Effects of sex and protein and energy levels in the diet on the blood parameters of the chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar)

Abstract

1. The effects of sex and dietary composition were investigated in 48 male and 48 female 16-week old chukar partridges.

2. Sixteen starter and 16 grower diets were arranged in a 4 × 4 factorial design with 4 concentration of crude protein (CP) and 4 concentration of metabolizable energy (ME).

3. Blood samples were collected at 16 weeks of age and analysed for total protein, triglycerides, uric acid, total cholesterol, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and chlorine.

4. There were no significant effects of sex on the measured parameters.

5. Serum total protein was highest in partridges fed on a diet containing 200/175 g CP/kg (starter grower). Serum cholesterol concentrations of partridge fed the diet with 240/200 or 280/225 g CP/kg were significantly higher than that for partridge fed diets containing a lower g CP/kg.

6. Serum total protein and glucose levels significantly decreased as dietary energy level was increased. Serum triglycerides and calcium were highest in partridge fed on the diets containing 13·39/13·81 and 11·71/12·55 ME MJ/kg, respectively. Serum phosphorus and chloride levels were highest in partridges given the diet containing 10·88/11·92 ME MJ/kg.

7. There were significant interactions between the effects of CP and ME on serum triglycerides, sodium and potassium levels.

8 The results of this study suggested that dietary CP, and especially ME concentration, significantly affect blood parameters in chukar partridge.