Key Management Points During the Partridge Incubation Period and Breeding Precautions

Partridges are fairly widely distributed in China. In fact, their way of life is somewhat similar to that of chickens. The partridge is a type of wild fowl commonly eaten in southern China, and it is rich in nutrients such as protein and fat. At present, partridge farming is still quite profitable. In the specific breeding process, how should partridges be managed during the incubation period? What should be noted when breeding them?

I. How should partridges be managed during the incubation period?

1. Male-to-female ratio during the breeding period

Partridges reach sexual maturity at 4.5-5 months of age, and the age at which they begin mating and breeding is 180-225 days, at which point the female partridges start laying. Generally, female partridges mature 2-4 weeks earlier. The male-to-female ratio is 1:(2-3) for free-range floor rearing and 1:(3-4) for cage rearing. With free mating, both the hatchability and fertility rates are relatively high. The fertility rate generally reaches 92%-96%, and the hatchability rate reaches 84%-91%. The density is generally 4-5 birds per square meter.

2. Hatching of breeding eggs

Select breeding eggs of normal shape, moderate size and meeting breed requirements, soak them in a 0.2% benzalkonium bromide warm water solution (temperature 30°C) for 1-2 minutes, and then place them in the incubator. Note that the temperature in the incubation room will affect the temperature of the incubator, so the room should be kept at 20-25°C. It must not be lower than 14°C. The temperature inside the incubator should be 38°C (days 1-7), 37.8°C (days 7-16), and 37.2°C (days 17-24). Generally, after being transferred to the hatching tray on day 23, a condition of 37.2°C is used. (The incubation period is generally 24-25 days.)

II. What should be noted when breeding partridges?

1. Rearing during the brooding period

From hatching to 9 weeks of age is the most important period in partridge breeding. At this time, heat preservation and starting to feed are necessary. During the first week after hatching, the brooding room needs to be kept warm at 35-37°C, and thereafter lowered by 1°C each week until their feathers have fully grown and they can adapt to the outside temperature.

Before partridges start feeding, they should first be given a low-concentration oxytetracycline solution so their digestive tracts can adapt. Feeding should begin within 24 hours after hatching. When starting to feed, mix corn with cooked eggs, scatter it on a wooden board, and induce them to peck freely. On the second day, mixed feed can be given. During brooding, the air humidity should be controlled at 60%, which is beneficial for their feather and bone growth, and light should be maintained all day; after one week, only 15-16 hours of light need to be maintained.

2. Rearing during the growing period

Partridges are in the growing period from 10-27 weeks. Rearing is relatively simple at this time. This is a period of rapid growth for partridges, and they eat a lot, so sufficient feed and drinking water must be maintained. They can be fed some live bait such as mosquitoes and insects, and they also need a certain amount of exercise to promote digestion and rapid growth.

3. Rearing during the adult partridge period

When partridges grow to 28 weeks, they are in the adult partridge period, and rearing at this time is extremely critical. Feeding is mainly based on feed, and chicken feed can be used.

When choosing the purpose of the partridges, whether for breeding or for meat, those for breeding should be selected for robust growth and good libido, grouped separately at a male-to-female ratio of 1:3, and nesting boxes should be set up in relatively dark places in the breeding site. During the egg-laying period, about 18 hours of light should be maintained so they lay more eggs; those for meat can be sold after one to two weeks of fattening.