Effect of egg weight and amount of protoporphyrin and biliverdin in the egg shell on hatching characteristics and embryonal mortality in pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus)

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the effects of egg weight and amount of protoporphyrin and biliverdin in the eggshell on hatchability and embryonic mortality in pheasants. A total of 1908 eggs obtained from 48 weeks old pheasants were used in the study. The eggs were divided into three colour groups (dark brown, light brown and green) and two weight groups (up to 32 g and above 32 g). For the weight groups, there were significant differences in the hatchability of fertile eggs (P<0.01) and late period embryonic mortality (LPEM) (P<0.05). The highest hatchability of fertile eggs and the lowest embryonic mortality were determined in light eggs (<= 32 g). In terms of eggshell colour groups, there were significant differences in the hatchability of total eggs (P<0.01); hatchability of fertile eggs (P<0.01); and early (P<0.01), middle (MPEM) (P<0.05) and late period (P<0.05) embryonic mortality. In present study, the highest hatchability and the lowest embryonic mortality rate (except for MPEM) were in the dark brown eggshell group. For all groups, the differences in fertility rate were insignificant (P>0.05). The highest hatching characteristics and the lowest embryonic mortality rates were determined in the dark brown eggs. Based on these results, to achieve higher a hatchability of total eggs, hatchability of fertile eggs and a lower embryonic mortality rate, it may be beneficial selection of dark brown pheasant eggs.