1Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-54000, Pakistan
2Department of Biological Sciences, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore-54000, Pakistan
3Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-54000, Pakistan
4Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-54000, Pakistan
5Department of Meat Science, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-54000, Pakistan
Department of Wildlife and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore-54000, Pakistan
*Corresponding author's e-mail: sheikhjohn1951@gmail.com
Online published on 15 December, 2018.
Present research was planned to evaluate the breeding and feeding behaviour of Indian peafowl reared in captivity at Zoological Gardens of Government and Private Sector. For feeding behaviour, a total of fifty pairs (n=100) of Pavo cristatus at both Government Zoological Gardens (n=25pairs) and Private Sectors (n=25pairs) were observed on daily basis. Thebreeding season of Indian peafowl is not fixedbut mostlyit breeds in rainyseason from April to August. Itwas observed that most of birds at Government Zoological Gardens breed in month of May, while most of birds at Private Sectors breed in the month of August. For feeding behaviour a total of 200 faecal samples per week were collected for six weeks, out of which 100 samples per week were randomly selected for further analysis. Faecal analysis technique showed that dietary components of Indian peafowl were covered by plant contents following by animal sources. Among the plants components grass seeds were predominant followed by dicotyledon and fruits with least portion of monocotyledons. Among animal components, ants, grasshopper, earthworms, spider and unidentified bones were present. Faecal analysis indicated the presence of some non-food items such as sand and gravel.
Breeding behaviour, Faecal analysis, Feeding behaviour, Indian Peafowl
