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

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.