Hunting pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in the conditions of the Kiev Zoological Park
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31548/poultry2025.01-02.034Abstract
In recent years, there has been a steady trend toward increased interest in pheasant breeding worldwide, including in Ukraine. This is due to their use in decorative poultry farming, for the restoration and replenishment of hunting grounds, and for the production of high-quality game meat products with unique flavor properties. In industrial and farm poultry farming, the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is mainly used for commercial breeding, as it is characterized by good adaptability, relative undemandingness to conditions of keeping, and stable productivity indicators. This species is widely represented in zoological institutions around the world, including zoos, where it serves both an exhibition and scientific and educational function. In particular, common pheasants are kept in the Kyiv Zoological Park, which creates additional opportunities for observation, research, and popularization of knowledge about the biology and keeping of this species. The aim of the study was to investigate the feeding and maintenance characteristics of hunting pheasants in the conditions of the Kyiv Zoological Park. The results of the research showed that a special diet was developed for hunting pheasants in compliance with all standards. The nutritional value of the feed, as well as the diet itself, gradually changes depending on the age of the pheasants. The diet includes concentrated, succulent feed of animal origin and vitamin and mineral supplements. Each pheasant consumes 75-80 g of feed per day, depending on the season. Hunting pheasants are exhibited in zoo modules, which are a more modern version of aviaries. These modules are semi-oval in shape, 4 m high, and cover an area of 36.54 m2. Hunting pheasants are kept in the modules in accordance with the concept of wildlife, where natural and artificial materials are used to create an aviary that resembles the pheasants' natural habitat. Hunting pheasants are kept in groups of 10-12 individuals, with a sex ratio of 1-2:8-10, where females outnumber males.
Key words: phasianus colchicus, feeding, keeping, rations, feed, aviries
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