology of game species is important to define sustainable hunting pressure and to plan management actions aimed to maintain viable populations. Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is one of the main gamebird species in Europe and North America, despite its native range extending from the Caucasus to Eastern China. This research aimed to define the environmental variables shaping the spatial distribution of male pheasants and to estimate their breeding density in an agroecosystem of northern Italy. During the breeding season, 2015, we carried out 372 point counts with unlimited distances, randomly placed following a stratified sampling survey design. The habitat requirements of the pheasant were evaluated following a presence vs. availability approach, using environmental variables related to land use cover and landscape configuration. We built generalized linear models with a binary distribution, selecting variables following an information-theoretic approach. Densities were estimated through both conventional and multiple-covariate distance sampling. We estimated a density of 1.45 males/km2, with 4.26 males/km2 in suitable areas and 0.91 males/km2 in unsuitable ones. We found pheasants in areas with meadows and tree plantations, which were used to find food and refuges from predators and bad weather conditions. Similarly, woodlands have a positive effect on species occurrence, whereas arable lands were avoided, specifically maize and paddy fields. We found little evidence that landscape configuration affects pheasant occurrence. We found pheasants to be negatively affected by the length of edges between woodlands and arable lands, whereas edges between woodlands and grasslands seem to be beneficial for the species. These findings could help landscape and wildlife managers to plan habitat improvement actions useful to maintain self-sustaining populations of this species, by increasing cover of woodlands, meadows, and tree plantations.

Characterization of Carcass Color Differences Between Hens (Small Birds) and Meat-Type Male Pheasants (Large Birds)

The underlying changes in hen carcass color upon freezing were compared with the color of meat-type male pheasants upon freezing. Chemical and physical assessments of these two pheasant types (n=5) and the effects of different chilling methods on hen carcasses (n=10) were evaluated. The results showed that hen carcasses exhibited more red pigmentation (myoglobin, hemoglobin), as well as significantly higher pH values and redness, than the carcasses from meat-type pheasants. The moisture content was higher in hens than in meat-type pheasants, especially in the skin. The intermediate fiber (IIA) type was the only type found in the pectoralis major muscle, regardless of pheasant type. Chilling method significantly changed the color attributes of the hen carcass. Immersion chilling decreased skin redness (less pigmentation and Commission Internationale de l ́Eclairage [CIE] a*); the breast meat was less red than that from the chilling-in-a-bag condition. The skin had substantially higher levels of red pigmentation than the breast muscles, irrespective of the pheasant type and chilling method (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that the more intense red appearance may be related to a combination of greater residual hemoglobin levels and higher pH within the skin. The greater moisture content of the skin may have facilitated the development of greater transparency to the darker, more red breast muscle.

Large intestine in pheasant (phasianus colchicus) and see-see partridge (ammoperdix griseogularis). A comparative morphological and histological study.

Anatomical and histological studies of the large intestine in birds are essential for necropsy and histopathological examinations. On the other hand, large intestine plays a critical role in the immune system and absorption. The present study's objective was to provide information about the morphological, morphometric and histological characteristics of the large intestine in see-see partridges (Ammoperdix griseogularis) and pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). These two members of the Galliformes order are found in large areas of Iran. In this study, ten male see-see partridges and ten male pheasants were randomly selected. Also, the histological studies were carried out on tissue specimens using haematoxylin for staining. In both species, the cecum was visible as two large tubes at the beginning of the rectum. The cecum and rectum's outer surfaces were flat and had no sacculation in both of the birds. Histologically, intestinal villi in all the large intestine parts and increase their height from the base to the apex is remarkable. The muscularis mucosae was distinct, and lymph nodes and Liberkuhn glands were found in all parts of the large intestine, approximately. It can be concluded that the morphology of the large intestine is very similar to the other avian species, but there are more differences in the histological features. These structural features are in full accordance with the bird's habits and diet.

BLOOD PLASMA BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF CAPTIVE BLACK-NECKED PHEASANT (PHASIANUS COLCHICUS), GRAY PARTRIDGE (PERDIX PERDIX) AND CHUKAR PARTRIDGE (ALECTORIS CHUKAR) OF BOTH SEXES IN BULGARIA

In the study, 36 (n=12 by species, n=6 by sex) blood samples were taken from a captive, adult, clinically healthy, Black-necked pheasants or Southern Caucasus pheasants (Phasianus col. colchicus), Gray partridge (Perdix perdix), and Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) for plasma biochemical analyses. The investigated plasma biochemical parameters were Creatinine, Uric acid, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Significant differences (P<0.05) among both sexes were found in the activity of ALT in Black-necked pheasants. Creatinine levels are relatively close in value between the sexes in all three species, slightly higher in males. Uric acid values in male birds are much higher than in female game birds in all three species. AST and ALT activities in male pheasants were higher when compared to the females, while the trend was reversed in sex at Gray partridges.

The dynamics of Live Weight of Pheasant Chicks (Phasianus colchicus colchicus) Breeding Artificially

The research was implemented in 2018 at the Institute of Zoology of ANAS. The experimental part of study was carried out in Institute’s vivarium, but the analysis of results was performed in Protozoology laboratory and at the Department for Biology and its teaching methods of Azerbaijan State University. The studies were conducted on pheasants (Phasianus colchicus colchicus) incubated in the vivarium of the Institute. The birds were weighed individually, separately, one by one on an electronic scale (Adventurer Pro) with an accuracy of 0.1 mg, in the first two months of postembryogenesis (1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 34, 38, 42, 50 and 60 days) before feeding in the morning. It was determined that recorded jumps of the pheasants of all ages manifests itself in the form of peaks in the dynamics of relative weight gain and relative growth rate during the development and growth of both male and female individuals. The highest peak in the dynamics for relative weight gain (RWG) and relative growth rate (RGR) of pheasant chicks is observed in 10-day birds (64.24% and 94.65%, respectively), although there is decrement in both indicators of male and female pheasants, it was noted that these indicators rise in some days. In the index of RWG and RGR of 12-60 day pheasants, the first high increase is observed in 16-day birds (♂ 32.26% and 38.46%; ♀ 31.14% and 36.89%), the second highest increase in 22-day birds (♂ 35.07% and 42.52%; ♀ 36.21% and 44.12%), the third highest increase in 42-day birds (♂ 63.10% and 62.19%; ♀ 51.17% and 68.76%). The decrements in the index of both RWG and RGRs is compensated in the days when the next peaks observed. The differences among all weight indicators of male and female pheasants, as well as RWG and RGR are significant and the index of male pheasants is higher than female pheasants.

Analysis of the territorial vocalization ritual of the common pheasant Phasianus colchicus

The aim of the study was to analyze the ritual of territorial vocalization of pheasant cocks. The research aim was to determine whether the duration of the ritual of the territorial vocalization of pheasant cocks depends on the season of the year or whether it is an individual feature. The work was performed based on the analysis of film recordings of 7 male pheasants recorded in the Bystrzyca Valley in Lublin (Poland). Several-minute recordings were made from April 19 to June 27, 2018 in the morning (around 6: 00-8: 00). The characteristic for the species ritual vocalization were divided into four phases. The study concluded that the average duration of individual phases of ritual vocalization in individual birds varies and is an individual value. The number flaps of the wings before and after the vocalization varies depending on the cock and is bird-specific, and depends to a small extent on the month of observation.

The Influence of the Partial Replacing of Inorganic Salts of Calcium, Zinc, Iron, and Copper with Amino Acid Complexes on Bone Development in Male Pheasants from Aviary Breeding.

Simple SummaryA significant problem of birds reared in farms and then reintroduced to natural living environment is their survival, which is usually much lower than that of the free-living ones. Behavioral and physiological deficiencies rather than morphological anatomy decide about failure, nevertheless, the birds’ body condition, including quality and maturity of skeletal system, are also important. In this context, the problem of proper nutrition for growing game birds is a major one. The level and source of microelements, as well as the source of protein are the main factors affecting bone growth in young captive-reared birds. Since calcium, zinc, iron, and copper are critical nutrients in all practical diets, this experiment was undertaken to determine the possibility of the partial inclusion of organic forms of these elements to the diet of pheasants in order to improve their bone development and survival.This study analyzed the effects of partial replacing of Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu salts with glycine chelates on the measures of bones health in 16-week-old captive-reared male pheasants, allocated to one of the three experimental groups supplemented with Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu in forms of inorganic salts (the control group) or groups receiving from the ninth week 25% and 50% of supplemented elements as glycine chelates. At the end of rearing birds receiving chelates were heavier (p < 0.001) and their tibia showed an increase of numerous mechanical parameters: yield and ultimate force (p = 0.028, p < 0.001, respectively), stiffness (p = 0.007), Young modulus (p < 0.001), compared to the control animals. The bones of birds receiving chelates in 50% were also heavier (p < 0.001) and longer (p = 0.014), with thinner cortical bone in midshaft (p = 0.027) and thicker proximal trabeculae (p < 0.001) compared to the control. While both doses of chelates increased mineral density in midshaft (p = 0.040), bone content of Cu and Zn decreased (p = 0.025, p < 0.001, respectively). The content of immature collagen in cancellous bone and articular cartilage increased in groups receiving chelates (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, glycine chelates probably enhanced development of the skeletal system in male pheasants as bones were denser and more resistant to mechanical damage.

The relationship between social rank and spatial learning in pheasants, Phasianus colchicus: cause or consequence?

Individual differences in performances on cognitive tasks have been found to differ according to social rank across multiple species. However, it is not clear whether an individual’s cognitive performance is flexible and the result of their current social rank, modulated by social interactions (social state dependent hypothesis), or if it is determined prior to the formation of the social hierarchy and indeed influences an individual’s rank (prior attributes hypothesis). We separated these two hypotheses by measuring learning performance of male pheasants, Phasianus colchicus, on a spatial discrimination task as chicks and again as adults. We inferred adult male social rank from observing agonistic interactions while housed in captive multi-male multi-female groups. Learning performance of adult males was assayed after social rank had been standardised; by housing single males with two or four females. We predicted that if cognitive abilities determine social rank formation we would observe: consistency between chick and adult performances on the cognitive task and chick performance would predict adult social rank. We found that learning performances were consistent from chicks to adults for task accuracy, but not for speed of learning and chick learning performances were not related to adult social rank. Therefore, we could not support the prior attributes hypothesis of cognitive abilities aiding social rank formation. Instead, we found that individual differences in learning performances of adults were predicted by the number of females a male was housed with; males housed with four females had higher levels of learning performance than males housed with two females; and their most recent recording of captive social rank, even though learning performance was assayed while males were in a standardized, non-competitive environment. This does not support the hypothesis that direct social pressures are causing the inter-individual variation in learning performances that we observe. Instead, our results suggest that there may be carry-over effects of aggressive social interactions on learning performance. Consequently, whether early life spatial learning performances influence social rank is unclear but these performances are modulated by the current social environment and a male’s most recent social rank.

Incorporating detection probability to estimate pheasant density

ABSTRACTIndices of abundance, such as point counts, commonly are used to monitor trends in bird populations. In some circumstances, however, an index of abundance provides insufficient information for making management decisions and accurate density estimates are necessary. Wild ring‐necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were translocated to 10 study areas in Pennsylvania from 2007 to 2014 with the goal of establishing female densities of 3.86 pheasants/km2. We developed a population density estimator that used 3‐minute crowing counts adjusted for probability of detection to estimate male pheasant density and flushing surveys to estimate the female:male ratio. To account for detection probability, we estimated the probability a pheasant was available to be detected by monitoring crowing frequency of male pheasants fitted with radio‐transmitters and the probability an observer was able to detect a crowing pheasant at distances from 0 to 0.93 km. We found the probability a pheasant crowed during 3 minutes decreased linearly over our survey period from 0.66 in mid‐April to 0.46 by the end of May. At the farthest distance we were able to accurately detect a crowing pheasant. We estimated the probability of detecting a pheasant at 0.80 km to be 0.019 ± 0.005 (SE), which means that we could not assume any fixed distance beyond which crowing birds could not be detected. Therefore, we replaced the probability of detection in the standard distance sampling estimator with the effective area of detection. The estimation of the effective area of detection is robust to choice of radius of the point and did not require observers to estimate the distance to crowing pheasants. We estimated the female:male ratio to be 1.02:1, despite the ratio of released pheasants being 4.46:1. Only 1 study area achieved the female density goal ( = 4.16); the maximum density at all other study areas was &lt;2 females/km2. The estimator we developed incorporated multiple detection probabilities to provide density estimates and simplified the crowing count protocol by eliminating the need for observers to estimate their distance from a detected bird, which makes the estimator useful for estimation of population abundance when explicit population density objectives must be evaluated. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

Male-to-female aggression in cage-housed common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) during the breeding season was not related to male plasma testosterone level

ABSTRACT1. The aim of this study was to investigate if male-to-female aggression of common pheasants in the course of the breeding season was related to the concentration of plasma testosterone and/or other biochemical plasma indicators in male pheasants housed in breeding cages. The influence of season on the concentration of testosterone and biochemical indicators was also investigated.2. Males were divided into non-aggressive and aggressive groups during the breeding season based on ethological evaluation. At the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the breeding season, a blood sample was taken from all males on the same day and the concentration of selected biochemical indicators and the total circulating testosterone in the plasma were determined.3. Male-to-female aggression during the breeding season of pheasants was not influenced by the total plasma testosterone of males.4. The concentration of total plasma testosterone in males decreased gradually during the breeding season.5. Male-to-female aggression of pheasants did not have a significant effect on any of the assessed biochemical indicators.6. The influence of the breeding season affected the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase as well as the concentrations of glucose, magnesium, potassium and chloride in the blood plasma of cage-housed male pheasants.

Group social rank is associated with performance on a spatial learning task.

Dominant individuals differ from subordinates in their performances on cognitive tasks across a suite of taxa. Previous studies often only consider dyadic relationships, rather than the more ecologically relevant social hierarchies or networks, hence failing to account for how dyadic relationships may be adjusted within larger social groups. We used a novel statistical method: randomized Elo-ratings, to infer the social hierarchy of 18 male pheasants, Phasianus colchicus, while in a captive, mixed-sex group with a linear hierarchy. We assayed individual learning performance of these males on a binary spatial discrimination task to investigate whether inter-individual variation in performance is associated with group social rank. Task performance improved with increasing trial number and was positively related to social rank, with higher ranking males showing greater levels of success. Motivation to participate in the task was not related to social rank or task performance, thus indicating that these rank-related differences are not a consequence of differences in motivation to complete the task. Our results provide important information about how variation in cognitive performance relates to an individual's social rank within a group. Whether the social environment causes differences in learning performance or instead, inherent differences in learning ability predetermine rank remains to be tested.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Lutein and DL-Methionine on Serum Antioxidant Profile and Cellular Immunity of Captive Golden Pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus)

Both carotenoids and methionine independently act as antioxidant and immune-modulator. As captive pheasant's diets are deficient in these nutrients, supplementation of either of these nutrients alone or in combination could be expected to be beneficial. Hence, this experiment was conducted to study the effect of supplementing lutein and DL-methionine on serum antioxidant status and cellular immunity of captive golden pheasants. Twenty-four adult male golden pheasants were randomly distributed into four groups of six each in an experiment based on 2×2 factorial designs. Basal diet contained no supplementary lutein or DL-methionine (M0C0). The diets of the birds in group M0C1 were supplemented with lutein (40 mg/kg DM) without supplementary DL methionine, whereas, those in group M1C0 were supplemented only with DL-methionine (1.5 g/kg DM). Birds in group M1C1 were fed both the supplements. Supplementation of lutein, but not DL methionine resulted in increased (P<0.01) serum concentration of total carotenoids, total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase, along with reduced (P<0.01) concentration of malondialdehyde. Supplementation of both lutein and DL-methionine increased (P<0.01) serum concentration of reduced glutathione; however, the best response was observed when both the supplements were fed together. Supplementation of lutein increased the foot web index which is suggestive of improved cellular immunity. It is concluded that feeding of supplementary lutein at 40 mg/kg DM would improve the antioxidant status and cellular immune response of captive golden pheasants.

Spent lead shot availability and ingestion by ring‐necked pheasants in South Dakota

ABSTRACTLead is toxic to all vertebrate species and ingestion of lead ammunition has been reported in &gt;130 avian species. Research has primarily focused on the effects and exposure of spent lead shot on waterfowl with little information about effects on upland game species, such as ring‐necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus). We collected 1,450 soil samples to estimate the availability of lead shot on 2 licensed shooting preserves in South Dakota, USA, 2012–2013. We concurrently collected gizzards from 660 hunter‐harvested wild male pheasants from the shooting preserves and compared lead ingestion rates with those of 1,301 gizzards collected from nonpreserve areas. Spatial modeling showed the distribution of spent lead shot was associated with the systematic hunting pattern of each study site and, to a lesser extent, land‐use type. Prevalence of ingested lead shot was 4.9 times greater for birds harvested on shooting preserves (3.9%, 95% CI = 2.7–5.7%) when compared with nonpreserve areas (0.8%, 95% CI = 0.4–1.4%) where lead shot availability was presumed less. Wild pheasants inhabiting areas of artificially high hunting intensity and lead deposition are at elevated risk of lead exposure and poisoning, although the consequences of lead ingestion in wild pheasants are unknown. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.

The effects of plastic spectacles on the condition and behaviour of pheasants

Plastic spectacles are often fitted to pheasants in laying pens to reduce feather pecking and egg eating. This study examined the effects of spectacles on the physiological condition and behaviour...

Effects of storage temperature on biogenic amine concentrations in meat of uneviscerated pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

The aim of this study was to determine the hygienic quality of the pheasants reared for high-quality meat production by the biogenic amine concentrations in their meat. The content of biogenic amines was measured in the meat of sixty male pheasants killed by pithing and stored uneviscerated for 21 days under different storage temperatures (0 °C, 7 °C and 15 °C). The samples of breast and thigh muscles of pheasant were tested at weekly intervals. Biogenic amines were analysed by reverse phase liquid chromatography and detected by tandem mass spectrometry. Concentrations of biogenic amines (except spermin and spermidin) in thigh muscle were higher than in breast muscle. Highly significant difference (P &lt; 0.01) was found in tyramine (5.80 mg/kg and 1.38 mg/kg for thigh and breast muscle, respectively), cadaverine (40.80 mg/kg and 14.43 mg/kg for thigh and breast muscle, respectively), putrescine (13.42 mg/kg and 3.16 mg/kg for thigh and breast muscle, respectively) and histamine (5.51 mg/kg and 1.70 mg/kg for thigh and breast muscle, respectively) concentrations after 21 days of storage at 15 °C. This study provides information on the dynamics of biogenic amine formation in pheasant meat during 21 days of storage at different temperatures. Based on our results, we can recommend storing pithed uneviscerated pheasants at 0–7°C for up to 21 days, or at 15 °C for up to 7 days. Concentrations of biogenic amines gained in our study can be helpful in evaluating freshness and hygienic quality of the pheasant game meat.

Effects of habitat improvement actions (HIAs) and reforestations on pheasantsPhasianus colchicusin northern Italy

Over the last 50 years, the modernisation and mechanisation of agricultural techniques caused important habitat alterations in agricultural ecosystems that lead to the decline of farmland wildlife populations throughout Europe. During 2008 and 2009, we investigated the effects of Habitat Improvement Actions (HIAs) and reforestations on populations of common pheasantPhasianus colchicusin order to evaluate the influence of both habitat management strategies on pheasant male density and distribution. We estimated the density of territorial males in four study areas located in the western Po Plain (northern Italy) through the method of crowing cock counts during the breeding season. We analysed the spatial distribution of territorial males in relation to the HIA and reforestation patches comparing points with crowing cocks with random ones. Moreover, we analysed the effects of habitat characteristics including HIAs and reforestations on male pheasant density by multiple regression analyses with theoretic information approach and multimodel inference. Our results showed that both HIAs and reforestations had an important role in determining male distribution. Moreover,HIAs and reforestations were good predictor variables of male pheasant density. We concluded that HIAs and reforestations provide common pheasant with suitable habitats and can represent proper solutions for enhancing habitat diversity and quality in intensive agro‐ecosystems.

Mortality in free range rescued wild animals of Shivalik Hills in Himachal Pradesh, India

The present study was conducted on 143 free range wild animals of 12 different species rescued from different locations in Shivalik Hills since Jan 2004 to June 2011. Mortality was reported in 79.02% (113) of rescued wild animals. Mortality in Herbivores, Carnivores, Pheasants and Omnivores was 84.74% (50), 79.06% (34) 72.72% (24) and 62.50% (05) respectively. Post mortem was conducted at field level to determine causes of mortality in all the 113 died wild animals. Necropsy findings revealed musculoskeletal injuries 68.14% (77), more specifically fractures 37.16% (42) and fatal trauma 30.97% (35) as most common cause of mortality in all the animals. On the other hand Cardiovascular and haemorrhagic shock constituted 11.50% (13) while septicemia were noted in 8.84% (10) of all the recorded causes of mortality in rescued animals. Mortality with other causes noticed in 11.50% cases is attributable to diagnosed causes including froathy bloat, tympany, intussusceptions, senility with associated lesions and unknown causes like infectious diseases or toxicosis without a clear symptomatology. The highest mortality was found in male herbivores 28.31% (32) followed by female carnivores 16.81% (19) and male pheasants 13.27% (15). Only 39.82% (45) mortality was observed in adult animals compared to juveniles 51.32% (58). Mortality in winter season 52.21 % (59) was higher than summer 33.62% (38) and rainy season 14.15% (16).

Mortality in free range rescued wild animals of Shivalik Hills in Himachal Pradesh, India

The present study was conducted on 143 free range wild animals of 12 different species rescued from different locations in Shivalik Hills since Jan 2004 to June 2011. Mortality was reported in 79.02% (113) of rescued wild animals. Mortality in Herbivores, Carnivores, Pheasants and Omnivores was 84.74% (50), 79.06% (34) 72.72% (24) and 62.50% (05) respectively. Post mortem was conducted at field level to determine causes of mortality in all the 113 died wild animals. Necropsy findings revealed musculoskeletal injuries 68.14% (77), more specifically fractures 37.16% (42) and fatal trauma 30.97% (35) as most common cause of mortality in all the animals. On the other hand Cardiovascular and haemorrhagic shock constituted 11.50% (13) while septicemia were noted in 8.84% (10) of all the recorded causes of mortality in rescued animals. Mortality with other causes noticed in 11.50% cases is attributable to diagnosed causes including froathy bloat, tympany, intussusceptions, senility with associated lesions and unknown causes like infectious diseases or toxicosis without a clear symptomatology. The highest mortality was found in male herbivores 28.31% (32) followed by female carnivores 16.81% (19) and male pheasants 13.27% (15). Only 39.82% (45) mortality was observed in adult animals compared to juveniles 51.32% (58). Mortality in winter season 52.21 % (59) was higher than summer 33.62% (38) and rainy season 14.15% (16).

Comparison of nutritional values of pheasant and broiler chicken meats

The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional and dietetic values of the meat of chickens of the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L.) intensively fattened until 90 days of age to the meat of broiler chickens fattened until 40 days of age. Breast muscles in pheasants contained higher protein content on a dry matter basis (930.57 g·kg-1 in females, 937.23 g·kg-1 in males) and lower fat content (29.58 g·kg-1 in females, 29.92 g·kg-1 in males) as compared to thigh muscles (protein: 781.80 g·kg-1 in females, 810.07 g·kg-1 in males, fat: 163.74 g·kg-1 in females, 140.71 g·kg-1 in males). Breast muscles in both females and males contained less calcium (0.67 g·kg-1 in females, 0.57 g·kg-1 in males) and more phosphorus (10.16 g·kg-1 in females, 9.72 g·kg-1 in males) compared to the thigh muscles in which the mean calcium content was 1.28 g·kg-1 in females and 1.32 g·kg-1 in males, and the mean phosphorus content was 9.31 g·kg-1 in females and 9.23 g·kg-1 in males. Breast and thigh muscles in both female and male pheasants contained higher protein content and lower fat content compared to broiler meat. The calcium content in pheasant meat was lower whereas the phosphorus and magnesium contents were higher compared to broiler meat. Pheasant meat with high content of protein and low fat content is very valuable foodstuff and its dietetic value exceeds that of broiler meat. There is a lack of scientific literature on this subject which has not been studied in detail yet. This study extends the current scope of scientific knowledge in this field.

A note on meat quality traits of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

Meat yield, proximate composition, pH and drip loss of breast and thigh muscles were studied in 29 hunted male and 32 slaughtered female pheasants. In the breast muscles of additional 14 hunted male pheasants, colour, cooking loss and shear force were measured. Weight of muscles of hunted male pheasants was higher than that of slaughtered females, but the percentages of breast and thigh muscles relative to the dressed carcass did not differ. Average protein concentrations in lean muscles were above 22%, and average fat was below 1.2%. In breast muscles, pH24 was lower than in thigh (ca. 5.6 vs. 6.0), and, consequently, drip loss was higher (2.2-3.0% vs. 1.0-1.5%). Colour of breast muscles was characterised by L*a*b* values of about 55, 4 and 8-9, respectively. The shear force of breast muscles was about 30 N/cm2.