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Abstract
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Chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) are frequently reared in captivity with the aim of producing fertileeggsandchicks.Theaimsofthepresentstudywereto evaluatethee?ectofmaletofemale sexratioonhatching rateandfertility andtodeterminethe optimaltemperatureandtimeforegg storage and its e?ect on hatching rate and embryonic mortality in Chukar partridges. Maximum hatching rate and fertility rate were a?ected by male:female ratios during breeding (P < 0.05). The greatest embryonic mortality rate was with eggs that were stored at 25 °C for 15–20 d, however, the greatest hatching rate was when eggs were stored at 10 and 15 °C for 5 days. Storage time of Chukar partridge eggs can be extended for as long as 5 d, but longer storage periodscannegatively a?ecthatching rate. In conclusion, areduction of storagetemperature and duration of time of storage in combination with reducing the sex ratio of the egg producing females and males during the breeding period might improve fertility, hatching rate and fertility of Chukar partridge eggs.
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