Female Guinea Research Articles

Research Note: Basic chemical composition, physicochemical, and textural characteristics of male and female guinea fowl meat

The purpose of this study was to compare analyze the quality of meat depending on the type of muscle: breast muscles (m. Pectoralis superficialis and m. Pectoralis profundus) and leg muscles (m. Sartorius and m. Femorotibialis) in relation to the sex of the common guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). For the study, pectoral muscles and leg muscles from 10 females and 10 males at 20 wk of age were used to determine their chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and texture characteristics of the pectoral muscle were determined. Overall, pectoral muscles were characterized by higher protein content, lightness (L*), and electrical conductivity (EC24), and lower redness (a*), and pH24 compared to leg muscles. Leg muscles, on the other hand, were characterized by higher, collagen, intramuscular fat and salt content. In terms of pectoral muscle texture characteristics, males were characterized by lower chewiness value and were less gumminess. In conclusion, it can be said that the sex of the birds affected some of the pectoral muscle texture traits, but did not affect the remaining analyzed features of the pectoral and leg muscles. However, from the consumer's point of view, breast muscles contained more protein and less fat, so they are more dietary compared to leg muscles.

The fatty acid profile and the quality of breast and leg muscles in female and male pearl gray guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fatty acid (FA) profile and the quality of breast and leg muscles in male and female guinea fowl. In comparison with leg muscles, breast muscles had a higher content of dry matter and total protein, and contained less fat and total collagen (P ≤ 0.05). Sex had no effect on the chemical composition of the studied muscles or the FA profile of intramuscular fat (IMF) (P > 0.05). The IMF of breast muscles was characterized by higher proportions of total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and lower proportions of total unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (P ≤ 0.05) than the IMF of leg muscles. The physicochemical properties of guinea fowl meat were significantly influenced by muscle type (P ≤ 0.05), but not by sex (P > 0.05). Leg muscles were characterized by a higher pH, higher cooking loss, lower lightness (L*), lower drip loss, a higher contribution of redness (a*), and a lower contribution of yellowness (b*) than breast muscles (P ≤ 0.05). The experimental factors had no effect on the sensory attributes or the shear force values of the analyzed muscles (P > 0.05). The unique sensory attributes, high protein content, and low fat content of the analyzed muscles indicate that guinea fowl meat can be a dietary supplement and an addition to other types of meat consumed, especially that most guinea fowl are reared in extensive farming systems that contribute to sustainable food production.

Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations between Characteristics in Local Guinea Fowl in Ghana

This study aimed at estimating genetic and phenotypic correlations among traits in local Guinea fowl in Ghana. Animal farm of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development Mampong-Ashanti campus was where the study took place, from 2015 to 2018. Data for the experiment was obtained from keets made up of 300 males and 300 females. Parents of the keets consisted of 110 dams and 22 sires. Arithmetic method and Pearson’s product moment correlation were used for the estimates. In male Guinea fowl, the values of genetic correlations among growth characteristics ranged from -0.63 to 0.93. Between growth and other characteristics, estimates of genetic correlation ranged from 0.29 to 0.97, -0.67 to 0.43, -0.62 and 0.94 respectively. Values of phenotypic correlations among growth parameters were between -0.32 and 0.49. Range of figures of phenotypic correlations recorded between growth characteristics and survival, docility, and dressing percentage were between -0.28 and 0.28, -0.46 and 0.18, and -0.41 and 0.36 correspondently. In female Guinea fowl on the other hand, range of genetic correlations among growth traits was between -0.80 and 0.95. Range of figures of genetic correlation between growth traits and survival, docility, dressing percentage and reproductive characteristics of were from -0.47 to 0.9, -0.52 to 0.58, -0.58 to 0.82 and -0.59 to 0.9 respectively. The values of phenotypic correlations among growth characteristics fell between -0.39 and 0.46. Phenotypic correlations recorded between growth traits and survival, docility, dressing percentage and reproductive characteristics were from -0.26 to 0.47, -0.47 to 0.19, -0.35 to0.47 and -0.33 to 0.47 respectively. Values of genetic correlations higher than one (1) among some traits in male Guinea fowl were recorded. To conclude, discoveries of this study are in general agreement of what pertains to Guinea fowl and other farm livestock species.

Dual-Directional Regulation of Belamcanda chinensis Extract on Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma in Guinea Pigs of Different Sexes Based on Serum Metabolomics.

To explore the potential biomarkers and metabolic pathways underlying the anti-asthma effects of Belamcanda chinensis extract, this study established an ovalbumin-induced allergic bronchial asthma model in guinea pigs. Sixty guinea pigs were randomly divided into the blank control group, model control group, Belamcanda chinensis extract groups (0.8 g/kg, 1.2 g/kg, 1.6 g/kg, respectively), and dexamethasone acetate tablet group (0.5 mg/kg). Starting on the 22nd day, the drugs were administered by gavage for seven consecutive days. Serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected. The levels of IL-4 and IgE in the serum and IFN-γ and TNF-α in the BALF were detected by ELISA. UPLC-MS was combined with multivariate statistical analyses, including partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and differential metabolites between groups were identified. Metabolic pathway analysis was performed by querying the KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) online database. Female and male guinea pigs were analyzed. The results showed that compared with the model group, the IgE and IL-4 serum levels were significantly decreased in the 1.6 g/kg group, and the IFN-γ level in the BALF was significantly increased. The TNF-α level was significantly decreased in the 1.2 g/kg and 1.6 g/kg groups. There were 39 common differential metabolites among females and males, and 37 differential metabolites showed opposite regulatory trends in the serum of guinea pigs with asthma and after treatment, mainly involving 17 metabolic pathways, such as pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, the arachidonic acid mechanism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Belamcanda chinensis extract improved OVA-induced asthma, as determined based on immune mechanisms, inflammation, nerve metabolism, and energy metabolism. The serum levels of metabolites produced by the model animals exhibited distinct sex-specific differences, and the treatment effect of Belamcanda chinensis extract also showed sex-specific differences and bidirectional regulation.

Characteristics of local guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) production and breeding systems in northern Côte d'Ivoire's Poro region

Local guinea fowl are the second most abundant poultry resource in the area, behind local chickens, and they are exploited in an uncontrolled system that affects production. Rural poultry farmers in 12 villages in the departments of Korhogo and Sinématiali participated in a descriptive study on their agricultural system. 35 local guinea fowl owners were asked to complete a semi-structured questionnaire. The findings show that in the Poro region, local méléagriculture is practiced solely in a large-scale system. This practice is restricted for men (94 %), supported by family members (68.60 %), and seen as secondary by the respondents (68.57 %). Farmers, planters, and retailers make up most of them (85.71 %). The original breeding nucleus was made up of eggs (80%) and female guinea fowl (14.28 %). Guinea fowls lay the first eggs at an average age of 7 months (54.28 percent), with the early ones around 6 months (20 %). The flocks are tiny (average of 25 guinea fowl) and are made up of mature (55.69%), young (23.11%), and early (11.40%) guinea fowl. All these guinea fowl have pearled feathers and are primarily grey (71.43 %). They live in rudimentary shelters and forage for food on the streets. The main causes of guinea fowl mortality (68.59 %) were rain and humidity, which had an impact on productivity. This region had the highest percentage of livestock items for sale (62.84%). The socio-economic position of the farmer, the farming method, and the utilization of chicken products were used to identify three agricultural sub-systems.

Photostimulated changes in egg production and reproductive performance of the Guinea fowl in a sub-humid tropical environment.

The effect of photo-induced changes on egg production and reproductive performance of female guinea fowl was studied by exposing the birds to three photo-regimens, namely natural daylight all day for 12 weeks (NDL), 8 hours of light per day for 8 weeks (8L-16D) plus supplementary light for 16 hours per day for 4 weeks (16L-8D) (RSL), and provided natural daylight all day for 8 weeks plus supplementary light at 16 hours per day for 4 weeks (SL). Weight gain during the pre-laying period was similar (P>0.05) in all the treatment groups between 20-36 weeks of age. The reverse was the case during the laying period between 36-52 weeks, which coincided with the age at sexual maturity. Feed intake was similar (P>0.05) for the NDL and SL groups during the pre-laying period but the RSL group had significantly lower (P<0.05) feed intake than the others. Overall laying mortality was lowest in the RSL birds. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in body weight for all the groups. Age at first egg was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the RSL (207 d) than in the NDL (249 d) and SL (235 d) birds which were similar (P>0.05). The guinea fowls which received 8 weeks of restricted light (RSL) responded more rapidly in terms of day-to-first-egg after exposure to 16 hours of light and achieved significantly higher (P<0.05) level of egg production than the other two groups. The overall economy of production, in terms of cost, revealed that RSL birds performed better than the NDL and SL, in that it cost N36.58 and 127.05 more to produce each NDL and SL guinea fowl at point of lay respectively. The results indicate that different light regimes altered the time during which egg production response took place and apparently affected the genetic potentials of the groups with regard to egg mass and total number of eggs laid during the period covered by this trial.

Effect of Hevea brasiliensis seed meal or Euphorbia heterophylla seed supplemented diets on performance, physicochemical and sensory properties of eggs, and egg yolk fatty acid profile in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

A total of 144 French selected breed (Galor) female guinea fowl (GF) of 42 wk of age were enrolled for a feeding trial of 15, 30, and 45 D duration. The birds were randomly assigned to 18 cages, each containing 8 birds. A total of 3 isonitrogenous and isocaloric dietary treatments were trialed, each diet comprising 6 replications (cages), which meant a total of 48 birds per diet. The GF were fed either a control diet C (commercial diet “FACI ponte 20”, SIPRA, Ivory Coast, usually used for all poultry species) or the diet C supplemented with 5% Euphorbia heterophylla seeds (diet E) and the diet C supplemented with 5% Hevea seed meal (Hevea brasiliensis) (diet H). Animal performance were assessed for 3 periods (days 0 to 15, 0 to 30, and 0 to 45), and egg quality and composition were assessed at 15, 30, and 45 D of the trial. The results indicated no mortality during the trial. The laying rate was the highest (43.9%) with diet E and the lowest with diet C (32.5%), the laying rate with diet H being intermediate (38.5%). Diet E containing Euphorbia seeds led to a reduced cholesterol content of the eggs. Additionally, inclusion of Euphorbia seeds and, to a lesser extent, of the Hevea seed meal in the diet led to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid enriched GF eggs, with thereby, improved nutritional value. A sensory test did not find any difference between the 3 diets on trial.

Light and scanning electron microscopic study of the tongue in the guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

Considering that, in birds, the tongue has an important role in taking food, so its shape and morphology are affected by the nutrition method and the environment of the animal. For this study, six adult female guinea fowl were prepared and, after slaughtering them humanely, their tongues were completely removed from the oral cavity and were completely washed with distilled water. After examining the morphology and measuring the tongue area, the tissue preparation stages were used for light and electron microscopes on each case. Morphological results showed that the tongue of the guinea fowl was triangular-shaped and the average length was 21.91 mm. The tongue consisted of three parts: apex, body, and root. The average length and width of apex were 8 and 6 mm, the average length and width of body were 6 mm and 8 mm, and the average root length and width were 7 and 9 mm, respectively. The examination of the tongue by a light microscope determined that the epithelium in the three parts of the tongue was keratinized stratified squamous, and the amount of keratinized on the ventral surface was more than on the dorsal surface. The connective tissue was of the dense irregular type and the salivary glands were observed in the root and body regions. The electron microscope results showed that the dorsal surface of the tongue contains filiform papillae which were more dense in the lateral edge than middle part of the tongue. A transverse row of giant conical papillae separated the body from the root of the tongue. In the ventral surface, from the root zone to the end region of the body, a concentric transverse fine eminence can be observed to be parallel to each other, and there was a ridge on the ventral surface along the length of the tongue, which has a reduction in its height from the root toward the apex. The glands’ openings were mostly located in the root region of the tongue, and the density was higher on the dorsal surface than on the ventral surface.

Anatomy and histomorphology of thyroid, parathyroid and ultimobranchial glands in Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

The thyroid, parathyroid, and ultimobranchial glands are of great importance to birds due to the secretion of various hormones including T3, T4, PTH, and calcitonin, as well as species differences. Since no study was conducted on some birds of the pheasant family such as Guinea fowl, the anatomy, histomorphology, and histochemistry of these glands in Guinea fowl were studied. For this purpose, six adult Guinea fowls (three males and three females) were selected. The anatomical results showed that in Guinea fowl, the thyroid gland was symmetrical in the chest near the cephalic artery, common carotid artery, and the artery under the collarbone. The mean length and width of the thyroid gland in male Guinea fowl was greater than that of the female. In addition, it had a pair of parathyroid glands, so that the right parathyroid gland was adjacent to the right thyroid gland and between the common carotid arteries and jugular vein while the left parathyroid gland was adjacent to the left thyroid gland. Ultimobranchial gland was also a pair with an irregular shape and pinkish color. The left ultimobranchial gland, contrary to the right ultimobranchial gland, was adjacent to the posterior parathyroid gland. Histological and histochemical results were similar to other birds except that in the thyroid gland, the colloid substance in the follicle was not seen as a homogeneous material, but it was seen as isolated fibers both in dark and light colors in the follicle. The dark colloid was seen in the active follicle and the light colloid was seen in the low active follicles. The active follicle wall had a simple cuboidal epithelium and low active follicles had a simple squamous epithelium. Large and active follicles were located around the gland and inactive or low active follicles were in the center of the gland. Under the capsule of the thyroid gland, there were many sections of the blood vessels showing its high blood circulation. The parathyroid gland had a dense connective tissue capsule and composed of chief cells located as cord and cluster in dark and bright colors located in the parenchyma of the sinusoid gland. There was no significant difference between the gland in both males and females. The average length and width of the parathyroid gland in female Guinea fowl were greater than that of the male. Ultimobranchial gland had no capsule. Its main cells were parafollicular or C_cells. Collagen fibers were in the form of a thin capsule around it. In terms of morphology, there was no significant difference between these glands in both males and females. The mean length and width of the ultimobranchial gland are equal in the male and female Guinea fowl.

Age-related changes in the gross anatomy of the reproductive organs, and associated steroid hormone profiles in male and female guinea fowls (Numida meleagris)

Owing to the paucity of information on the reproductive biology of guinea fowls, a study involving a total of 132 birds was conducted, and this documented the developmental changes in the gross anatomy of the reproductive organs of males and females from hatching until 32 weeks of age (WOA), and associated steroid hormone changes. Testicular anatomical biometric traits increased significantly (p < 0.0001) from 8 WOA, and stabilised between 16 and 20 WOA, while peripheral testosterone concentration peaked at 20 WOA. Correlations among all testicular biometric characteristics were strong and positive (p < 0.0001). Similarly peripheral testosterone concentrations strongly (p < 0.01) and positively correlated with all the testicular anatomical biometric traits. In the female guinea fowl, the ovary and oviduct were discernible and measurable at hatching. Significant (p < 0.0001) increases were seen in ovarian and relative ovarian weights, and oviducal weights and lengths between 24 and 28 WOA. Plasma 17β-oestradiol decreased gradually to a very minimum at 16 WOA, and then began to increase gradually until 28 WOA when it plateaued. Peripheral progesterone concentrations on the other hand increased gradually from 4 WOA and peaked at 12 WOA, and then fluctuated considerably thereafter. Correlations among ovarian/oviducal anatomical parameters were strong (p < 0.0001) and positive. Similarly, peripheral oestradiol concentrations strongly (p < 0.0001) and positively correlated with all ovarian/oviducal anatomical parameters. Testicular anatomical biometric traits stabilised between 16 and 20 WOA, coinciding with peak peripheral testosterone concentrations, while ovarian/oviducal parameters recorded huge increases between 24 and 28 WOA, and may be under the influence of oestradiol.

Macroanatomical and histological study of caecum of the guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) using light and scanning electron microscopy

The aim of this study was to investigate the macroanatomy and histology of the caecum in guinea fowl using light and scanning electron microscopy. Six adult male and six adult female guinea fowl were used as the study material. The cavum abdominis of the animals was opened under anaesthesia, and the caeca uncovered. The height and thickness of the villi were smaller in the apex and corpus caeca than in the basis caeci. The SEM image of the guinea fowl caeca showed that the villi send finger like extensions into the lumen, and the height of the villi towards the basis caeca increases and exhibits a tight structure.Thus, in this study, the anatomy and histology of guinea fowl caeca were examined in detail using light and scanning electron microscopy, and the similarities and differences with the caeca of other poultry species were investigated.

Effect of topical application of two &lt;i&gt;Polygala tenuifolia&lt;/i&gt; species decoction on guinea pig skin

Purpose: To investigate the effect of the topical decoction of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. and Polygala sibirica L. on a guinea pig model of sore and ulcer. Method: A guinea pig model of sore and ulcer was produced by Staphylococcus aureus , and 80 guinea pigs were evenly divided into eight groups, consisting of five males and five females in each group. Another 10 (5 male and 5 female) guinea pigs were used as the control group. The corresponding liquid medicine was applied to the ulcer site of the animals in each group, and administered the medicine for 6h daily with a continuous applicator for 12 d. Lysozyme content in serum was measured to determine its effects on body tissue morphology. Results: Compared with the control group, the sore skin score of guinea pigs in each dose group of decoction of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. and Polygala sibirica L. was significantly decreased. The skin showed apparent positive pathological changes and serum lysozyme concentration increased significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Decoctions of the two Polygala tenuifolia species exert a good therapeutic effect on the guinea pig model of sore and ulcer for topical use. Keywords: Polygala species, Topical application, Guinea pig, Skin diseases, Lysozyme, Decoction

Production characteristics and seasonal variations in genital tract of female guinea fowl

Attempts have been made to investigate the production characteristics and seasonal variations in genital tract of female guinea fowl. Age of sexual maturity in guinea fowl was found to be 275±25 days. Yearly egg production in guinea fowl was observed to be 82±3.36 eggs. The fertility and hatchability of guinea fowl egg appears to be inferior (P<0.05) compared to chicken. The egg weight of chicken was higher (P<0.05) than guinea fowl. During breeding season the body weight increased (P<0.05) in all the three varieties (white, pearl and lavender) of guinea fowl in with increment in ovary and oviduct weight. Estradiol mean values in guinea fowl were recorded 136.66±19.60, 127.50±13.70 and 133.16±13.70 pg/ml in breeding and 59.83±10.90, 58.16±15.80 and 56.33±8.70pg/ml in non-breeding season, respectively in white, pearl and lavender varieties of guinea fowl. Higher mean values of progesterone in white, pearl and lavender were recorded as 5.09±0.45, 4.66±0.35 and 4.79±0.31 ng/ml in breeding season whereas, the lower values viz 1.51±0.16, 1.39±0.15 and 1.35 ng/ml in non-breeding season respectively. Estradiol profile was noticed more than double whereas progesterone more than three times in breeding season than the non-breeding season. Strong relationships between genital tract weight and sex steroid hormones were recorded in both the breeding and non-breeding seasons in guinea fowl.

Effects of season on the reproductive organs and steroid hormone profiles in guinea hens (Numida meleagris)

The study documented gross anatomical and histological differences in the reproductive organs of 28 breeding and non-breeding female guinea fowls. Peripheral progesterone and 17β-oestradiol concentrations were also compared in breeding and non-breeding hens.In non-breeding females, all ovarian and oviducal gross anatomical features had significantly regressed. Histologically, some of the changes in a regressing oviduct include systematic changes in height and size of all epithelial cells in all regions of the duct, absence/sparse ciliation of portions of surface epithelium in the magnum, isthmian and uterine regions, general loss of cytoplasmic mass, reduction in size and degeneration of tubular glands. Mucosal folds in all regions of the oviduct except the infundibular lip were higher in breeding females.No difference was found between the two groups in plasma progesterone concentrations. Breeding females, however, had higher peripheral oestradiol concentrations than non-breeding females. About 2 h prior to oviposition, plasma oestradiol concentrations peaked at 2.4-fold (230 pg/ml) compared with baseline concentration and plasma progesterone concentrations by nearly 9-fold (5.29 ng/ml) of baseline.Significant regression and changes in the histological structure of the ovary and oviduct had occurred in non-breeding females, and lower peripheral oestrogen concentrations may be responsible for this phenomenon.

Immunohistochemical and pathological studies on granulosa cell tumour in Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)-A case report

A two year old female guinea fowl was presented for post mortem examination in the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Tirupati. Grossly, the bird revealed distended abdomen with straw coloured fluid filled in the entire abdominal cavity. Large greyish-white, multinodular growths with few cystic areas were seen arising from the ovary. The cytological examination revealed eosinophilic, polyhedral cells with prominent nucleoli along with infiltration of pleomorphic lymphoblasts and lymphocytes. Histopathologically, the irregular accumulation of polyhedral cells forming the tubular and rosette structures was found. Based on histopathological features, the tumour was diagnosed as granulosa cell tumourwhich was further confirmed by positive immunostaining for alpha inhibin marker.

Reproductive disorders in rodents

Reproductive disorders are common in both breeding and non-breeding rodents, and their small size and prey animal status can make them challenging patients. However, a thorough physical examination and imaging techniques can often supply valuable information to inform a diagnosis. Routine neutering will prevent the majority of reproductive diseases in rodents, but is not as commonly recommended or performed in rodents as in other companion mammals. However, it is an elective surgical procedure that should be considered and offered to pet owners, particularly for female rats and guinea pigs. Reproductive disorders of male rodents are relatively uncommon, but routine castration may also be used for prevention of breeding or to enable males to be kept together without fighting.

Prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal helminths in wild and domestic guineafowls (Numida meleagris) in the Southern Province of Zambia

ObjectiveTo determine the gastrointestinal tract helminthic fauna in domestic and wild guineafowl in Zambia. MethodsPost-mortem and laboratory parasitological examinations for helminth identification and enumeration were conducted on 198 guineafowls (148 domestic and 50 wild) from November 2010 to October 2011. ResultsAll guineafowls were infested with one or more helminths. Eleven helminth species, namely, Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina tetragona, Raillietina cesticillus, Ascaridia galli, Allodapa suctoria, Gongylonema ingluvicola, Tetrameres spp., Heterakis spp., Acuaria spiralis, Syngamus trachea, and Streptocara pectinifera were identified with no trematodes recorded. Mean nematode burden between domestic and wild fowl showed no differences having 113.7 [confidence interval (CI) 98.9–128.6] and 108 (CI 76.6–139.5) nematodes respectively. In contrast, female guineafowls had a mean of 151.9 (CI 128.4–177.8) nematodes per host which was significantly more than the males that had a mean of 79.6 (CI 66.8–94.4). However, there were differences in helminth species richness between domestic and wild guineafowls with domestic guineafowls having more species present at a mean of 4.2 (CI 3.91–4.44) than the wild ones at a mean of 3.4 (CI 2.92–3.88) but there were no sex differences. Eight of the eleven helminth species co-occurred in domestic and wild fowl and five of the helminth species had higher prevalence in domestic guineafowls. ConclusionsSyngamus trachea, Streptocara pectinifera and Acuaria spiralis are reported for the first time in domestic poultry in Zambia. This study represents the first comparative study of helminths in domestic and wild guineafowls at an interface area and adds to the knowledge base in a discipline where a dearth currently exists.

Comparative Effects of Breed and Sex on Carcass and Organ Profiles of Duck (Anas plantrynychos) and Guinea Fowl (Numidia meleagris) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

&lt;p&gt;Carcass and organs characteristics of two breeds and sexes of poultry which include Duck and Guinea fowl (GF) were investigated. A total of twenty four matured birds with twelve from each breed were used for this study in a 2 × 2 (Breed × Sex) factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. The birds were slaughtered in batches of four properly bled, defeathered and dressed, the carcasses and organs weighed. The birds carcasses were chilled at 4 ºC for 24hrs prior to fabrication into primal cuts. The results showed that duck had higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) carcass and organs weight and percentages than GF, also males irrespective of the breed gave higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) carcass and organs weight and percentages than their female counterparts. At interaction level male ducks still gave higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) cut-up parts weight and percentages than female, while female GF elicited higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) primal cuts weight and percentages. It was observed from this study that Duck and GF carcass and organs cut-up parts were heavy enough to supply needed protein like chicken. These birds can therefore, be integrated into commercial poultry production to make animal protein more available to consumers.&lt;/p&gt;

Distribution and cellular localization of cyclooxygenase-1 in the preoptic area of normal female rats, mice and guinea pigs

Distribution and cellular localization of cyclooxygenase-1 in the preoptic area of normal female rats, mice and guinea pigs

Comparative Evaluation of the Amino Acid Profile of the Brain and Eyes of Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Hen

The amino acid composition of the brain and eyes of the matured female guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) was determined on a dry weight basis. The total essential amino acids ranged from 38.4-37.5g/100 g crude protein or from 47.5-52.2 % of the total amino acid. The amino acid score showed that lysine ranged from 0.81 - 0.89 (on whole hen's egg comparison), 0.92-1.00 (on provisional essential amino acid scoring pattern) and 0.869 - 0.95 (on suggested require- ment of the essential amino acid of a preschool child). The predicted protein efficiency ratio was 1.82 - 2.33, the essential amino acid index range was 1.11 - 1.45 and the calculated isoelectric point range was 4.64 - 4.32. The correlation coeffi- cient (rxy) was positive and significant at r0.05 for the total amino acids, amino acid scores (on all the comparisons made) and the isoelectric point in the two samples. Results have good comparison with whole hen's egg protein.