Development and Implementation of an Optimized Rearing Protocol for Peafowl and Pheasant Chicks

2025-07-22T10:23:30+00:00

Maintaining high fertility and hatchability is essential for producing healthy chicks. Objectives: To identify factors affecting hatchability and fertility rates to develop effective rearing practices. Methods: The investigated factors responsible for lower fertility and lower hatchability rates were improper male-to-female ratios, the age of breeder flocks, egg storage duration, sand bedding, remnants of dead shells in incubators, rectangular brooders, and the absence of vaccinations and deworming. Data analysis involved the use of descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. The study was based on one year of experimental data (January 2023 - September 2023) and six years of records from the Jallo Park Lahore captive breeding center (2017-2022). This research focused on two bird groups from the Galliformes order: peafowl and pheasant. This study analyzed 1,400 hatching eggs from six different peafowl breeder flocks and 1,480 hatching eggs from five pheasant breeder flocks. Results: Hatchability ratio in peafowl improved from 16% in 2017 to 60% in 2023, while fertility rates increased from 26% to 82% in 2023. For pheasant, hatchability rose from 34% in 2017 to 60% in 2023, with fertility rates reaching a peak of 86% in 2023. Conclusions: It was concluded that implementing a new protocol can improve both fertility and hatchability. Key components of this protocol for improving fertility include male-to-female ratio, timely egg collection, and proper floor bedding. To improve hatchability, clean the incubators, use circular brooders to reduce mortality, and apply vaccination and deworming, all of which significantly impact outcomes.

How Climate Change is Affecting Migration of Birds

2025-07-01T09:08:52+00:00

The climate on earth is changing drastically. Some birds adapt to changing climate patterns while others are on the verge of extinction. Migratory birds provide food to other wildlife and help in controlling pests and pollinating birds. The climate change and global warming we are experiencing is human induced, which makes it difficult to cope up for the birds. Other than global warming, pollution, increasing population, depletion of natural resources, sea level shifts, lower water tables, higher draught frequency, all collectively impact habitat destruction which affect migration of birds. Short distance migratory birds are less affected by changing climate patterns, while long distance birds are struggling to keep up with their migration rhythm.

During migration, birds need to refuel to continue their long journey. Habitat loss because of increasing temperatures causes flooding, drought, or desertification. Change in topography of landscape can affect migration route and food resources and can make bird feel exhausted at the end of the journey. Extreme weathers and intense storms can kill birds during migration due to thermals, and water and food scarcity.

Migratory birds use coastal wetlands as resting area and for foraging. Climate change in Sahel region is an example of loss of habitat and resulted in desertification and depletion of resources. This also affected rainfall and made the climate worse for migratory birds. Similarly, Sahara expansion and habitat loss has made it difficult for African Eurasian migratory birds to cross Sahara region because of no possibility of resting. Climate change is also affecting vegetation structure of Siberian region. The rise in temperature has caused forest expansion in the region to Tundra. Researchers have reported that forest expansion in Siberian region has caused loss of breeding habitat for more than 90% species of arctic goose.

The climate change is disturbing ecological balance. Some migratory birds cancel their journey and prefer to stay in their breeding places because of inhospitable stop over sites or changed weather pattern. This also affects food web for other animals and insects. Actions should be taken for successful breeding and survival of these birds. To fight climate change, more awareness should be given to reduce pollution and carbon emissions. Government should also take important steps to reduce the energy use and develop more sustainable future to conserve migratory birds and their habitat. Bird conservation programs should establish and protect migratory areas for birds. Migratory bird species and all other species on planet earth should be protected. This is the only they will perish.

MARKHOR (The Journal of Zoology)

Development and Implementation of an Optimized Rearing Protocol for Peafowl and Pheasant Chicks

How Climate Change is Affecting Migration of Birds