Abstract: This study was conducted to Figure out the effect of egg weight on hatching rate and fattening performance of partridges (A.Chukar) reared under intensive conditions. The eggs were divided into two groups as big (=>?20 g) and small (< 20 g), then incubated. Hatching rate for big and small groups were 75,8 and 74.1 %, respectively. Hatching weight for big and small groups were 14,3±0,16 and 13,2±0,16 g, respectively. All the chicks were fattened till 16 weeks of age. At the end of fattening period, average live weight of male and female partridges were 509±9 and 495±12 g for big and 425±14 and 421±9 g for small groups, respectively. Males had higher live weight than females (p<0.001). Egg weight affected live weight of the partridges at 2-4, 8-10 and 12-14 weeks of age (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of feed consumption through fattening period. Total feed consuming for big and small groups were 2200.7±125.3 and 2059,4±36,08 g, respectively. Differences between feed conversion ratios of the groups were not significant through fattening period. FCR was calculated as 4,83±0,27 and 4,87±0,12 for big and small groups, respectively. As a result, it could be said that egg weight is not a significant factor on hatching rate and fattening performance of the partridges.
Cetin, M. , T. Sengul , G. Ozmen and B. Sogut , 2006. The Effect of Egg Weight on Hatching Rate and Fattening Performance of Partridges (A. chukar). Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 507-510.