June 21, 2023
Trial of XTi PAWS on Chukar Partridge growth and egg production, 4/2022 – 6/2023
Internal XTi Trial
Conclusion: Exposure of Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) to XTi’s pulsed alternating wavelength system (PAWS) resulted in improved egg production and sustained bird size with overall improvement in bird aggression.
Study Objective:
- To evaluate the effect of XTi PAWS on growth and production of Chukar Partridge.
- To assess the ability of XTi lighting to control and maximize gamebird egg production while in captivity.
Background: - Previous XTi trials on layer hens and Alectoris rufa have shown accelerated bird growth and improved egg production.
- Game birds generally lay 1-2 clutches of eggs in the wild. Egg production is very dependent on seasonality and light exposure.
Methods:
- The study was conducted at XTi’s research facility in northern Colorado.
- 180 Redleg Partridge (Alectoris chukar) chicks were obtained from a commercial producer. The birds were placed into 10 tents. Eight tents had XTi “recipes”, 2 tents were controls. All tents were placed on ramping light protocols as recommended by the commercial producer.
- Birds were transferred to commercial battery lay cages at 133 days old and XTi recipes were changed from “grow” recipes to “lay” recipes.
- Bird weight and egg production data was collected to week 62 when the trial was ended.
- Birds were kept in commercial gamebird battery cages and fed standard gamebird feed.
Results:
- Birds under XTi recipes showed an increase in production relative to the control birds. XTi birds also had a slower decline in production over the course of the trial.
- XTi bird weights were not inferior to control birds. There was no decline in bird weight or negative impact on bird health despite increased egg production.
Discussion:
- Data from Alectoris chukar was similar to that seen with Redleg Partridge and commercial laying hens – improved egg production and improved/steady bird growth.
- These gains are seen without observing any negative bird outcomes.
- Birds generally seem to be less stressed with less aggressive behaviors noted.
- This data could allow producers of gamebirds to increase and control chick production with improved bird health.