Behavioural aspects of the Partridge (Rhynchotus rufescens) in captivity during the reproductive phase: a case study. / Aspectos comportamentais da Perdiz (Rhynchotus rufescens) em cativeiro durante a fase reprodutiva: um estudo de caso.

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2003

RESUMO

The species Rhynchotus rufescens, a native bird of Brazil, popularly denominated partridge or pellet, has been showing easy adaptation to captivity and a great potential to be explored zootechnically, with the possibility of the use of its meat as an alternative source of proteins, since the meat of wild animals is a nourishment alternative in many countries, including developed ones. The breeding of partridges in a rational way could increase the options of Brazilian avilculture and the alternative production of animal protein. The present work identified the daily rhythms of activities of the partridge and its scheme of temporary allocation in a situation of captivity. The knowledge of these data is of fundamental importance for the alimentary and reproductive handling of these animals. Data related to each lot were collected through twelve uninterrupted hours of filming, from dawn to dusk, for three consecutive days, totalizing thirty-six hours of work. The material resultant from the filmings was observed in order to obtain the series of data used for the temporary analyses, having the system of temporary sampling (time sampling) been used for the observation of the behaviour of the birds. In this work, it was determined some standard behaviour of partridges (Rhynchotus rufescens), under the proposed conditions. The rhythms associated with the activities and their temporary distribution were quantified and appraised. It was shown how the structural organization of their behaviour take place. More complex subjects as space distribution, the use of physical and social space, with its agonistic and dominance interactions were approached, and they indicated problems of well being which probably interfered in the reproductive efficiency of these animals in captivity. Future works should be aware of and pay attention to these subjects. The investigation of a system of effective copulation is considered fundamental to obtain success in the breeding of this species, leading, then, to its consequent selection. Nevertheless, it is essential that limits based on behavioural indexes of the species be established, which will avoid incurring in the mistakes that are now clear in relation to specialized birds for slaughter and posture.

ASSUNTO(S)

breeding criação em cativeiro perdizes reproduction rhynchotus rufescens reprodução animal behaviour captivity comportamento animal

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