Cold exposure period in female Chukar (Alectoris chukar) partridges: Effect on some reproductive performance and blood parameters

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of animal science, Faculty of animal science, University of Gorgan. Gorgan, Iran

2 Department of animal and poultry science , faculty of animal science.Gorgan agricultural sciences& natural resources university. Gorgan, Iran.

3 Department of animal and poultry science , Faculty of animal science. sari agricultural sciences& natural resources university. Sari, Iran

4 Department of animal science, Faculty of animal science, University of shiraz, shiraz, Iran.

Abstract

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of the cold period on female Chukar partridges and its impact on reproductive traits and hematological parameters. A total of 104 adult breeding partridges were used in this study. The experimental treatments included a control group (without cold exposure) and a cold-exposed group. The research was carried out over 3 weeks in a completely randomized design with five repetitions in the control group and five repetitions in the cold-exposed group. The evaluation of reproductive parameters was performed at the end of the period, and the evaluation of hematological parameters was conducted once a week in three phases. The results of the analysis of reproductive indices showed that the cold period did not significantly differ in terms of egg production rate, fertility rate, and hatching rate compared to the control group (P>0.05). The heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio significantly increased in different phases of the winter period compared to the control group (P<0.05). The total plasma protein, albumin, globulin, and hemoglobin levels after cold exposure in different blood sampling phases showed a significant increase compared to the control group (P<0.05). The findings of this study showed that cold exposure had a stimulating effect on the immune response, leading to a decrease in lymphocyte count and an increase in heterophil count. It is suggested that cold exposure may enhance immune responses and reduce egg production rates in Chukar partridges, possibly resulting in reproductive performance disorders.

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Iranian Journal of animal Science

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 07 April 2024

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History

  • Receive Date: 20 September 2023
  • Revise Date: 18 November 2023
  • Accept Date: 21 November 2023

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