Analysis of Socio-economic, Breeding and Management Practices in Meleagris gallopavo (Turkey) and Numida meleagris (Guinea fowl) in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State,

Abstract

The study investigates socio-economics and management practices of turkey and guinea fowl in Kaduna metropolis Kaduna State. Fifty turkey and guinea fowl producers were randomly selected from 25 communities in the area. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to analyzed the data collected. The results showed that 32% of the producers used personal saving as their source of funds because of bottlenecks associated with bank loans and also, because of pressure of payment from friends/relatives. The results further show that 94% of the producers reared their turkey and guinea fowl in steel cages as they were staying in rented houses. The production practices practiced by the producers include proper sanitation, routine vaccination, and curative measures. Majority of the producers fed their birds with commercial feed so that they will grow fast enough to reach table size, while 72% supplement with grains or by products such as wheat offal or maize offal in addition to commercial feed. In addition, majority (66%) fed their birds with borehole water, 10% with well water, 16% with tap water and 8% with any available water. It can be concluded from this investigation that Meleaagris gallopavo and Numida meleagris are resources that could form a lucrative enterprise in the study area with minimum funds and human capital involvement. Therefore, there is room for improvement through availability funds for expansion.