Growth and Production Performance of Ring-Necked Pheasants (Phasianus colchicus L.) in Nuwakot District of Nepal

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of this research was to analyze the effects of various non-genetic factors on growth and production parameters of Ring-necked pheasant.
Methods: This research was done in three different pheasant farms in Nuwakot district during May 2022 to June 2023. The factors included in the research were farm management practices, the sex of the bird, and their interactions. The pheasant farms selected have intensive and extensive system of rearing and were fed with commercial feed, home-made feed and supplementation of mineral mixtures. The data were analyzed using Least Squares Analysis Techniques based on the Henderson Fixed Effect Model.
Results: Both farming practices and sex differences significantly influenced body weight at various time periods. The overall mean body weight of bird at one, three, five, eight, and ten months were 159.5, 492.0, 677.0, 909.0, and 1385.0 g, respectively. Male were heavier than female at all ages. The market age of Ring-necked pheasants was determined to be 40 weeks, with an average weight of 1385.3±0.26 g.
Conclusion: The findings suggested that Ring-necked pheasants can be successfully raised in the subtropical regions of Nepal with an improved package of practices for better growth and production traits. Similarly, the factors such as production system and sex of birds had significant effect on overall production performance.