title: Effect of feeding graded levels of crude protein on nutrient utilization and feather growth in Lady Amherst's pheasants.
abstract: In order to find out the optimum level of crude protein (CP) in the diet of captive Lady Amherst's pheasants (LAP) on molt, 18 male birds were randomly distributed into three groups of six each in an experiment based on completely randomized block design. The CP content of the diets of birds in groups I, II, and III was 13.4, 16.5, and 19.1%, respectively. Intake and apparent balance of nitrogen increased linearly (P < 0.001) as CP content of the diet increased. Intake and utilization of energy, calcium, and phosphorous were similar among groups. Body mass change and growth rate of feathers were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in group I as compared to groups II and III. There was a positive co-relationship between ME intake and change in body weight (R(2) = 0.89, F = 126.4, P < 0.001). Regression analysis indicates that LAP can maintain body mass when ME supply is 122.2 Kcal/kg BW(0.75)/d. Linear relationships between intake and apparent retention of N, Ca, and P as expressed on mg/kg BW(0.75)/d were all significant. Apparent nitrogen retention, and mean feather growth rate was lower in birds fed diet containing 13.4% CP. Feeding of the diets containing 16.5% CP resulted in improved retention of nitrogen, and mean feather growth rate. Further increase in dietary concentration of CP to 19.1% showed no further improvement. It was concluded that a diet containing 16.5% CP would be optimum for Lady Amherst's pheasants during molt.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Saurabh K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Bajpai
authors.affiliation: Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Asit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Das
authors.affiliation: Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Singray S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Kullu
authors.affiliation: Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Mohini
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Saini
authors.affiliation: Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Roshan M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Sarode
authors.affiliation: Centre for Wildlife Conservation, Management and Disease Surveillance, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Anil K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Sharma
mesh_terms: D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005241:Feathers / Q000254:growth & development*; D046094:Galliformes / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D018978:Molting / Q000502:physiology; D011897:Random Allocation; D015430:Weight Gain
chemical_list: D004044:Dietary Proteins
keywords: Chrysolophus amherstiae; body mass change; dietary protein; nitrogen utilization; rectrice growth