Effect of halofuginone (Stenorol) on Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar)

This study was conducted to assess the effect of the coccidiostat halofuginone (Stenorol) on growth, feed consumption, and survival of Chukar partridge. Halofuginone was fed to three replicates (14 chicks per replicate) of chukar chicks from 2 to 7 d of age at levels of 0, 1.5, 3.0, 6.0 and 12 ppm. Mortality from 2 to 7 d was 0, 0, 0, 11, and 21 birds, respectively, by treatment. Seven-day body weight showed a significant linear decrease with increasing halofuginone level (P < 0.01). On the 7th d, replicates receiving 6.0 and 12.0 ppm halofuginone were transferred to unmedicated feed for the remainder of the test due to excessive mortality. The other groups were continued until 6 wk of age. At 6 wk, chicks fed 6 or 12 ppm halofuginone from 2 to 7 d and then unmedicated feed did not differ in body weight from those fed the unmedicated control diet. A significant difference in mortality was not observed among the other three treatment groups to 6 wk of age. A linear depression in 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-wk body weight with increasing halofuginone level was observed within the first three treatment levels (P < 0.05). It was concluded that 1.5 ppm halofuginone depressed growth of young chukars and that 6 ppm resulted in increased mortality.