Phasianus Colchicus Research Articles

Proteomic study of Chinese black-bone silky fowl and the ring-necked pheasant egg white by iTRAQ technique

Eggs are the best protein supplements for human beings, which have high nutritional value and are rich in all kinds of essential amino acids. Wild eggs are produced by some rare poultry, considered to have higher nutritional value than ordinary eggs. In this study, black-bone chicken and ring-necked pheasant eggs were selected as samples. Isobaric tags for the relative and absolute quantification labelling techniques (iTRAQ) were used to analyze the protein difference between the two samples. A total of 205 proteins were identified, of which 87 were significantly different. Among those differential proteins, 37 were significantly up-regulated while 50 were significantly down-regulated. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that these differentially expressed proteins were closely related to cholesterol metabolism. The expression of some proteins that are adverse to cholesterol metabolism was significantly down-regulated in black bone chickens, such as Apolipoprotein B, Apovitellenin-1, Vitellogenin-1 and Vitellogenin-2. Protein interaction analysis showed that there were strong interactions among these proteins. These results indicated that compared with ring-necked pheasant, black-bone chicken eggs have a stronger ability to metabolize cholesterol and are less likely to cause the increase of plasma cholesterol.

Health surveillance of a potential bridge host: Pathogen exposure risks posed to avian populations augmented with captive-bred pheasants.

Augmentation of wild populations with captive‐bred individuals presents an inherent risk of co‐introducing novel pathogens to naïve species, but it can be an important tool for supplementing small or declining populations. Game species used for human enterprise and recreation such as the ring‐necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) are commonly raised in captivity and released onto public and private wildlands as a method of augmenting naturalized pheasant populations. This study presents findings on pathogen exposure from three sources of serological data collected in California during 2014–2017 including (a) 71 pen‐reared pheasants sampled across seven game bird breeding farms, (b) six previously released pen‐reared pheasants captured at two study sites where wild pheasants occurred and (c) 79 wild pheasants captured across six study sites. In both pen‐reared and wild pheasants, antibodies were detected against haemorrhagic enteritis virus (HEV), infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), paramyxovirus type 1 (PMV‐1) and Pasteurella multocida (PM). Previously released pen‐reared pheasants were seropositive for HEV, ILT, and PM. Generalized linear mixed models accounting for intraclass correlation within groups indicated that pen‐reared pheasants were more than twice as likely to test positive for HEV antibodies. Necropsy and ancillary diagnostics were performed in addition to serological testing on 40 pen‐reared pheasants sampled from five of the seven farms. Pheasants from three of these farms tested positive by PCR for Siadenovirus, the causative agent of both haemorrhagic enteritis in turkeys and marble spleen disease of pheasants, which are serologically indistinguishable. Following necropsy, owners from the five farms were surveyed regarding husbandry and biosecurity practices. Farms ranged in size from 10,000 to more than 100,000 birds, two farms raised other game bird species on premises, and two farms used some form of vaccination. Biosecurity practices varied by farm, but the largest farm implemented the strictest practices.

Histology of the small intestine in the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus): A scanning electron microscopy, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and stereological study.

The present investigation was conducted to investigate the histology, immunohistochemistry, stereology, and ultrastructure of the small intestine in the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ten birds were included in the study. The obtained findings revealed that three parts in the small intestine namely duodenum, jejunum, and ilium constituted of four layers from innermost to outermost including tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. All parts of the small intestine had simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells reacted with Periodic Acid-Schiff and Alcian Blue stains especially in the jejunum and ileum. The cells on the tip of the duodenal villi showed immuno-positive staining for Sox9 protein, while the jejunum and ileum were negative. The jejunum had longest villi; however the duodenum had deepest crypt (p< .05). The villus surface of jejunum was significantly higher than duodenum and ileum (p< .05). SEM images revealed that the duodenum had cauliflower and leaf-like villi with plicas and recess between them. Jejunum had finger-like villi with a velvety view. The shape of the ileal villi was like that observed in the jejunum with slight differences. In conclusion, the jejunum was the most prominent region in the small intestine in terms of morphologic and morphometric features, which could be attributed to the absorption of more nutrients in this area. These obtained findings would be useful to improve the knowledge in the field of histophysiology properties of the bird's digestive system.

A phasianid bird from the Pleistocene of Tainan: the very first avian fossil from Taiwan

Taiwan accommodates more than 600 avian species, including about 30 endemic ones. As yet, however, no fossil birds have been scientifically documented from Taiwan, so that the evolutionary origins of this diversified avifauna remain elusive. Here we report on the very first fossil bird from Taiwan. This Pleistocene specimen, a distal end of the left tarsometatarsus, shows diagnostic features of the galliform Phasianidae, including an asymmetric plantar articular facet trochlea metatarsi III. Our discovery of a Pleistocene phasianid from Taiwan opens a new perspective on studies of the evolution of the avifauna in Taiwan because the fossil shows that careful search for fossils in suitable localities has the potential of recovering avian remains. In general, East Asia has an extremely poor avian fossil record, especially if terrestrial birds are concerned, which impedes well-founded evolutionary scenarios concerning the arrival of certain groups in the area. The Phasianidae exhibit a high degree of endemism in Taiwan, and the new fossil presents the first physical evidence for the presence of phasianids on the island, some 400,000–800,000 years ago. The specimen belongs to a species the size of the three larger phasianids occurring in Taiwan today (Syrmaticus mikado, Lophura swinhoii, and Phasianus colchicus). Still, an unambiguous assignment to either of these species is not possible due to the incomplete nature of the left tarsometatarsus. Because the former two species are endemic to Taiwan, the fossil has the potential to yield the first data on their existence in the geological past of Taiwan if future finds allow identification on species-level.

Young chicks quickly lose their spontaneous preference to aggregate with females

It is not clear when and how animals start to discriminate between male and female conspecifics and how this distinction drives their social behaviour. A study on pheasants found that 1-week-old chicks (Phasianus colchicus) preferentially aggregated with same-sex peers and this trend became more pronounced through development, suggesting that sexual segregation increases during ontogeny. However, it remains unclear whether this ability depends on experience or develops spontaneously. Using a similar experimental protocol, we investigated whether sex discrimination is present at birth in domestic chickens (Gallus gallus) by testing the social preferences of young chicks with clutch mates. We measured the amount of time spent close to male and female conspecifics in visually inexperienced chicks. Soon after hatching, both males and females preferentially aggregated with females. To clarify whether the experience with conspecifics modifies the initial preference for females, we used an imprinting procedure. We exposed chicks to conspecifics of the same sex, different sex or both sexes for 3 days and then tested their preferences to aggregate with males or females. No sex preference was observed after 3 days of imprinting exposure. The disappearance of the initial sex preference shows that, although chicks can discriminate between conspecifics of different sex, sex segregation does not influence sex preferences in the first week of life. We suggest that the absence of sexual assortment in the first week of age can enhance the social cohesion of the flock. The ability to discriminate males from females affects a wide range of social behaviours, including the preferences for own sex conspecifics during sex segregation and the choice of a partner in the mating period. However, it remains unclear when and how males and females start to discriminate members of the same/different sex. We tested the domestic chicks to explore whether sex discrimination is present at birth or appears later on. Males and females discriminated between sexes at hatching and preferred to spend more time with female chicks. However, this preference disappeared after exposure to same-sex, different-sex or mixed-sex chicks. The lack of a preference for a specific sex may increase group cohesion postponing the appearance of sex segregation later in life, when chicks move further from their group.

The role of birds in Roman imperial funerary rituals at La Magdalena (Alcalá de Henares, Spain): osteoarchaeological and symbolic analysis

The archaeological site of La Magdalena, located in Alcala de Henares (Madrid), has a large necropolis area related to different chronological phases. This study was based on the bone remains found in three Roman tombs that date back to the second and third century AD and a votive offering. The three tombs were located in different places far from one another and have special features on their structure pits and their grave goods. We conducted anthropological and archeozoological analyses on the individuals and bird-associated remains. The anthropological results indicated that there was one adult male, one adult female, and a child, each one associated with a Common Pheasant which presents the same relative age and sex as the corpse they were accompanying. Moreover, all these pheasants were placed inside the grave next to the right tibia of the indicated human remains. We found another bird interred as an offering for the Early Roman cremations, but it was not associated with any particular grave. We consider that the presence of these bird remains is a votive offering related to a religious funeral ritual, but we could not determine if it belongs to a pagan religion or Christianity.

H9N2 influenza virus spillover into wild birds from poultry in China bind to human-type receptors and transmit in mammals via respiratory droplets.

H9N2 influenza virus has been reported worldwide for several decades, and it has evolved into multiple genotypes among domestic poultry. However, the study involving ecology and evolution of low pathogenic avian influenza virus H9N2 in wild birds in China is limited. Here, we carried out surveillance of avian influenza virus H9N2 in wild birds along with the East Asian-Australian migratory flyway in China in 2017. To estimate the prevalence of H9N2 avian virus in wild birds, information on exposure of wild bird populations to H9N2 viruses using serology, in addition to virology, would greatly improve monitoring capabilities. In this study, we also present serological data of H9N2 among wild birds in China during 2013-2016. We report the identification of poultry-derived H9N2 isolates from asymptomatic infected multispecies wild birds such as Common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Little owl (Athene noctua) and Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) in North China in June 2017. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that Tianjin H9N2 isolates belong to the G81 and carry internal genes highly homologous to human H10N8 and H7N9. The isolates could directly infect mice without adaptation but were restricted to replicate in the respiratory system. Glycan-binding preference analyses suggested that the H9N2 isolates have acquired a binding affinity for the human-like receptor. Notably, results from transmission experiment in guinea pigs and ferrets demonstrated the wild birds-derived H9N2 influenza virus exhibits efficient transmission phenotypes in mammalian models via respiratory droplets. Our results indicate that the H9N2 AIVs continued to circulate extensively in wild bird populations and migratory birds play an important role in the spread and genetic diversification of H9N2 AIVs. The pandemic potential of H9N2 viruses demonstrated by aerosol transmission in mammalian models via respiratory droplets highlights the importance of monitoring influenza viruses in these hosts.

Effect of Production System and Slaughter age on Some Meat Quality and Digestive Tract Traits of Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus)

Male and female mixed 200 pheasants were reared in intensive and outdoor conditions to assess the meat quality and some digestive tract traits. Color, pH, cooking loss, water holding capacity and drip loss were determined as meat quality traits. Production system did not have significant effect on most of meat quality traits. Conversely, most of these traits were affected by slaughter age. Water holding capacity significantly decreased but cooking loss increased by slaughter age. Total digestive system weight rate to body weight was decreased by slaughter age but did not differ between production systems. Small and large intestine lengths were significantly longer in indoor system and significantly decreased by slaughter age.

Spatial cognitive ability is associated with transitory movement speed but not straightness during the early stages of exploration.

Memories about the spatial environment, such as the locations of foraging patches, are expected to affect how individuals move around the landscape. However, individuals differ in the ability to remember spatial locations (spatial cognitive ability) and evidence is growing that these inter-individual differences influence a range of fitness proxies. Yet empirical evaluations directly linking inter-individual variation in spatial cognitive ability and the development and structure of movement paths are lacking. We assessed the performance of young pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) on a spatial cognition task before releasing them into a novel, rural landscape and tracking their movements. We quantified changes in the straightness and speed of their transitory paths over one month. Birds with better performances on the task initially made slower transitory paths than poor performers but by the end of the month, there was no difference in speed. In general, birds increased the straightness of their path over time, indicating improved efficiency independent of speed, but this was not related to performance on the cognitive task. We suggest that initial slow movements may facilitate more detailed information gathering by better performers and indicates a potential link between an individual's spatial cognitive ability and their movement behaviour.

State of the Manchurian pheasant Phasianus colchicus pallasi population in Russia, its meat productivity and safety

The article states that the Manchu pheasant Phasianus colchicus pallasi is a Far Eastern subspecies of the common pheasant, a common inhabitant of meadows and fields in the coastal region of Russia and in the Amur River valley. Our studies of the Amur pheasant population showed that it has a high abundance of P. c. pallasi in the wild in the Russian Federation. With regard to this type of bird, registration work is regularly carried out. Based on the data of nature conservation inspectors, inspectors of legal hunting, hunting for wild birds is carried out. The problem for modern science is the preservation and development of the gene pool of this species. Further, work to preserve the pheasant in nature and for home and farm poultry farming. Farmed pheasants are mainly a Caucasian subspecies of the common pheasant. Therefore, the main problem is closely related breeding and, as a consequence, the degeneration of birds on farms. They quickly become incapable of reproduction and give rapidly dying offspring. We have considered the Far Eastern population of the common pheasant. As a reservoir of an additional gene pool for enrichment and creation of a stable population of birds for farming and obtaining a primary scientific base for obtaining hybrid breeds. We have studied its number, population dynamics over the years over the past 10 years and food security. Since this estimate is necessary to account for the reserve population of pheasant breeding. Numerous studies of the chemical composition of pheasant meat show that it is richer in protein and lower in fat than broiler meat, the recognized leader in dietary meat. Microbiological studies for food safety have shown its high quality and suitability for nutrition.

Hunted game birds – Carriers of foodborne pathogens

Game birds may carry zoonotic bacteria in their intestines and transmit them to hunters through bird handling or through the handling and consumption of contaminated meat. In this study, the prevalence of foodborne bacteria was screened from game bird faeces and mallard breast meat using PCR. The sampling occurred in southern Finland from August to December during the hunting season. Isolates were characterized by multi-locus sequence typing. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli counts were used to assess the microbial contamination of mallard meat. In total, 100 woodpigeon (Columba palumbus), 101 pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), 110 mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and 30 teals (Anas crecca) were screened during the hunting season. Additionally, 100 mallard breast meat samples were collected. Campylobacter and Listeria were commonly detected in the faeces and Listeria on mallard meat. L. monocytogenes of sequence types associated with human listeriosis were frequently found in game bird faeces and on mallard meat. Good hygiene during game bird handling, storing the game bird meat frozen, and proper heat treatment are important measures to minimize the health risk for hunters and consumers.

Plasma Biochemical Parameters of The Blood of Captive Adult Male and Female Black-Necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), Gray Partridge (Perdix perdix) and Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) in Bulgaria

Blood samples were collected from 36 (12 by species; 6 male and 6 female) captive, adult, clinically healthy Black-necked pheasants or Southern Caucasus pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), Gray partridge (Perdix perdix) and Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) for plasma biochemical analyses. The investigated parameters were Total protein, Albumin, Total bilirubin and Glucose. Significant differences (P<0.05) among both sexes were found in concentrations of total bilirubin and Glucose in Gray partridges; and Total protein in Chukar. In female Gray and Chukar partridges, the Total protein values were higher than in male ones, but in pheasants it was the opposite. The trend for Albumin and Total bilirubin values in the three game birds were inverted, with higher values observed in male than female birds.

IDENTIFICATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS SPP. ISOLATED FROM FOOD BY TWO METHODS

One hundred and ninety-three staphylococcal strains were isolated from samples of alaska pollock meat (Theragra chalcogramma), atlantic mackerel meat (Scomber scombrus), atlantic herring meat (Clupea harengus), and femoral muscle samples of the wild pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and bryndza cheese. Phenotypic manifestations typical of individual staphylococcal species were detected in these isolates. Species identification was also performed by matrix-assisted-laser-desorption-ionization-mass-spectrometry on the basis of which 5 species of staphylococci were determined: S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. capitis, S. haemolyticus, S. warneri. Subsequently, the presence of the 16S rDNA gene was confirmed by PCR assay; a specific sequence for S. aureus species; putative transcriptional regulator gene serp0107, a specific sequence of the sodA gene was used to identify S. epidermidis and to identify S. warneri, S. haemolyticus, S. capitis species. When comparing the results of identification by PCR assay and matrix-assisted-laser-desorption-ionization-mass-spectrometry, the identification at the genus level was identical in all cases (100%). However, the discrepancies in results were confirmed at the species level, where congruence for identification of isolates by PCR assay and matrix-assisted-laser-desorption-ionization-mass-spectrometry was only 80%. For these isolates, the score value ranged from 1.953 to 2.564.

Contribution of non-native galliforms to annual variation in biomass of British birds

Millions of individuals of two species of non-native galliform birds, the Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) are released into the British countryside annually in late summer, supplementing established breeding populations of these two species. The biomass of birds involved in these releases has been compared to the British breeding bird biomass. However, the validity of this comparison is compromised because the biomass of wild birds varies across the year due to reproduction, mortality and migration. How the biomass of Common Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges compares to that of other British bird species in late summer, or across the whole year, is currently unknown. Here, we produce estimates of how British bird biomass varies across the year, to assess the contribution of the two non-native galliforms to this variation. We show that overall British bird biomass is probably lowest around the start of the breeding season in April, and peaks in late summer and autumn. We estimate that around a quarter of British bird biomass annually is contributed by Common Pheasants and Red-legged Partridges, and that at their peak in August these two species represent about half of all wild bird biomass in Britain.

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.

Ecological niche divergence between two groups of Phasianus colchicus (Aves: Galliformes), the chrysomelas- principalis group and the colchicus group, on the Iranian plateau

Ecological niche differentiation is one of the important topics in modern zoological studies to distinguish the cryptic species and local adaptations. In this article, we provided results of niche modelling of two Phasianus colchicus groups in the Iranian plateau. We performed ecological niche modeling for each group separately and then calculated the niche overlap and compared the ecological niches of the groups. Precipitation of warmest quarter and mean temperature of coldest quarter were the most important factors in determining habitat suitability and niche divergence. Based on niche overlap analysis, separation of ecological niches between these groups has been confirmed. Consequently, ecological niche divergence may effect on the genetic divergence between groups by presenting a prezygotic barrier.

Migrations and features of the winter food allowance of the pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L.) in the south of Primorsky Krai

Migrations and features of the winter food allowance of the pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L.) in the south of Primorsky Krai

Influence of partial replacement of some inorganic minerals with glycine complex and vitamin D3 source on performance, slaughter traits, sensory and physico-chemical characteristics of pheasant muscles (Phasianus colchicus L.) depending on gender

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effect of these substitutions on body weight and slaughtering performance, post-mortem changes, sensory characteristics and chemical composition of selected muscle groups of male and female pheasants. The tests were carried out on pheasants during 5–16 weeks of rearing in enclosed aviaries. Four groups of 8 females and 8 males were formed, and the experimental factor was the supplementation of calcium, iron, zinc and copper salts with glycinates of these elements. The control group received a feed blend containing 100% of the mineral requirement as salts. In the E-25 group, 25% of the salts were replaced by glycinates, in the E-50 group 50% of the salts were replaced, and in the E-75 group only glycinates comprising 75% of the total mineral content were used and no salts were included, with vitamin D3 replaced by calcitriol. For the duration of the study, feeding was at will and the birds had free access to water. In addition, pheasants were weighed at the age of 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. Daily feed intake was monitored. At the end of the experiment, when all the pheasants were 16 weeks old, they were weighed and decapitated. The breast, thighs and drumsticks and the heart, liver and gizzard were removed from the chilled carcasses. Supplementation of calcium, iron, zinc and copper salts with 50% glycinates in feed mixtures for pheasants over a period of 5–16 weeks resulted in a slight improvement in the slaughter weight of birds and a significant increase in crude ash, calcium and zinc, while at 75% supplementation and when calcitriol was used instead of vitamin D3, increased phosphorus levels were found in the pheasant muscles analysed. Males had higher body weight, body weight gain, carcass, liver and gizzard weights, and their muscles had more magnesium and potassium and less calcium, sodium and iron than females.

Development of Humoral Immune Response to Thermostable Newcastle Disease Vaccine Strain I-2 in Ring-Necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

Development of Humoral Immune Response to Thermostable Newcastle Disease Vaccine Strain I-2 in Ring-Necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

The Effect of Environmental Factors on the Morphological Variation of the Common Pheasant, Phasianus colchicus in China

The Effect of Environmental Factors on the Morphological Variation of the Common Pheasant, Phasianus colchicus in China