Effects of Dietary Protein Levels on Ruffed Grouse Reproduction

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Abstract
The effects of 5 dietary protein levels on reproduction of captive female ruffed grouse (B. umbellus) were studied at Guelph, Ontario [Canada]. Isocaloric rations containing protein levels (% dry matter) of 7.6, 11.5, 13.6, 17.0 and 20.1 were supplied to 5 test groups on Feb. 24, 1979. Although test groups began laying about the same date, increases in dietary protein level were associated with linear increases for duration of laying, rate of laying, clutch size, weight of the 1st egg, mean egg weight, clutch weight, hatching success, chick weight at hatching and chick survival (P < 0.025). Percent egg flaws, fertility and protein level of the yolk and albumen of the 1st egg were similar for test groups (P > 0.05). Clutches of eggs of wild ruffed grouse from the Guelph area were compared with the reproductive success for the captive birds. The wild birds were most notable for their shorter duration and greater rate of laying, mean egg weight, fertility, hatching success and chick weight at hatching.