Comparative analysis of physical, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of eggs from three pheasant subspecies

The profitability of pheasants breeding is influenced by many factors, but eggs quality is considered as the backbone for successful pheasant breeding. The objective of this study was to determine and compare various quality characteristics (physical, morphological, and mechanical) of eggs from three pheasant subspecies: common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus colchicus), Mongolian pheasant (Phasianus colchicus mongolicus), and black pheasant (Phasianus colchicus vs. tenebrosus). A total sample of 180 eggs (60 eggs of each pheasant subspecies) was collected from pheasant hens kept in aviaries in their first year of production (43–47 wk of age). The average weight and volume of eggs from common pheasants was significantly lower (P ˂ 0.05) than those from Mongolian and black pheasants. No significant differences between three pheasant subspecies were observed in albumen and yolk weight and percentage, while egg shell weight and percentage were significantly higher (P < 0.01) at eggs from black pheasants. In comparison to eggs from Mongolian and common pheasants, eggs from black pheasants had the thickest shell and the highest shell strength and required highest force to egg breaking. The values of breaking force and other mechanical characteristics depend on the direction of the loading force during egg compression. The data obtained by evaluating certain characteristics of egg quality can be useful to breeders when choosing a pheasant subspecies, as well as for choosing quality eggs for hatching and their storage.