The Effect of Slaughter Age on Carcass and Carcass Traits in Caucasian Pheasants (P. colchicus)

This study aimed to determine the effects of different slaughter ages on the carcass and carcass characteristics of Caucasian pheasants. A total of 18 pheasants, consisting of three males and three females from each age group (14, 16, and 18 weeks), were slaughtered to assess slaughter and carcass traits. In females, slaughter age did not significantly influence live weight. However, carcass weight and yield, as well as head, wing, and breast weights and their respective proportions, were affected (P<0.05). In males, live weight, thigh weight and proportion, and breast weight and proportion increased with age (P<0.05), whereas carcass weight and yield remained unaffected. At 14 weeks of age, slaughter and carcass characteristics were similar between sexes. At 16 weeks, males exhibited a higher foot proportion, while females had a greater wing proportion (P<0.05). At 18 weeks, except for head proportion (P<0.05), all other parameters were similar between males and females. Based on the evaluation of slaughter and carcass traits in Caucasian pheasants, 16 weeks of age appears optimal for males, whereas 14 weeks is suitable for females. However, considering the increase in breast meat yield, extending the rearing period of females to 16 weeks could also be a viable option.