Artificial hatching method for green peacocks

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of artificial breeding of wild animals, in particular to an artificial hatching method for green peacocks. The method mainly comprises the steps of breeding cage building, parent selection and matching, hatching egg management, hatching environment control, embryonic development monitoring, hatching management and brooding management modules, and the hatching rate and the nestling survival rate are remarkably increased by simulating the native habitat environment, optimizing the hatching egg treatment process, precisely regulating and controlling hatching parameters and conducting brooding management in stages. According to the method, parents are screened by adopting a molecular marker technology, inbreeding mating is avoided, and the problem of embryo heat stress is relieved by innovatively combining egg cooling operation. The system is suitable for protecting endangered wild animals and provides a reference example for artificial breeding of rare pheasants.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of artificial breeding of wild animals, and particularly relates to an artificial hatching method of green peafowl. BACKGROUND

[0002] Green peafowl (Pavo muticus) belongs to the order of Galliformes, the family of Phasianidae, and the genus of Pavo. It is the largest wild pheasant in China and one of the endangered species in the world. Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, human disturbance (such as poaching, poisoning, and picking eggs), and inbreeding depression, its population has declined dramatically. Currently, the distribution of green peafowl is limited to China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Laos, and the overall population status is not optimistic. It is estimated that the global population of green peafowl is about 15,000-30,000, and it is still decreasing. In China, green peafowl historically distributed widely, but now only exists in 6 cities and 19 counties in Yunnan Province, with a population of about 485-547, mainly concentrated in Shuangbai County of Chuxiong Prefecture and Xingping County of Yuxi City in the upper reaches of Yuanjiang River. Artificial breeding is an important means of protecting endangered wild animals. Through artificial breeding, feeding, and wild training of green peafowl, and returning to nature, the genetic diversity and field population expansion of green peafowl can be effectively guaranteed. However, the artificial hatching technology of green peafowl still faces many challenges. The traditional artificial hatching method has certain limitations in hatching environment control, egg management, and embryo development monitoring. For example, fluctuations in temperature and humidity in the incubation room may affect embryo development; long storage time or incomplete disinfection of the eggs may reduce the hatching rate; improper turning of the eggs or insufficient cooling of the eggs may increase the rate of embryo malformation. In addition, during the brooding stage, unreasonable temperature, humidity, and feed ratio may also lead to a decrease in the survival rate of the chicks. To improve the success rate of artificial hatching of green peafowl, some explorations have been made in the prior art. For example, some studies attempt to optimize the design of the incubation room to improve the stability of the hatching environment, use ultraviolet disinfection, and accurately control the temperature and humidity to reduce external pollution. Some other studies focus on brooding management, simulate the temperature and humidity under natural conditions, and provide high-protein and high-energy feed to promote the growth and development of the chicks. However, these methods still have room for improvement in practical application, especially in the aspects of egg screening, embryo development monitoring, hatching management, and adaptive training in the later stage of brooding, which still need to be further improved. In summary, although the artificial hatching technology of green peafowl has made some progress, there is still room for further research and optimization in terms of efficient hatching, stable brooding, and improving the survival rate. SUMMARY

[0003] To increase the population size of this species, improve the genetic diversity of germplasm resources, and maintain the balance of biodiversity, the present invention aims to provide an artificial incubation method for green peafowl, which improves the fertilization rate, hatching rate, and chick survival rate of green peafowl under artificial incubation conditions.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this invention is implemented through the following technical solution: A method for artificial incubation of green peafowl mainly includes a rearing cage construction module, a parent selection and mating module, a hatching egg management module, an incubation environment control module, an embryo development monitoring module, a hatching management module, and a brooding management module. The rearing cage construction module simulates the native habitat environment of green peafowl, providing suitable light, temperature, humidity, and space conditions; the parent selection and mating module selects healthy, reproductively capable purebred green peafowl individuals and pairs them according to a preset ratio; the hatching egg management module screens, marks, stores, and disinfects collected hatching eggs; the incubation environment control module adjusts the temperature, humidity, and air circulation conditions required by embryos at different incubation stages to ensure the stability of embryo development; the embryo development monitoring module monitors the weight loss rate of hatching eggs, candling results, and embryo development status in real time during incubation; the hatching management module adjusts incubation parameters and implements artificial hatching operations after the embryo enters the air cell stage; and the brooding management module regulates the temperature and humidity conditions in the brooding environment at different stages and provides feed formulas suitable for each growth stage.

[0005] The enclosure design is based on simulating the biological characteristics of green peafowl and their wild habitat features. It consists of an inner chamber and an exercise area, with an area ratio of 1:2 (50 square meters for the inner chamber and 100 square meters for the exercise area). The inner chamber is a brick-concrete structure with a hardened ground surface covered with 3-5 cm of fine sand. Tree trunks with a diameter at breast height of 4-5 cm are installed as perches 0.8-1 meters above the ground, and heat lamps and lighting are provided. The exercise area is enclosed by a metal mesh with a mesh size of 1.5-2 cm on all sides and top, and a transparent roof is added to reduce the impact of summer sun exposure. The area is planted with berry-bearing shrubs such as bayberry, red beech, and fig, as well as a ryegrass mixed with turf. A 1.8m x 1.8m sandpit is also provided, with a 3-5 cm layer of fine or coarse sand for the green peafowl to bathe in. The enclosure is surrounded by a rodent-proof wall at least 50 cm high, and a sewage treatment system, drainage pipes, and fire-fighting facilities are provided around the perimeter. Each enclosure is equipped with a monitoring system and dedicated staff to observe the behavior of the green peacocks in real time.

[0006] The operation procedure for the parent selection and mating module is as follows: From 2021 to 2024, suspected green peafowl individuals were collected from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, and rescue and rehabilitation institutions within Yunnan Province. Based on their origin, they were divided into Guangxi group, Xishuangbanna group, and rescue group, and purebred identification was conducted according to the "Technical Procedure for Identification of Purebred Green Peafowls (DB53 / T 1067—2021)". Based on the test results, healthy, reproductively capable adult green peafowl were identified and used to form an artificial breeding population, paired at a ratio of 1 male to 2 females. To avoid genetic defects and ensure sufficient genetic distance between paired individuals, molecular marker technology was used to analyze kinship and rule out the possibility of inbreeding.

[0007] The specific steps of the hatching egg management module include: collecting hatching eggs from green peafowl during their laying period; selecting eggs of moderate size, regular shape, and smooth, crack-free shells for labeling; recording the laying time, parent bird number, and egg number; and measuring the longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, and weight of the eggs. Hatching eggs should be stored for no more than 7 days at a temperature of 12.7℃ and a humidity of 75%–85%, with the blunt end of the eggs facing upwards. During transportation, eggs should be wrapped in towels or secured in paper egg trays and placed in a dedicated transport box for stable and rapid transport. Before incubation, eggs should be disinfected by soaking or spraying with disinfectants such as Virkon S, glutaraldehyde, benzalkonium bromide, or potassium permanganate.

[0008] The design requirements for the incubation environment control module stipulate that the incubation room must meet the conditions of quietness, pollution-free environment, easy disinfection, good air circulation, and dryness, with the indoor temperature maintained at 18~21℃ and humidity at 50%~65%. Incubation equipment includes incubators, hatchers, brooders, and related tools such as egg candling devices, temperature and humidity detectors, electronic scales, calipers, humidifiers, and generators. One week before the eggs are placed in the incubator, the incubation room, equipment, and tools must be thoroughly disinfected. The incubation room is disinfected by irradiating with ultraviolet light for 30 minutes or spraying with disinfectant; equipment is disinfected by wiping with alcohol pads; and tools are disinfected by soaking. After each batch of eggs is incubated, the incubator is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. After the incubation equipment is debugged, the temperature and humidity displays are calibrated, and the egg-turning angle is tested to ensure that the egg-turning angle reaches 180° each time.

[0009] The embryo development monitoring module regularly checks the incubator's temperature, humidity, and egg-turning frequency during incubation to ensure a stable incubation environment. The embryo development inside the eggs is observed using a candling device, and changes in weight loss rate are recorded. Cooling the eggs is done by opening the incubator door or removing them to cool. If necessary, water spraying or "walking in water" (water temperature around 33℃) is used to lower the temperature, preventing heat stress damage to the embryo. The cooling process is ensured to not exceed the minimum temperature threshold for embryo development. The water temperature is 33℃, and the overall temperature range includes 37.8℃ in the early incubation stage and 37.5℃ in the later stage.

[0010] After the embryo enters the air cell stage, the hatching management module transfers the eggs to the hatching machine. The hatching machine temperature is set 0.5-1°C lower than the incubation temperature, and the humidity is set 5-10% higher than the incubation humidity. Egg turning is stopped. If malposition of the embryo occurs, artificial assistance is used to help the chick hatch. Successfully hatched chicks are weighed and their information recorded promptly. Unhatched eggs are dissected and disposed of harmlessly. For chicks with toe deformities or bent joints, corrective measures are taken after they are able to stand. The correction method involves confining the chick's legs in a suitable position for half a day.

[0011] The brooding management module is divided into three stages: early brooding (0-7 days old), mid-brooding (8-60 days old), and late brooding (61-90 days old). During the early brooding stage, the temperature is maintained at 35-37℃ and the humidity at 50%-60%. A 250-watt infrared bulb is used for continuous 24-hour warmth. The brooding box measures 1m x 0.8m x 0.8m and can accommodate 4-6 chicks. Newly hatched chicks do not need to be fed on their first day, but ample drinking water is provided. A glucose and multivitamin solution is given as their first drink, and antibiotics may be added if necessary to prevent infection. During the mid-brooding stage, the temperature is controlled at 30℃ and the humidity at around 50%. A small, frequent feeding strategy is adopted, feeding 4-6 times a day. The feed includes pelleted feed, mealworms, vegetables, and high-quality protein powder. The later stages of brooding are mainly carried out in outdoor cages, with heat lamps used at night for warmth. Five to eight chicks are kept in the same cage, and their diet consists mainly of pelleted feed, grain feed, and mealworms, supplemented with green fodder and berries.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention and method simulate the native habitat of the green peafowl, designing rearing cages that conform to its biological characteristics, reducing stress responses in the peafowl, and optimizing the parent selection process to ensure genetic diversity and reproductive success rates. The hatching egg management module improves egg quality and reduces the risk of external contamination through screening, storage, and disinfection. The incubation environment control module effectively reduces abnormalities during embryonic development by precisely controlling the temperature, humidity, and egg-turning angle in the incubation room. The embryonic development monitoring module, combined with egg cooling, alleviates embryonic heat stress and further improves hatching success rates. The hatching management module significantly improves chick survival rates through manual hatching assistance and subsequent care. The brooding management module scientifically controls temperature and humidity conditions and provides suitable feed formulas according to the needs of different growth stages, promoting healthy chick growth.

[0013] This method, through multi-stage refined management, solves the problems of low hatching rate and low chick survival rate in traditional artificial incubation technology, especially in the innovative improvements made in egg management and embryo development monitoring. For example, molecular marker technology is used to screen parent individuals, avoiding genetic defects caused by inbreeding; precise control of incubation environment parameters and egg cooling operations effectively alleviate heat stress during embryo development. In addition, the phased control strategy of the brooding management module, combined with the reasonable ratio of high-protein, high-energy feed, significantly improves the growth rate and survival rate of chicks.

[0014] This invention integrates multiple modules, including the establishment of breeding cages, selection of parent stock, management of hatching eggs, control of the incubation environment, monitoring of embryonic development, management of hatching and brooding, to form a systematic artificial incubation technology system for green peafowl. This system is not only applicable to the artificial breeding of endangered wild animals, but also provides a reference example for the artificial protection of other rare pheasant species. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the module flow of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the breeding process of the green peacock according to the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a top view of the green peacock breeding cage of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a front view of the green peacock breeding cage of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a comparison chart of the fertilization rate, hatching rate, and chick survival rate of green peafowl from 2021 to 2024, based on the present invention.

[0020] In the attached diagram, the following modules are marked: 1. Rearing cage construction module; 2. Parent selection module; 3. Hatching egg management module; 4. Incubation environment control module; 5. Embryo development monitoring module; 6. Hatching management module; 7. Brooding management module. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so as to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0022] This invention provides a method for the artificial incubation of green peafowl, combined with the attached... Figure 1The diagram shown illustrates the green peafowl breeding module process, detailing the specific implementation steps of this method. The modules marked 1 (breeding cage establishment), 2 (parent selection), 3 (hatching egg management), 4 (incubation environment control), 5 (embryo development monitoring), 6 (hatching management), and 7 (brooding management) together constitute the complete artificial incubation technology system for green peafowl.

[0023] The implementation process begins with the construction of the rearing enclosure, module 1. The enclosure consists of an inner chamber and an exercise area, with a 1:2 area ratio. The inner chamber is 50 square meters, and the exercise area is 100 square meters. The inner chamber is constructed with a brick-concrete structure. After hardening the ground, a 3-5 cm thick layer of fine sand is laid on top. Tree trunks with a diameter at breast height of 4-5 cm are installed 0.8-1 meters above the ground as perches. Heat lamps and lighting are provided to regulate light conditions. The exercise area is enclosed by a 1.5-2 cm mesh metal mesh on all sides and top, with a transparent roof to reduce the impact of summer sun exposure. Inside the exercise area, berry-bearing shrubs such as bayberry, red beech, and fig are planted, mixed with ryegrass to form a lawn. A 1.8m x 1.8m sandpit is also provided, with a 3-5 cm thick layer of fine or coarse sand for the green peacocks to enjoy sand bathing. The enclosures are surrounded by underground walls at least 50 centimeters high to prevent rodent infestation. Sewage treatment facilities, drainage pipes, and fire-fighting equipment are also installed around the perimeter. Each enclosure is equipped with a monitoring system and dedicated staff to observe the green peafowl's behavior in real time. All these components are rationally laid out and functionally designed to create a cohesive whole, simulating the green peafowl's native habitat and providing suitable lighting, temperature, humidity, and space.

[0024] Next, we proceed to the operational procedures of Module 2, Parent Selection and Pairing. Between 2021 and 2024, suspected green peafowl individuals were collected from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, and rescue and rehabilitation institutions within Yunnan Province. Based on their origin, they were divided into Guangxi, Xishuangbanna, and rescue groups, and purebred identification was conducted according to the "Technical Procedures for Identification of Purebred Green Peafowls (DB53 / T 1067—2021)". Based on the test results, healthy, reproductively capable purebred green peafowl were selected to form an artificial breeding population, paired at a ratio of 1 male to 2 females. To avoid genetic defects and ensure sufficient genetic distance between paired individuals, molecular marker technology was used to analyze kinship and exclude the possibility of inbreeding. The sample collection, data analysis, and pairing decisions involved in the above steps were completed using experimental equipment and software tools, forming a complete parent selection and pairing system.

[0025] The implementation phase of Module 3, the hatching egg management module, then begins. Hatching eggs from laying green peafowl are collected. Eggs of moderate size, regular shape, and smooth, crack-free shells are selected and marked. The laying time, parent bird number, and egg number are recorded, and the longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, and weight of the eggs are measured. Hatching eggs are stored for up to 7 days at a temperature of 12.7℃ and a humidity of 75%–85%, with the blunt end facing upwards. During transportation, eggs are wrapped in towels or secured in paper egg trays and placed in a dedicated transport box for stable and rapid transport. Before incubation, eggs are disinfected by soaking or spraying with disinfectants such as Virkon S, glutaraldehyde, benzalkonium bromide, or potassium permanganate. These steps form the complete process of the hatching egg management module, with each step closely linked to ensure the quality of the hatching eggs and the subsequent hatching effect.

[0026] The incubation environment control module 4 requires the incubation room to meet the conditions of quietness, pollution-free environment, easy disinfection, good air circulation, and dryness. The indoor temperature should be maintained at 18~21℃, and the humidity at 50%~65%. Incubation equipment includes incubators, hatchers, brooders, and related tools such as egg candling devices, temperature and humidity detectors, electronic scales, calipers, humidifiers, and generators. One week before the eggs are placed in the incubator, the incubation room, equipment, and tools are thoroughly disinfected. The incubation room is disinfected by irradiating with ultraviolet light for 30 minutes or spraying with disinfectant. Equipment is disinfected by wiping with alcohol pads, and tools are disinfected by soaking. After each batch of eggs is incubated, the incubator is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. After the incubation equipment is debugged, the temperature and humidity displays are calibrated, and the egg-turning angle is tested to ensure that the egg-turning angle reaches 180° each time. Through precise parameter control and equipment maintenance, a stable incubation environment is formed.

[0027] The embryo development monitoring module 5 periodically checks the incubator's temperature, humidity, and egg-turning frequency during incubation to ensure a stable incubation environment. It observes embryo development inside the eggs using an egg candling device and records changes in weight loss rate. Cooling is achieved by opening the incubator door or removing the eggs to allow them to cool. If necessary, water spraying or "walking in water" (water temperature around 33℃) is used to prevent heat stress damage to the embryos, while ensuring that the temperature drop does not exceed the minimum temperature threshold for embryo development. These operations, through regular monitoring and adjustment, form a dynamic embryo development management process, with the water temperature maintained at 3℃. 3℃。 The temperature throughout the process also includes the early incubation temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius and the later incubation temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius.

[0028] In the hatching management module 6, after the embryo enters the air cell stage, the eggs are transferred to the hatching machine. The hatching machine temperature is set 0.5-1°C lower than the incubation temperature, and the humidity is 5-10% higher than the incubation humidity. Egg turning is stopped. When malposition of the embryo occurs, artificial assistance is used to help the chick hatch. Successfully hatched chicks are weighed and their information recorded promptly. Unhatched eggs are dissected and disposed of harmlessly. For chicks with toe deformities or bent joints, correction is performed after they are able to stand by restricting their legs to a suitable position for half a day. These steps, through artificial intervention and scientific management, improve the hatching success rate.

[0029] Finally, we move to the implementation phase of Module 7, Brooding Management. In the early brooding stage, the temperature is maintained at 35-37℃ and humidity at 50-60%. A 250-watt infrared bulb is used for continuous 24-hour warmth. The brooding box measures 1m x 0.8m x 0.8m and can hold 4-6 chicks. Newly hatched chicks do not need to be fed on their first day, but ample drinking water is provided. A glucose and multivitamin solution is given as an initial drinking water source, and antibiotics may be added if necessary to prevent infection. During the mid-brooding stage, the temperature is controlled at 30℃ and humidity at around 50%. A small, frequent feeding strategy is adopted, feeding 4-6 times a day. The feed includes pelleted feed, mealworms, vegetables, and high-quality protein powder. In the late brooding stage, brooding is primarily conducted in outdoor cages, with heat lamps used for supplemental heating at night. 5-8 chicks are housed in the same cage, with a diet mainly consisting of pelleted feed, grains, and mealworms, supplemented with green fodder and berries. These stages, through phased control of temperature, humidity, and feed formulation, form a complete brooding management system.

[0030] To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and implement this invention, the following supplementary explanation of the operating principle and implementation steps of the artificial incubation method for green peacocks, in conjunction with specific application scenarios.

[0031] In Module 1 of the enclosure construction, the enclosures were first built using the module marked as 1. The ratio of the interior space to the exercise area was set at 1:2, with the interior space at 50 square meters and the exercise area at 100 square meters, simulating the spatial distribution characteristics of the green peafowl's native habitat. The brick-concrete interior floor was hardened and then covered with 3-5 cm thick fine sand to provide a suitable surface for standing and perching, while reducing the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Tree trunks were installed as perches 0.8-1 meters above the ground to meet the green peafowl's climbing habits. Heat lamps and lighting lamps were used to regulate the light cycle, simulating the day-night cycle in the natural environment, thereby promoting the breeding behavior of the parent birds. The exercise area was topped with transparent tiles to effectively reduce the impact of high temperatures and direct sunlight in summer, while the metal mesh enclosure ensured the safety of the green peafowl. The planting of shrubs such as bayberry trees and red beech trees, as well as ryegrass lawns, provided the green peafowl with a hiding and foraging environment. The sandpit design met their sand bathing needs, which is beneficial to skin health. The installation of rodent-proof walls, sewage treatment devices, and monitoring systems further ensures the hygiene conditions and real-time management capabilities of the cages.

[0032] When entering the parent selection and mating module 2, following the procedure marked as module 2, suspected green peafowl individuals are first collected from the Guangxi, Xishuangbanna, and rescue groups. Molecular marker analysis is then performed according to the "Technical Procedure for Identification of Purebred Green Peafowls (DB53 / T 1067—2021)" to confirm purebred status. After selecting healthy, reproductively capable adult birds, they are paired in a 1 male-to-2 female ratio. Molecular marker technology calculates the genetic distance between individuals by amplifying and comparing DNA fragments, avoiding genetic defects caused by inbreeding. This process utilizes experimental equipment to extract sample DNA and analyzes the data using specialized software to form a scientific pairing decision-making system.

[0033] In module 3 of the hatching egg management process, the workflow of module 3 requires collecting hatching eggs from green peafowl during their laying period and selecting eggs that are of moderate size, regular shape, and have smooth, crack-free shells. The laying time, parent bird number, and egg number must be recorded, and the longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, and weight must be measured for subsequent tracking and analysis. During storage, the eggs should be kept with the blunt end facing upwards, with the temperature controlled at 12.7℃ and humidity maintained at 75%–85% to slow embryonic development and maintain egg viability. During transportation, the eggs should be secured with towels or paper egg trays to avoid vibration and collisions. Before incubation, the eggs should be soaked or sprayed with disinfectants such as Virkon S to thoroughly remove pathogenic microorganisms from the surface and ensure a sterile incubation environment.

[0034] In the incubation environment control module 4, the module design requires the incubation room to meet conditions of quietness, no pollution, easy disinfection, and smooth air circulation. The indoor temperature is maintained at 18~21℃, and the humidity is controlled at 50%~65%, with parameters monitored and adjusted in real time using a temperature and humidity sensor. The incubator, hatcher, and related tools are thoroughly disinfected one week before use; 30 minutes of ultraviolet light irradiation or disinfectant spraying effectively kills pathogenic microorganisms. The egg-turning angle is calibrated to ensure 180° each time to prevent embryo adhesion. The inclusion of a generator ensures normal operation of the equipment in the event of a sudden power outage, ensuring the stability of the incubation environment.

[0035] In Embryo Development Monitoring Module 5, the operation of module 5 requires regular checks of the incubator's temperature, humidity, and egg-turning frequency to ensure a stable incubation environment. The egg candling device is used to observe the embryonic development inside the eggs, record changes in weight loss rate, and determine whether embryonic development is normal. Cooling the eggs is done by opening the incubator door or removing them to cool; if necessary, water spraying or "walking on water" is used to alleviate embryonic heat stress. The cooling rate must be strictly controlled within the minimum temperature threshold for embryonic development to avoid damage to the embryo due to sudden temperature changes.

[0036] In hatching management module 6, the process for module 6 requires that after the embryo enters the air cell stage, the eggs be transferred to the hatcher. The hatcher temperature should be set 0.5-1°C lower than the incubation temperature, and the humidity 5%-10% higher than the incubation humidity. Egg turning should be stopped. If the embryo is in an incorrect position, manual assistance should be used to help the chick hatch smoothly. Successfully hatched chicks should be weighed and their information recorded promptly. Unhatched eggs should be dissected and analyzed before being disposed of harmlessly. Chicks with toe deformities or bent joints should have their legs restricted for half a day to correct their deformities and ensure their bones return to normal shape.

[0037] In Module 7 of the brooding management system, the module marked 7 is divided into three stages: early, middle, and late brooding. During the early brooding stage, the temperature is maintained at 35-37℃ and the humidity at 50%-60%. A 250-watt infrared bulb is used for continuous 24-hour warmth. The brooding box measures 1m x 0.8m x 0.8m and can hold 4-6 chicks. Newly hatched chicks do not need to be fed on their first day, but ample drinking water is provided. A glucose and multivitamin solution is given as an initial drinking water source, and antibiotics may be added if necessary to prevent infection. During the middle brooding stage, the temperature is controlled at 30℃ and the humidity at around 50%. A small, frequent feeding strategy is adopted, feeding 4-6 times a day. The feed includes pelleted feed, mealworms, vegetables, and high-quality protein powder. The late brooding stage primarily takes place in outdoor cages, with heat lamps used for supplemental warmth at night. 5-8 chicks are housed in the same cage, and their diet consists mainly of pelleted feed, grains, and mealworms, supplemented with green fodder and berries to promote healthy growth.

[0038] Comparison of fertilization rate, hatching rate, and chick survival rate from 2021 to 2024 1. From 2021 to 2024, only adult birds capable of reproduction will be established as artificial breeding populations. In 2021, 38 eggs were laid, with 24 fertilized, resulting in a fertilization rate of 63.16%. 8 chicks hatched, with a hatching rate of 33.33%. 5 chicks survived the year, resulting in a chick survival rate of 62.50% (see Tables 1 and 2 for details).

[0039] 2. In 2022, 63 eggs were laid, 25 of which were fertilized, resulting in a fertilization rate of 39.68%. Only 3 chicks hatched, with a hatching rate of only 12%. No chicks survived throughout the year (see Tables 1 and 2 for details).

[0040] 3. In 2023, 53 eggs were laid, 41 of which were fertilized, with a fertilization rate of 77.36%. 7 chicks hatched, with a hatching rate of 17.07%. A total of 5 chicks survived throughout the year, with a chick survival rate of 71.43% (see Tables 1 and 2 for details).

[0041] 4. In 2024, 73 eggs were laid, 65 of which were fertilized, with a fertilization rate of 89.04%. 48 chicks hatched, with a hatching rate of 73.85%. A total of 41 chicks survived throughout the year, with a chick survival rate of 85.42% (see Tables 1 and 2 for details).

[0042] 5. Over the past four years, through continuous collection and analysis of hatching data, and summarizing the main factors that may affect hatching and survival rates, significant breakthroughs have been achieved in artificial incubation technology. The most significant results were observed in 2024, with increased egg production and fertilization rates, and a hatching rate of 73.85% and a chick survival rate as high as 85.42%, achieving a significant improvement in fertilization rate, hatching rate, and chick survival rate (e.g., Figure 5 (As shown).

[0043] Table 1. Statistics on Green Peafowl Breeding from 2021 to 2024 Table 2. Statistics on fertilization rate, hatching rate, and chick survival rate of green peafowl from 2021 to 2024 Finally, it should be noted that the above preferred embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various changes can be made to it in form and detail without departing from the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for artificially incubating green peacocks, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: The breeding cage construction module (1) is used to simulate the native habitat environment of the green peacock and provide suitable light, temperature, humidity and space conditions; The parent selection module (2) is used to screen healthy and fertile purebred green peacock individuals and pair them according to a preset ratio; The hatching egg management module (3) is used to screen, mark, store and disinfect the collected hatching eggs; The incubation environment control module (4) is used to regulate the temperature, humidity and air circulation conditions in the incubation room to ensure the stability of embryo development; Embryo development monitoring module (5) is used to monitor the weight loss rate of hatching eggs, candling results and embryo development status in real time during the incubation process; The hatching management module (6) is used to adjust the hatching parameters and implement artificial hatching operations after the embryo enters the air cell stage; The brooding management module (7) is used to regulate the temperature and humidity conditions in the brooding environment in stages and to provide feed formulas that are suitable for each growth stage.

2. The method for artificially incubating green peacocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The design of the breeding cage construction module (1) includes two parts: an inner room and an exercise area, with an area ratio of 1:

2. The inner room has an area of ​​50 square meters and the exercise area has an area of ​​100 square meters. The inner room adopts a brick-concrete structure, and the ground is covered with fine sand with a thickness of 3-5 cm. Tree trunks with a diameter at breast height of 4-5 cm are installed as perches at a height of 0.8-1 meter above the ground. Heat lamps and lighting lamps are also provided.

3. The method for artificially incubating green peacocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operation process of the parent selection module (2) includes collecting suspected green peacock individuals from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province and rescue and rehabilitation institutions in Yunnan Province. Based on their origin, they are divided into Guangxi group, Xishuangbanna group and rescue group. Purebred identification is carried out, and healthy adult birds with reproductive capacity are selected and paired according to a ratio of 1 male and 2 females.

4. The method for artificially incubating green peacocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The specific steps of the hatching egg management module (3) include selecting hatching eggs of moderate size, regular shape, smooth shell without cracks, recording the laying time, parent bird number and egg number, and measuring the longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter and weight of the hatching eggs. The storage time is no more than 7 days, the storage temperature is 12.7℃, and the humidity is 75%~85%. During this period, the hatching eggs are placed with the blunt end facing up.

5. The method for artificially incubating green peacocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The design requirements of the incubation environment control module (4) are that the incubation room is quiet, pollution-free, easy to disinfect, well-ventilated and dry. The indoor temperature is maintained at 18~21℃ and the humidity is 50%~65%. The incubation equipment includes incubator, hatcher, brooder box and related tools. The incubation room, equipment and tools are thoroughly disinfected one week before the hatching eggs are put into the incubator.

6. The method for artificially incubating green peacocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operation of the embryo development monitoring module (5) includes checking the temperature, humidity and egg turning frequency of the incubator at regular intervals, observing the embryo development inside the hatching eggs through the egg candling instrument, recording the changes in weight loss rate, and cooling the eggs by opening the incubator door or taking out the hatching eggs to cool them down. The water temperature is 33°C. The temperature throughout the process also includes the temperature of 37.8°C in the early stage of incubation and 37.5°C in the later stage of incubation.

7. The method for artificially incubating green peacocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operation of the hatching management module (6) includes moving the hatching eggs to the hatching machine, setting the hatching machine temperature to be 0.5~1℃ lower than the incubation temperature, and the humidity to be 5%~10% higher than the incubation humidity, stopping the egg turning operation, and using manual assistance to help the eggs break open when malposition occurs.

8. The method for artificially incubating green peacocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operation of the brooding management module (7) includes maintaining the temperature at 35~37℃ and the humidity at 50%~60% in the early stage of brooding, using 250-watt infrared bulbs for 24-hour continuous heat preservation, controlling the temperature at 30℃ and the humidity at around 50% in the middle stage of brooding, and mainly carrying out the brooding in outdoor cages in the later stage of brooding, using heat lamps for auxiliary heating at night.

9. The method for artificially incubating green peacocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the breeding cage construction module (1), the exercise area is surrounded by a metal mesh with a mesh size of 1.5-2 cm on all sides and on the top. A transparent tile is installed on the top to reduce the impact of summer sun exposure. The area is planted with berry shrubs such as bayberry, red beech, and fig, as well as a mixed lawn of ryegrass. A sand pool of 1.8m × 1.8m is set up, with a layer of fine or coarse sand with a thickness of 3-5 cm for the green peacocks to take a sand bath.

10. The method for artificially incubating green peacocks according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the parent selection module (2), molecular marker technology is used to analyze kinship, exclude the possibility of inbreeding, and ensure that there is sufficient genetic distance between the paired individuals.

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