Pheasant Research Articles

Biological features and meat productivity of young pheasants during intensive rearing

In pheasant breeding, the influence of the method of housing on the meat productivity of the livestock has not been sufficiently studied yet, and the reserves of the young pheasants’ growth potential during crossbreeding have been little utilized. At the same time, it is necessary to clearly determine the influence of sexual dimorphism of pheasants on meat productivity parameters in order to effectively improve the technology of rearing meat pheasants for increased weight categories. The purpose of the work was to study the biological characteristics and parameters of meat productivity of young pheasants during intensive rearing. The increase in meat productivity of pheasants by crossbreeding F1 (♂ Romanian pheasant × ♀ hunting pheasant) against the background of optimizing the conditions for housing crossbred young animals and using a new feeding system based on the predominant use of corn grain with phase changes in the concentration of energy and protein in compound feed was studied in the work. When developing a new technological scheme for the intensive rearing of pheasants for meat up to increased weight categories, the feeding preferences of the birds, the infl uence of sexual dimorphism, blood parameters and features of the histological structure of muscle tissue were taken into account. It has been established that in order to increase the production of high-quality pheasant meat, it is necessary to intensively raise crossbred F1 cockerels (♂ Romanian × ♀ hunting pheasant) in an open-air cage (0,4 m2/head) and the use of compound feed with a constantly high specifi c gravity of crude protein (up to 25 %) and corn grain component (50–55 % by weight of the compound feed), which makes it possible to obtain increased weight categories of meat pheasant at the age of 16 weeks such as live weight of young animals 1551,2±25,09 g, and gutted carcass weight 1228,3±11,85 g.

The Effects of Slaughter Age and Sex on Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Leg Bone Characteristics of Farmed Common Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus L.).

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of slaughter age and sex on the carcass characteristics, meat quality parameters, and leg bone dimensions of common pheasants. The study material consisted of 40 common pheasants, including 10 males and 10 females at 12 weeks of age and 10 males and 10 females at 15 weeks of age. The birds were kept on a farm in a semi-intensive system. The slaughter age had significant effects on the eviscerated carcass weight; the percentage of skin with subcutaneous fat; the wings percentage; electrical conductivity (EC24); the work required to cut the samples (cutting work); redness (a*); the intramuscular fat content in the breast meat; and the protein, intramuscular fat, water, and collagen contents in the leg meat. The sex of the pheasants had significant effects on the eviscerated carcass weight; the contents of leg muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat, and wings in the carcasses; and the electrical conductivity, thermal loss, lightness (L*), and redness (a*) of the breast muscles. It also significantly affected the protein and water contents of the pectoral and leg muscles, the intramuscular fat contents of the leg muscles, the texture traits of the pectoralis major muscle, and all femur and tibia bone dimensions. The results indicate a greater influence of sex compared to slaughter age on the pheasant traits studied. We confirmed the occurrence of a clearly marked sexual dimorphism in birds of this species. Both factors (slaughter age and gender) have significant effects on the nutritional and technological value of pheasant meat. The few studies on meat texture and the dimensions of pheasant leg bones indicate a need for continued research in this area in the future.

Physiological, Haematological And Production Characteristics Of Pheasants In Different Rearing Conditions

Summary This paper presents a physiological, hematological, and biochemical study of the impact of different rearing conditions on pheasant production outcomes and mortality rates in both the pheasant parent flock and pheasant chicks up to 6 weeks old. Pheasant breeding holds significance within hunting activities and meat production for the food market due to its high biological and nutritive value. Pheasant meat contains high-quality proteins, minerals, essential unsaturated fatty acids, and boasts a low-fat percentage. The quality of pheasant meat derived from natural habitats holds a higher biological value compared to that of pheasants raised on farms, featuring higher water, protein, and calcium contents, and a lower fat percentage. The dry mass of breast muscles from farm-reared birds contains more protein and less fat when compared to drumstick muscles. Notably, during the egg-laying period, alterations in hematological parameters linked to oxygen transport, decreased erythropoiesis, and increased values in white blood cell parameters were observed. Changes in blood biochemical parameters signify increased energy requirements in pheasant hens during egg laying, as well as heightened transportation of minerals, proteins, and cholesterol, which accumulate in the eggshell, albumen, and yolk. The elevated metabolic requirements in pheasant hens manifest significantly through increased levels of cholesterol, uric acid, lactates, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), calcium, and phosphorus. Simultaneously, there is a noteworthy decrease in plasma total proteins, albumins, glucose, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations. Several challenges persist throughout all production stages, leading to reduced egg yield, compromised egg quality and fertility, as well as increased mortality rates. These issues stem from factors such as high population density, an inappropriate male-to-female sex ratio, inadequate nutrition, and insufficient assessment of the biological quality of hatching eggs.

Lead concentrations in commercial dogfood containing pheasant in the UK

UK and EU regulators are evaluating the potential health benefits of restricting the use of lead ammunition. Little information is available on exposure of pets to ammunition-derived dietary lead from petfood containing meat from wild-shot game animals. We found dogfood including wild-shot pheasant meat to be widely available in the UK. 77% of samples from three raw pheasant dogfood products exceeded the EU maximum residue level (MRL) for lead in animal feed, with mean concentrations approximately 245, 135 and 49 times above the MRL. Concentrations > MRL were also found in a dried food containing pheasant, but not in a processed food, nor in chicken-based products. Lead concentrations in raw pheasant dogfood considerably exceeded those in pheasant meat sold for human consumption, possibly because the dogfood mincing process further fragmented lead particles from shot. Dogs frequently consuming such high-lead food risk adverse health effects; this should be considered within decision-making processes about regulation.

Effectiveness of the technology of rearing of young pheasants for meat up to higher weight categories

Recently, pheasant breeding for high-quality meat is gradually moving to the industrial level as the market demand for pheasant meat increases, and the purchase price for it increases. For this reason, there is a need to develop an intensive technology for rearing young birds of this species to higher weight categories. This approach should ensure the production of pheasant for meat with a live weight of more than 1,5 kg with high quality of delicatessen meat raw materials. The purpose of the work was to analyze the eff ectiveness of the proposed technology of rearing for meat to higher weight categories of hunting and crossbreds F1 (♂Romanian×♀Hunting) pheasant cockerels in aviaries (0,4 m2/head) on compound feed with a constantly high content of crude protein (up to 24–25 %) and the same type of corn grain component in recipes (50–55 % by weight). The proposed feeding system for housing young pheasants in aviaries (0,4 m2/head) allowed to obtain at the age of 16 weeks higher weight categories of pheasants of meat productivity: live weight 1551,2±25,09 g, weight of gutted carcass 1228,3±11,85 g, breast 431,0±5,69 g and hind limbs 372,3±7,84 g with a high tasting rating of meat (4,13–4,58 points on a 5-point scale) and the level of profi tability of its production more than 50 %. It was concluded as a result of research that the improved three-phase feeding system to higher weight categories contributes to the increase in the effi ciency of pheasant meat production, and crossbred young animals have the ability to a high level of transformation of feed nutrients into body tissues.

The Impact of Gender in Young Bird Pigeon Racing

Selection of a bird for an One Loft Race (OLR) that has a higher probability of winning is desired given the cost of entry. The objective of this study was to determine if there is a difference between female (hen) and male (cock birds) racing pigeons with regard to performance in OLR. A hypothesis was generated after a pilot study in 2017 with 103 birds; Null-hypothesis: there is no difference between hen and cock birds with regard to race performance. A subsequent prospective double blind study was conducted with 124 birds divided over 14 OLRs in 2019. Our study showed that there was indeed no difference between genders in race performance over all or within any distance category.

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.

Incidence and Antibiotic Resistance Properties of Campylobacter Species Isolated From Poultry Meat

Background: F Campylobacter species are imperative foodborne bacteria because of the contaminated poultry meat consumption. Objectives: This study was conducted to recognize the incidence and antimicrobial resistance profile of Campylobacter species recovered from raw poultry meat samples. Materials and Methods: A total of 695 poultry meat samples were collected and assessed by culture technique. Bacterial species were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial resistance was assessed by disk diffusion method (DDM). Results: The contamination rate of samples with Campylobacter spp. was 44.75% with higher contamination rate of wild duck (84%), wild goose (83.33%), coot (78.26%), chicken (67.78%), and wild pheasant (66.66%), respectively. Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli bacteria were found in 84.24% and 15.76% of Campylobacter spp., respectively. The highest incidence of C. jejuni was obtained in partridge (95.45%), quail (95%), pheasant (92.31%), and wild duck (90.48%) meat samples, respectively. The highest incidence of C. coli was found in turkey (52.63%) and wild pheasant (22.22%) meat samples, respectively. Moreover, C. jejuni had the highest resistance to tetracycline (76.34%), nalidixic acid (65.65%), ciprofloxacin (58.78%), enrofloxacin (39.69%), and ampicillin (38.55%), respectively. C. coli had the highest resistance to nalidixic acid (48.99%), ciprofloxacin (40.82%), and enrofloxacin (38.78%), respectively. Conclusion: Poultry meat, particularly partridge, quail, pheasant, turkey, and wild avian are the main sources of Campylobacter transmission. Furthermore, higher incidence and antibiotic resistance of C. jejuni was found. Proper cooking of poultry meat and monitoring the antibiotic prescription can lessen the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat.

Nutritional Composition and Heavy Metal Content in Breast and Thigh Muscles of Wild and Intensively Reared Common Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus).

IntroductionDiffering conditions in captive breeding and in the wild have impact on the mineral profile of the pheasant carcass and its heavy metal contents. This may be an indicator of environmental contamination. The study evaluated the nutritional composition and selected macro- and trace element contents (heavy metals in particular) in usable sections of pheasant breast and thigh muscles originating from captive breeding and wild birds.Material and MethodsThe tests were performed on the breast and thigh muscles of 20 wild and 20 farm bred birds from around Lublin, Poland, with equal sex representation. The nutrient and lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel contents were determined using inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy.ResultsThe farmed pheasants had a higher proportion of breast muscle. The thigh muscles of all birds had a higher fat content than the breast muscles (5.1 g vs. 3.4 g per kg of natural weight). The macroelement level depended on the muscle type and bird origin. The trace element content also did and gender dependence was also evident. The wild birds contained more cadmium in the breast muscles and lead in both muscles than the farm-raised ones.ConclusionThe high quality and usefulness of wild and farmed pheasant meat is confirmed. It has advantageous macro- and trace element contents and permissible heavy metal contents except for lead in wild birds. The heavy metal level can be a bioindicator of their environmental occurrence. In wild birds, the lead level may also reflect birdshot remnants.

The effectiveness of a phase system feeding of pheasants when intensive rearing for meat

A new phase system of feeding pheasants at their intensive rearing for meat, enhanced by factors of amino acid and energy influence on the young poultry growth rate into account its feeding preferences has been developed and allowing to obtain the live weight of pheasants at the age of 17 weeks at the level of 900 g and more. With the use of this system the yield of gutted carcass of pheasant reaches 60–61 % of the pre-slaughter weight with a sufficiently high specific weight of valuable parts-breast (40–42 %) and legs (29–30 %). In the proposed system of poultry feeding the same type of corn grain component of compound feed is more effective when it is 55 % by weight,. The experimental data confirm that the corn type of feeding pheasants intensively reared for meat, contributes to the activation of feeding behavior of young poultry. At the same time, the total time of feed consumption by poultry per head in comparison with the use of a set grain feeds (wheat – 15 %, barley – 11 %, corn – 31 %, peas – 8 % by weight) significantly increases by 12–13 minutes per day. The increase in feed activity is one of the factors allowing to increase the live weight at 17 weeks by 112,9 g or 14.5 % (P < 0,001) and the weight of pheasant legs after slaughter by 20,0 g or 14,7 % (P < 0,05). At the same time feed expenditures per 100 g of growth are reduced: dry matter by 0,12 kg (22,2 %), metabolic energy by 1,51 MJ or 20,8 %, and raw protein by 0,03 kg or 25 %. The preferential use of corn for fattening makes it possible to reduce the sale price of young poultry of meat purpose in live weight by 53–54 rubles or 15–16 %, and in the form of gutted carcass by 58–59 rubles or 9,5–10,0 %, which increases the effectiveness of pheasant meat production technology.

The effect of sex on the quality of meat from farmed pheasants (Phasianus colchicus).

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of sex on the quality of meat from farmed pheasants. Male (roosters, n=18) and female (hens, n=18) pheasants were slaughtered at 25weeks of age. The breast muscles (Pectoralis major) were cut out from chilled carcasses and analyzed to determine the proximate chemical composition, fatty acid profile, and physicochemical and sensory properties of meat. Chemical analyses revealed that the meat of male had higher (p≤.05) content of collagen, Na, Cu, and Zn, whereas meat from females had higher (p≤.05) concentrations of total nitrogen of water-soluble compounds, nitrogen of water-soluble non-protein compounds, K, and Mn. The meat of male was characterized by greater (p≤.05) cooking loss. A sensory evaluation revealed that meat from females had lower (p≤.05) taste intensity and aroma desirability. Meat from male and female pheasants revealed differences in the content of minerals as well as low-molecular-weight water-soluble nitrogen compounds, which may affect the flavor of cooked meat. Irrespective of these differences, the analyzed pheasant meat was characterized by high quality, which indicates that it could offer an attractive alternative to other types of meat.

Effects of Marinating Breast Muscles of Slaughter Pheasants with Acid Whey, Buttermilk, and Lemon Juice on Quality Parameters and Product Safety

Along with the growth of the group of consumers paying attention to the relationship between diet and health, there is a trend of interest in natural products and the possibility of their use in meat processing. Raw material used for the study was the breast muscles of pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), which were marinated for 24 hours with acid whey, buttermilk, and lemon juice. Physical parameters (marinade absorption, pH, WHC, colour, shear force, texture profile analysis (TPA), and thermal losses) and microbiological parameters (the number of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., and lactic acid bacteria) of the nonmarinated and marinated muscles (raw and roasted) were evaluated, and sensory analysis was made. The studies have shown that whey and buttermilk can be used as a natural marinade for marinating pheasant meat, as it ensures microbiological safety of the product and has a positive effect on tenderness (measured by shear force) and chewiness. In the sensory evaluation, it improves the juiciness and tenderness of the roast product and has obtained general acceptability.

Heterakis isolonche Linstow, 1906 – a new nematode species found in ornamental pheasants in Poland

Studies were carried out on 25 pheasants belonging to 13 Phasianinae species of the Phasianidae family. The research material was collected from private breeders – both Polish and from abroad. The results confirm that the most frequent nematode is Heterakis gallinarum, while for the first time in the country – in two of the examined birds of Polish flocks – the occurrence of Heterakis isolonche was found.

Public health significance of Campylobacter spp. colonisation of wild game pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in Scotland

Campylobacter is the most common cause of bacterial food-borne diarrhoeal disease worldwide. Chicken meat is considered the main source of human infection; however, C. jejuni and C. coli have also been reported in a range of livestock and wildlife species, including pheasants. Wild pheasant meat reaches the consumer's table because of hunting but there is a lack of information concerning the risk of Campylobacter infection in humans. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter in wild game pheasants in Scotland, to identify the main sequence types (STs) present and to evaluate their impact on public health. A total of 287 caecal samples from five Scottish regions were collected during the hunting season 2013/2014. Campylobacter was detected and enumerated using standard culture methods. PCR and High Throughput Multi Locus Sequence Typing (HiMLST) were used for species identification and sequence typing. In total, 36.6% of 287 caecal samples (n = 105; 95% CI: 14–59.2) were Campylobacter positive. Using PCR, 62.6% of samples (n = 99) were identified as C. coli and 37.4% as C. jejuni. HiMLST (n = 80) identified 19 different STs. ST-828 (n = 19) was the most common, followed by ST-827 (n = 12) and ST19 (n = 7). Sixteen of the 19 STs isolated are present in humans and eight are C. coli STs that account for 6.96% of human infections, although the overall risk to public health from pheasant meat is still considered to be low.

Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in captive wildlife species of India.

Campylobacteriosis is an important zoonotic disease and the prevalence of Campylobacter is largely unknown in the wildlife of India. A total of 370 samples, comprising of 314 fresh faecal samples from apparently healthy captive wild animals and birds, 30 stool swabs from animal care takers and 26 samples of the animals' food and water were collected from G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, Nainital, Kanpur Zoo, Wildlife Park, IVRI and the Post Graduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences (PGRIAS), Chennai, Tamilnadu from August 2014 to May 2015. Samples were processed for cultural isolation, direct PCR and multiplex PCR for species confirmation. To decipher the genetic diversity, the 16S rRNA gene was amplified, sequenced and analyzed. Based on isolation, the overall occurrence rate of Campylobacter spp. was 0.8% (3/370), being 2.94% (3/102) for captive wild birds. Three Campylobacter jejuni were isolated from silver pheasants, lady amherest pheasants and saras cranes. Direct PCR assay showed the overall occurrence rate of Campylobacter spp. to be 4.77% (15/315), being 1.58% (2/126) for captive wild ruminants, 5.81% (5/86) for non-ruminants and 7.84% (8/102) for birds. All the isolates were identified as C. jejuni.

Ingestion of a Single 2.3mm Lead Pellet by Laying Roller Pigeon Hens Reduces Egg Size and Adversely Affects F1 Generation Hatchlings.

Many aquatic and terrestrial avian species inadvertently ingest lead (Pb) in the form of spent or fragmented ammunition, mistaking it for food or grit. Previous studies in our laboratory have shown that ingestion of even a single 45-mg pellet can significantly increase blood-Pb levels and significantly inhibit the enzyme delta aminolevulinic-acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) for a period of greater than 4weeks. In the current study, proven breeder pairs of domestic Roller pigeons were housed in individual cages. The hens were orally gavaged with dH2O vehicle, a single #9 Pb pellet (2.0mm/45mg) or a single #7.5 Pb pellet (2.3mm/95mg), placed back with the cock bird and allowed to mate for two consecutive clutches. The eggs were monitored for fertilization, shell damage, egg weight, and length during the 16- to 18-day incubation period. Hatchlings remained with the hen and cock through the weaning period (28-35days post hatch) and were monitored for weight, development, and mortality. Weanling blood was collected for blood-Pb levels, δ-ALAD activity, red blood cell counts, total protein, and packed cell volume. Following euthanasia, weanling liver, spleen, kidney, sciatic nerve, thymus, and brain were collected for histopathology. Egg weight and length were significantly decreased in the #7.5 Pb pellet treatment group for the first clutch, and hatchling weight 7days post hatch also was significantly less in the #7.5 Pb pellet treatment group during the first clutch. Histopathologic analysis showed increased lesions in liver, kidney, spleen, and thymus of the Pb-treated weanlings, during both the first and second clutch compared with the non-Pb-treated weanlings. These data suggest that maternal consumption of a single 95-mg Pb pellet can adversely impact egg size and hatchling organ development.

Some chemical and physical characteristics of farmed pheasant hens (Phasianus cholchicus) breast meat

Ring necked pheasant is the most significant game bird in Hungary. Around 300.000 pheasant harvested (hunted) annually and generally these birds are consumed by the hunters. As there are limited data on the quality of pheasant meat, in the present study we aimed to analyze some physical and chemical properties of it. At 20 weeks of age 63 pheasant hens were exterminated by cervical dislocation and meat, liver, spleen and heart samples were taken. The live weight of the birds was 1045±92g (870 to 1300g). The average weight of the liver, spleen and heart was 14.12±2.58, 0.47±0.13 and 4.30±0.49, respectively. The average drip loss was 5.90±2.38% (0.68±0.28g). As was expected the average protein content (26.2±0.7%) of the pheasant breasts was markedly higher than in broiler or turkey. The average fat content (0.4±0.2%) was similar to that in turkey. The unique chemical and physical properties of the pheasant meat make it suitable to fit in the human nutrition.

Expression levels of GSTA2 and APOD genes might be associated with carotenoid coloration in golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) plumage.

Carotenoids, which generate yellow, orange, and red colors, are crucial pigments in avian plumage. Investigations into genes associated with carotenoidbased coloration in avian species are important; however, such research is difficult because carotenoids cannot be synthetized in vertebrates as they are only derived from dietary sources. Here, the golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) was used as a model in analysis of candidate gene expression profiles implicated in carotenoid binding and deposition. Using mass and Raman spectrometry to confirm the presence of carotenoids in golden pheasant feathers, we found C40H54O and C40H56O2 in feathers with yellow to red colors, and in the rachis of iridescent feathers. The global gene expression profiles in golden pheasant skins were analyzed by RNA-seq and all six carotenoid binding candidate genes sequenced were studied by realtime PCR. StAR4, GSTA2, Scarb1, and APOD in feather follicles showed different expressions in red breast and orange nape feathers compared with that of iridescent mantle feathers. Further comparison of golden pheasant yellow rump and Lady Amherst's pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae) white nape feathers suggested that GSTA2 and APOD played a potential role in carotenoid-based coloration in golden pheasant.

Management reference for nature reserve networks based on MaxEnt modeling and gap analysis: a case study of the brown–eared pheasant in China

Referencia para la gestion de las redes de reservas naturales basada en la creacion de modelos MaxEnt y el analisis de deficiencias: un estudio del faisan orejudo pardo en China La planificacion de reservas naturales y la creacion de redes son importantes para la conservacion de los habitats y la fauna silvestre. Los analisis de las deficiencias son instrumentos eficientes y fiables para establecer un orden de prioridad entre las iniciativas de conservacion de habitats, en especial por lo que respecta a las especies en peligro de extincion. Proponemos un plan de conservacion para el faisan orejudo pardo, Crossoptilon mantchuricum, mediante la determinacion de las zonas con una proteccion insuficiente en las 14 reservas naturales existentes. En total, se seleccionaron 45 localidades y 11 variables ambientales en funcion de las caracteristicas del uso del habitat del faisan orejudo pardo, y se utilizo un modelo de maxima entropia (MaxEnt) para obtener la distribucion de la especie. Los resultados del modelo MaxEnt mostraron una elevada precision de prediccion. Los resultados del analisis de las deficiencias revelaron que en las montanas Luliang, en Shanxi, y las montanasXiaowutai, en Hebei, la proteccion era insuficiente. Encontramos 458 km 2 de habitat optimo y 1.390 km 2 de habitat moderadamente adecuado dentro de los limites de la reserva natural nacional. No obstante, casi 1.861 km 2 del habitat optimo y 17.035 km 2 del habitat moderadamente adecuado no estaban protegidos, lo que equivale al 9,0% y el 82,1%, respectivamente, del habitat adecuado total. La mayor parte de la superficie sin proteccion estaba formada por habitat moderadamente adecuado para el faisan orejudo pardo y deberia considerarse prioritaria en las iniciativas futuras de conservacion. Hay nueve reservas naturales a lo largo de un eje norte–sur en las montanas Luliang que forma un pasillo ecologico. Para mantener la integridad, originalidad y continuidad de estos habitats y, por tanto, proteger el faisan orejudo pardo, deberian reforzarse los departamentos locales de conservacion con miras a mejorar la gestion de la reserva natural a escala provincial y poner en practica eficazmente las iniciativas de conservacion.

Lipid and protein quality of common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) reared in semi-extensive conditions

Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is a species with potential to produce high quality meat. Rearing these birds in semi-extensive regime for other purposes than just for hunting has drawn producers’ attention. This study aimed to evaluate the lipid and protein composition of breast and leg meat from male and female pheasant. Meat portions exhibited significant differences between total lipid (1.3 and 3.5g/100g), total cholesterol contents (0.5 and 0.57mg/g), fatty acids profile, protein content (89 and 82% dry weight) and amino acids profile, not related with sex. The amino acids content tended to be slightly higher in leg, being comparable to farmed pheasants. Lysine was the prevailing essential amino acid (EAA) in both portions, which are also an exceptional arginine source. Pheasant meat is an interesting source of high quality lean protein, being a healthier alternative to other frequently consumed meats.