Abstract
This study was undertaken to determine the impact of seasonal variations and different dietary protein levels on production traits, reproductive performance and egg characteristics of Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in the Middle belt of Ghana. Twelve (12) males and forty-eight (48) females Pearl Guinea fowls of 12 weeks of age were subjected to isocaloric diet containing 16%, 18%, 20% and 22% crude protein levels.Each group was replicated three times and reared in three seasons (Dry-December-March, Major rains-April-July and Minor rains-August-November) in a 3x4 factorial experiment. Data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedure of SAS.Hen day egg production (HDEP) and egg mass increased (p<0.05), but feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, fertility and hatchability of incubated eggs were not significantly different (p>0.05) with increasing dietary protein. Egg quality traits did not differ significantly (p>0.05) except egg yolk (p<0.05). Season showed positive (p<0.05) relationship with all production traits as well as fertility of incubated eggs, but not hatchability (p>0.05). Egg internal and external traits were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by season except yolk weight and shell weight (p>0.05).Results demonstrates that increasing dietary protein promoted egg production and reproductive traits in Guinea fowl, nevertheless, 16% crude protein diet is sufficient to support optimum egg production, fertility and hatchability, and egg characteristics. Rainy seasons countenance production traits, fertility and hatchability as well as egg characteristics, thus, breeding should be planned to take advantage of the major rainy season.
Highlights
The estimated per capita consumption of poultry products in Ghana increased by 33 percent from 4 kg meat in 2010 to 6.6 kg in 2012
Egg mass increased with increasing dietary protein level and the highest (p
Positive linear effect of dietary crude protein level had been observed in Japanese quail [16].the recent study has demonstrated that egg weight was not influenced by level of protein in diet [17].It has been observed that calculated average daily intake of protein by layers fed 13.38% may be sufficient to meet the optimum production at that protein level
Summary
The estimated per capita consumption of poultry products in Ghana increased by 33 percent from 4 kg meat in 2010 to 6.6 kg in 2012. In recent times, have assumed significant importance in the commercialization of poultry in the world. The study of Adeyemo et al [2] showed that there is greater market potential for Guinea fowl products in many African countries. Earlier writers indicated thatmajor constrain to the commercialization of Guinea fowl was its production and reproductive response to season [3]. In Northern part of Ghana, Guinea fowl production and reproductive performance peak in the wet season. Studies have demonstrated that Guinea fowl protein requirement for optimum egg production is 16% [5], but the requirement for optimum reproductive performance has not been studied extensively
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
