Pheasants Phasianus Colchicus Research Articles

Age Determination of Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus) using Discriminant Analysis

Most gallinaceous birds can be identified as juveniles or adults using the outermost primaries (P9 and P10) which are retained until after the first breeding season and are often identifiable by colour and wear. The pheasant Phasianus colchicus, however, moults all ten primary feathers during its post-juvenile moult so alternative techniques are required. To date the method most widely used on live birds is measurement of the shaft diameter of the proximal primary feather, P1, which is replaced first before the bird is fully-grown. Using a known-age sample of 752 free-living pheasants, this study presents a discriminant function analysis using proximal primary feather measurements and other morphological characteristics to achieve a greater level of accuracy of ageing. Ageing accuracy was high, especially for males, at over 95%. The model was less accurate for females, with 83% and 94% respectively for the two year groups. When our model was applied to an independent data set of unknown-age birds 85% were classified. Less than 3% could not be aged accurately and the remainder were unclassified due to missing measurements. Our model offers a reliable method of ageing pheasants, both live and dead, however researchers are cautioned to potential year, origin (stock) and site effects.

Evaluation of leg banding and attachment of radio‐transmitters on ring‐necked pheasant chicks

Marking birds is a vital tool for determining survival, habitat‐use patterns, and movements. For galliform species, metal leg bands and radio‐transmitters are widely used marking techniques. While commonly used on adult birds, leg banding and radio‐marking of galliform chicks are not commonly employed. During a two‐year study to evaluate survival, dispersal, and habitat‐use of released four‐week old ring‐necked pheasants Phasianus colchicus, we sought to mark chicks in a manner that allowed us to track them post‐release and recognize them if harvested as adults. Our objectives were to evaluate the efficacy of four banding techniques: 1) standard bands for adult ring‐necked pheasants [no. 6 aluminum butt‐end bands], 2) colored plastic spiral leg bands commonly used for banding poultry, 3) no. 6 bands and plastic spiral leg bands to prevent the aluminum bands from slipping off, and 4) cotton‐filled no. 6 bands to prevent bands from slipping off and allow growth of the tarsus. We also evaluated two radio‐transmitter attachment methods: gluing or suturing transmitters on the back of four‐week‐old chicks. The no. 6 bands did not stay attached to the birds due to the bands being too large, and plastic spiral bands commonly caused constriction of the legs, possibly crippling birds. However, using cotton filled leg‐bands was a reliable method for marking pheasant chicks. Although gluing has been used successfully as a radio‐transmitter attachment method in other studies, in our study it largely failed given that few radio‐transmitters remained attached beyond two days. Suturing was an effective method (90% of the transmitters remained attached until death or expected life of the battery) for attaching radio‐transmitters to ring‐necked pheasant chicks. Our field study has revealed promising approaches and we suggest that a captive study should now evaluate the possible sub‐lethal effects (e.g. growth rates, body condition, transmitter retention times) of these attachment methods.

Genetic and antigenic characterization of fragments of the pheasant immunoglobulin Y heavy chain constant region

Few studies have attempted to characterize the pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) immunoglobulin Y (IgY) heavy chain constant region. In the present study, fragments of the pheasant IgY heavy chain constant region were cloned, analyzed, and expressed. The cross-reactivity of IgY or immunoglobulin G (IgG)s with antigens from other vertebrate species was determined using dot-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blot analysis. Five peptides of the pheasant IgY heavy chain constant region were synthesized to determine its immunoregulatory activity in vitro. The IgY heavy chain constant region from pheasant showed the highest homology with that from chicken (71.2 %) and duck (49.1 %). Phylogenetic analysis for IgY showed that pheasant was closely related to chicken and duck than to any other analyzed vertebrate species. The rabbit anti-chicken IgG showed immunologic cross-reactivity with recombinant proteins of the pheasant IgY heavy chain constant region. Four peptides were able to induce significant up-regulation of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, and interferon-γ in chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes, suggesting a new role of avian IgY in immune regulation.

Structural Differences of the Harderian Gland between Common Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus Talischensis) and Hybrids of Italian Amber and Common Pheasants

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the histological and histochemical structure of the Harderian gland in wild and hybrid of wild and domestic birds. The samples were stained with haematoxylin-eosin, methyl green-pyronin Y, periodic acid-Schiff, alcian blue pH 2.5, aldehyde fuchsin and Hale's dialyzed iron staining's. In both species, the glands had multilobar tubuloacinar structure type I. The Harderian gland was located in the orbit near the inter-orbital septum, between the medial rectus muscle, the pyramidal muscle of the third eyelid, and the ventral oblique muscle. In the common pheasant, the gland was wider in the proximal and distal part. The common pheasant had more elongated lobes of the Harderian gland than in the hybrid. In the common pheasant, the glandular cells presented darkly-stained serous secretion and lightly-stained mucous secretion. In the hybrid, the glandular cells presented seromucous secretion. The central lobar space, interacinar space, and apical parts of the acini of the Harderian glands were filled with many lymphocytes and plasma cells, particularly in the common pheasant, where centers of all large lobes were abundantly filled with plasma cells. The plasma cells dominated in common pheasant's Harderian gland, while in the hybrid, lymphocytes and plasma cells were present at similar quantities. The cells positive for periodic acid of Schiff staining were dominant in hybrid. Periodic acid-Schiff, Hale's dialyzed iron and alcian blue pH 2.5 stainings demonstrated acid-carboxylated mucopolysaccharides in the glandular cells cytoplasm of the examined birds.

Effect of feed supplements on the occurrence of Coccidia oocysts in the digestive tract of pheasants

Received: 2015-07-16 | Accepted: 2016-05-20 | Available online: 2016-05-30 dx.doi.org/10.15414/afz.2016.19.02.51-53 The occurrence of coccidiosis is an enormous problem of pheasant farming. The aim of this study is to show, that this disease can be cured by unconventional dietary supplements. Dietary supplements which were used in this study were as follows: prebiotics (Ascophyllum nodosum), probiotics (Lactobacillus thermophilus) and homeopathics. Four groups of pheasants were made - three experimental groups and one control group. All groups were consisted of 12 individuals. The pheasant Phasianus colchicus was used in this experiment. Dietary supplements were served for 30days. The favourable effect of homeopatics (P < 0.05) and Lactobacillus thermophilus (P < 0.05) on the intestinal tract of pheasant was statistical significant. Keywords : Eimeria tenella , homeopatics, prebiotics, probiotics, Phasianus colchicus References Ayed, M.H. and Ghaoui, F. (2011) Efficiency of supplementing Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. ellipsoideus for improved growth performance and carcass yield in broilers. Research Opinions in Animal and Veterinary Sciences , vol. 1, pp. 371-374. Berchieri, A. et al. (2006) Evaluation of isopathic treatment of Salmonella enteritidis in poultry. Homeopathy , vol. 95, pp. 4-97. Dibaji, S.M., Seidavi, A. and Asadpour, L. (2012) Effect of dietary inclusion of the synbiotic Biomin IMBO on broilers’ some blood metabolites. Research Opinions in Animal and Veterinary Sciences , vol. 2, pp. 10-13. FULLER, R. (1989) Probiotics in man and animals. Journal of Applied Bacteriology , vol. 66, pp. 365-378. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2672.1989.tb05105.x GASSAL, S. (2003) Untersuchungen zum Ekto- und Endoparasitenbefall von Fasanhahnen ( Phasianus colchicus ). Dissertation, Veterinarmedizinische Fakultat der Universitat Leipzig, p 255. Houndonougbo, M.F., Chrysostome, C.A.A.M. and Amoussa, Z.L.A.O. (2011) Tchoukoutou residue and yogurt as feed additives in broilers feed. Research Opinions in Animal and Veterinary Sciences , vol. 1, pp. 597-600. KALAC, P. (2003) Functional foods – Steps to Health. Czech Budejovice, Dona, p. 130 (in Czech). Khan, R.U., Rahman, Z., Javed, I. and Muhammad, F. (2012) Effect of vitamins, probiotics and protein on semen traits in post-molt male broiler breeders. Animal Reproduction Science , vol. 135, no. 4, pp. 85-90. Panda, A.K. et al. (2003) Production performance, serum/yolk cholesterol and immune competence of white leghorn layers as influenced by dietary supplementation with probiotic. Tropical Animal Health and Production , vol. 35, pp. 85-94. ROCHA, D.R.A. and PACHECO, R.D.L. (2006) Amarante AFT, Efficacy of homeopathic treatment against natural infection of sheep by gastrointestinal nematodes. Brasilia Journal Parasitology Veteterinaria , vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 24-27. Sojoudi, M.R., Dadashbeiki, M. and Bouyeh, M. (2012) Effects of different levels of symbiotic. Research Opinions in Animal and Veterinary Sciences , vol. 2, pp. 243-248. STREITZ, E. (2006) Alternative additives – an area with great potential. DGS Magazin , vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 30-33. Velkers, F.C. et al. (2005) Isopathic and pluralist homeopathic treatment of commercial broilers with experimentally induced colibacillosis. Research Veterinary Science , vol. 78, pp. 77-83. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2004.06.005

Elemental composition of game meat from Austria

ABSTRACTConcentrations of 26 elements (B, Na, Mg, P, S, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, Pb, U) in wild game meat from Austria were analysed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. All investigated animals were culled during the hunting season 2012/2013, including 10 chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), 9 hare (Lepus europaeus), 10 pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), 10 red deer (Cervus elaphus), 12 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 10 wild boar (Sus scrofa). In 19 out of 61 meat samples lead concentrations were higher than 0.1 mg/kg, the maximum limit in meat as set by the European Commission (Regulation EC No 1881/2006), which is most likely caused by ammunition residues. Especially, pellet shot animals and chamois show a high risk for lead contamination. Despite ammunition residues all investigated muscle samples show no further health risk with respect to metal contamination.

Bird quality, origin and predation level affect survival and reproduction of translocated common pheasants Phasianus colchicus

We investigated the survival and breeding success of common pheasants Phasianus colchicus of two origins and in two predator densities. We translocated hand‐reared and wild pheasant hens to southern Finland (60°N, 24°E) and hand‐reared ones to central Finland (63°N, 27°E). Both groups of birds were treated similarly before release and translocated to areas with no local pheasant populations. Both areas appeared similar, the only major difference being the amount of predators. The red fox Vulpes vulpes was the major predator of pheasants present in the southern study, where it was abundant, whereas it was almost non‐existant in central Finland. In accordance with earlier studies, the wild birds survived much better than the hand‐reared ones in the area with a high red fox density. The hand‐reared birds located in the low red fox density area survived better than the hens in the area of high red fox density. However, no significant difference was observed in the survival of the hand‐reared birds in the low fox density area and wild birds in the high fox density area. Interestingly, after the first two weeks, the survival of pheasants in different groups was equal. We additionally found no significant differences between the bird‐groups in terms of hatching success when comparing hens that managed to initiate nesting. No difference was also observed between the hand‐reared birds in the low fox density area and the wild in the high fox density area in brood survival to the age of six weeks. We conclude that even hand‐reared pheasants can succeed in brood production in an area with low fox densities. We furthermore suggest that pheasants that survive the two first weeks after translocation have good chances of producing a brood whether they are wild or hand‐reared.

Impacts and management of common buzzards Buteo buteo at pheasant Phasianus colchicus release pens in the UK: a review

In the UK, alongside an expanding common buzzard population, there is increasing concern of raptor predation at pheasant release pens. Historically, losses of poults to raptor predation has been low, commonly (90 % of shoots) ≤1 % of birds released into pens, representing a small percentage of losses relative to all causes of mortality. A small number of shoots did suffer higher losses, estimated at >5 % at one in 30 estates and >10 % at some estates. Predation was lower (i) with increased poult age at release, (ii) in later releases, (iii) in pens with good vegetative cover, (iv) in pens within woods <50 acres and (v) in releases of <500 birds; there were also indications that predation was greater in high-density releases. Studies found no evidence for indirect losses (i.e. non-predation impacts of raptor activity, e.g. panic-induced smothering events). Mitigation measures include the following: (i) sufficient vegetative cover (supplemented if necessary, e.g. brash piles), (ii) minimise perching opportunities for raptors, (iii) stock older poults, (iv) stock at recommended densities, (v) reflective tape and scaring devices and (vi) diversionary feeding. Significant gaps in knowledge were identified, including (i) predation being incompletely evaluated in the context of contemporary buzzard populations, (ii) indirect effects not adequately studied, (iii) occurrence of ‘problem’ individual buzzards is unclear, (iv) adequate field trials of mitigation measures are lacking and (v) level of gamekeepers’ adherence to industry recommendations not known. Contemporary studies of these issues are necessary to understand the impacts and to inform management of buzzards at pheasant release pens.

Characterization and In Vitro Differentiation of Korean Ring-Nec Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Male Germ Cells

Characterization and <i>In Vitro</i> Differentiation of Korean Ring-Nec Pheasant (<i>Phasianus colchicus</i>) Male Germ Cells

Evaluation of some theoretical Habitat improvement actions in a Mediterranean area through observation of pheasant and red-legged partridge land uses

Red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) and Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) have suffered population declines in the last decades. Several researches have suggested that the decline is related to the habitat alterations in agricultural ecosystems caused by intensification of agricultural techniques and land abandonment. We evaluated habitat use and distribution of red-legged partridges pairs and cock pheasants in an estate that can be representative of most of the agricultural Mediterranean areas from 2007 to 2012 with particular attention to the effect of artificial Habitat Improvement Actions (HIAs) and other management options as supplemental feeding and hedgerows maintenance. We compared the habitat use with its availability and we analyzed the spatial distribution by comparing points with pheasant cocks and partridge pairs with random ones. HIAs were used more then their availability by both species and resulted to have an important role in their distribution as well as hedgerows. Feeders resulted to have a strong effect on pheasant distribution, but not on partridges pairs. Our results showed that habitat management could be a fundamental tool for game-birds conservation, however the effectiveness of the employment of artificial feeders need to be better clarified for red-legged partridges.

Antimicrobial Resistance of Coagulase-negative Species of Staphylococci Isolated from the Meat of Wild Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus)

The aim of this study was to determine susceptibility of species-identified coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) isolated from the thigh muscles of hunted wild pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) to seven antibiotics (penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, ampicillin, oxacillin, gentamicin, and vancomycin) with the help of agar dilution method. Genus confirmation of each isolate was based on the analysis of PCR product obtained from DNA target 16S ribosomal DNA. Species-identification of staphylococci was performed by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ioniration-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) based on bacterial protein profiling. From the results of this study it follows that 41 strains of CoNS were isolated from the meat of wild pheasants. The following species of staphylococci were identified by MALDI-TOF MS: S. epidermidis (17 strains), S. warneri (8 strains), S. haemolyticus (5 strains), S. hominis (4 strains), S. xylosus (3 strains), S. vitulinus (2 strains), S. pasteuri (1 strain) and S. arlettae (1 strain). Based on results of the agar dilution method, resistance to penicillin was detected most frequently (96.2%). On the contrary, 100% susceptibility to vancomycin was observed among isolates of CoNS. Moreover, each out of 41 isolates showed simultaneous resistance to at least two antibiotics tested.

放鳥された養殖キジが狩猟によって回収されるまでの期間と距離

Over a 10-year period, 10,015 male Common Pheasants Phasianus colchicus bred for hunting were banded with an individually distinct ID number and released. Of these birds, 775 (7.7%) were hunted, 545 (70%) of them within the first hunting season they experienced. Hunted birds moved an average of 3.7±4.3SD km from their release point. Six hundred and four individuals (78%) were hunted within 5 km from their release point.

Phylogeography-Based Delimitation of Subspecies Boundaries in the Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

To test the validity of subspecies status within the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), we used genetic data to assess differences among five subspecies distributed across the Loess Plateau in central China. Samples were collected from 191 individuals representing subspecies P. c. strauchi, P. c. satscheuensis, P. c. kiangsuensis, P. c. suehschanensis, and P. c. edzinensis. Analysis of mitochondrial genetic variation suggested that there were no phylogenetically distinct subspecies clades, and we could not exclude that hybridization has occurred among subspecies. A potential explanation of the observed pattern is that an increase in common pheasant rearing farms may have led to enforcement of hybridization between different subspecies. Consistent with phenotypic data, our analysis suggests that a previously identified common pheasant subspecies (P. c. strauchi) represents an intermediate form between the subspecies P. c. satscheuensis and P. c. suehschanensis.

Demonstration of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale in pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) with pneumonia and airsacculitis

Outbreaks of respiratory disease were investigated in reared pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) aged approximately 18 to 32 weeks, released into the semi-wild on four shooting estates in southern England. The clinical signs in the affected birds included swelling of the face and eyes, loss of condition, gasping respirations and coughing. The gross pathology findings included sinusitis, airsacculitis, pleural oedema and lung lesions. The histopathological findings in the affected lungs were characterized by a granulomatous pneumonia. Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) was isolated from respiratory tract tissues, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing on three isolates revealed two distinct genotypes, one previously associated with some electrophoretic type (ET) 1 strains and the other a novel genotype that clustered among sequences previously associated with ET 3, ET 4, ET 5 and ET 6 isolates. The localization of ORT within the lung tissue was demonstrated by fluorescent in-situ hybridization in the bronchial exudate of three cases, although not within the granulomatous lesions themselves. In each case, ORT was identified as part of a complex of other respiratory agents including avian paramyxovirus type 2, avian coronavirus, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae and other Mycoplasma species, Escherichia coli, Pasteurella multocida, other Pasteurellaceae and Syngamus trachea, suggesting synergism with other agents. Exposure to other intercurrent factors, including adverse weather conditions and internal parasitism, may also have exacerbated the severity of disease.

Changes in biogenic amine concentrations in meat of eviscerated pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) during storage at 7 °C

In our study, we tested biogenic amine concentrations in 20 eviscerated pheasants killed by pithing (the slaughtering technique in which the spinal cord of the animals is severed and their brain is destroyed) and stored at 7 °C for 21 days. Biogenic amine concentrations in breast and thigh muscles were analysed by reverse phase liquid chromatography. In the thigh muscle, the highest increases during the storage time were found in cadaverine (20.17 ± 18.66 mg/kg), putrescine (4.39 ± 4.17 mg/kg) and tyramine (15.20 ± 16.88 mg/kg) concentrations. Changes of biogenic amine concentrations in the breast muscle were minimal during the whole storage time. The concentration of biogenic amines in meat is associated with the presence of contaminating microorganisms. For that reason, biogenic amines are often used as markers of meat spoilage in various livestock species. Based on our results, the biogenic amines cadaverine, putrescine and tyramine may be considered the main indicators of hygienic quality of pheasant meat. We can recommend storing pithed pheasants treated by evisceration no longer than for seven days at 7 °C. After that period, biogenic amine concentrations in meat begin to change. The main significance of this study lies in the extension of the lack information about the content of biogenic amines in the meat of eviscerated pithed pheasant and also about changes of their concentrations during the course of storage.

The Food of the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in Slovakia

Abstract In this work we assess the data on the food of the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in two separate nesting populations: one in Western Slovakia (21 pairs), the other in Eastern Slovakia (30 pairs). In Western Slovakia between 1978 and 2005 we recorded a total of 562 food items, consisting of 33 species of animal. The species predominantly featuring in the food were the brown hare Lepus europaeus (40.2%), common pheasant Phasianuscolchicus (17.3%), feral pigeon Columba livia domestica (11.7%) and the common hamster Cricetus cricetus (11.6%). In Eastern Slovakia between 1971 and 2005 we identified a total of 524 food items, made up of 30 animal species with slightly varying predominance of the same principal kinds of prey: L. europaeus (29.0%), C. cricetus (27.7%), P. colchicus (8.4%) and Columba sp. (8.2%). Imperial Eagles nesting in Slovakia are affected by the consequences of a marked reduction in population density of steppe-type rodents, especially ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus) and hamsters (C. cricetus) and have become dependent for their food mainly on the prevalence of other small animals (L. europaeus, P. colchicus) and pigeons (C. livia domestica). Pairs nesting in neighbouring Hungary had similar prey, but a different order of predominance of the species (Haraszthy et al. 1996): C. cricetus (51.0%), L. europaeus (12.0%), P. colchicus (11.6%) and S. citellus (7.4%).

Distribution of lead in selected organs and its effect on reproduction parameters of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) after an experimental per oral administration

Lead poisoning has been reported in almost every country on earth. In this study the effect of experimental lead pellet intake (2–6 pellets per week [groups B2, B4, B6] and ad libitum [BAD] accessibility for 10 weeks) on its distribution in liver, kidney, pectoral muscle, ovary, eggs and the effect of selected reproductive parameters (egg weight, fertilization, hatchability) was analyzed in breeding pheasants. Lead pellets were force fed to the digestive tract (struma, ingluvies) and the ingestion was controlled. Concentration of lead was detected using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Analysis of the lead concentration in liver showed a significantly higher concentration in all group after the lead pellets intake. The increase of the lead concentration was dose–dependent and the concentration detected in group BAD was similar as in group B2. Very similar tendencies were detected for the lead concentration in kidney. The accumulation of lead in pectoral muscle was lower, in comparison with liver and kidney. Compared to lead concentration detected in ovary of the control group a significant increase was detected in all experimental groups, reaching the maximum in the group B6. Similar significant increase of lead concentration was detected in eggs. The average weight of eggs was 32.01 ± 2.71 g in the control group and lower in all experimental groups, but this decrease was significant only in the group B6. The fertilization rate was the highest in the control group and a dose–dependent decrease was detected with the lowest value in the group B6. For egg hatching ratio a significant decrease was detected in groups B4 and B6. Results of this study clearly describe accumulation of lead in the body and a its negative effect on the reproductive parameters. In the ad libitum experimental group the most similar results were found as in group B2, suggesting a rate of “natural” lead pellet intake.

Differences in carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures amongst wild and released pheasant populations

Game birds such as pheasants Phasianus colchicus (Horsfield) are bred and released to supplement wild living populations prior to the hunting season. The total bag records of these birds are, therefore, not suitable for monitoring the development of wild populations because they are heavily influenced by game management. Wild and released pheasants can be expected to be genetically similar or identical to wild birds because wild birds are captured and used for breeding. It is, therefore, not possible to use genetic methods for identifying released individuals. Heavy stable isotopes are incorporated in animal tissues in a predictable manner and depend on the concentration of heavy isotopes in the diet. The heavy isotopes 13C and 15N accumulate in the food chain because the more common lighter isotopes are excreted at a higher rate than the heavy isotopes. Bred and released pheasant feed on a uniform plant-based diet, and it can, therefore, be expected that these animals have lower and less variable levels of heavy isotopes than individuals from a wild populations which feed on a diverse diet of plants and invertebrates. We investigated the isotope signatures in feathers from wild and released pheasant populations and compared the levels and variation in isotope signature amongst the populations. Bred and released pheasants are clearly identified in comparison to released pheasants as wild types have higher δ 15N.

Comparison of different methods of measuring albumin concentration in ring-necked pheasants

The purpose of this study was to compare albumin concentrations in ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) using two different dye-binding methods: the bromocresol green (BCG) and bromocresol purple (BCP). High positive correlation was observed for albumin in BCG and BCP methods. Compared to BCP, the BCG-binding method yielded significantly higher (p < 0.0001) albumin values for adult female ring-necked pheasants.

Captive rearing technologies and survival of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus L.) after release

Studies have repeatedly emphasized the limited survival of pheasants reared using traditional methods compared to the wild one. For this reason we performed a field trial to compare survival rates, home ranges and habitat uses of pheasants artificial hatched and reared (traditional method) with pheasants artificial hatched and reared by fostering mothers (hens). A total of 117 artificially hatched pheasants, 57 artificially brooded after hatch and 60 brooded by fostering hens, were equipped with a radio necklace tag or a poncho tag. Both groups were localized two-three times a week after their release in the wild. The survival rates of the brooded-by-hen pheasants showed an improvement of survival rates, either poncho or radio tagged (P<0.05), 90.0% vs 57.1% and 35.0% vs 21.1%, respectively. The average maximum dispersion was 390 and 426 m and the home range were 12.0 and 11.6 ha in artificially brooded and brooded-by-hen pheasants, respectively. The land use showed that the woods were less represented than the available in the home range of every pheasant. For this reason the woods can be reduced in the agricultural areas interspersed with natural Mediterranean vegetation.