Guinea Keets Research Articles

449 Comparative study on performance, carcass traits and meat quality of different varieties of guinea fowl

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate productive, reproductive performance, carcass characteristics, chemical composition and meat quality of four varieties of guinea fowl. A total of 200 guinea fowls from White, Pearl, Lavender and Mixed varieties were reared in an intensive production system from 0 to 20 wk of age. Guinea fowl keets were reared provided with balanced recommended ration (Starter diet: ME 2,950 kcal/kg, CP 23% for initial 8 wk; Grower diet: ME 2,950 kcal/kg, CP 16% for 9 to 16 wk and Layer diet: ME 2,900 kcal/kg, CP 17% from 17 wk till the end of the laying period). There was no significant (P < 0.05) difference found in body weight (BW) from 0 to 20 wk old guinea fowl. However, BW of Pearl variety was greater than other varieties numerically (Table 1). At adult age, a total of 40 birds (10 from each variety) were slaughtered according to standard method and carcasses were cut into parts. Weights were taken for all carcass parts. Proximate analysis and meat quality were performed on breast and thigh meat, as well as on abdominal fat of the studied guinea fowls. Carcass weight (930.33 ± 27.37 g), dressing percentage (67.6 ± 0.013%), breast weight (228.33 ± 13.68 g) and thigh weight (166.33 ± 6.69 g) of Pearl variety was significantly (P < 0.001) greatest (Table 2). Measured abdominal fat (23 ± 0.13) was found to be significantly (P < 0.001) greatest in Pearl variety. Furthermore, there was no significant difference found in crude protein among breast and thigh meat of different varieties. The ether extract (EE) and crude fiber (CF) of breast (EE: 0.27, CF:0.33) and thigh meat (EE: 0.20, CF:0.33) of Lavender variety was significantly (P < 0.05) less than other varieties (Table 3). In case of reproductive parameters, Pearl variety exhibited better egg fertility (65.72 ± 6.10) numerically and significantly greater (P < 0.001) hatchability percentage (76.75 ± 3.88) than other varieties. Meat color values of all the varieties of guinea fowl found in this study are in line with the demands of poultry consumers (Table 4). Regarding water holding capacity (WHC) and drip loss (DL), there was no discernible difference (P > 0.05). Considering all the parameters especially cooking loss (CL) and pH, there was a noticeable difference (P < 0.05) in which the Lavender (CL: 24.81 ± 0.69, pH:6.12 ± 0.05) and White variety (CL: 25.35 ± 0.69, pH: 6.11 ± 0.05) performed better than the other varieties.

Raw Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Seedmeal: Effect on Growth Performance, Organ Weight, Carcass Yield, and Economic Production of Guinea Fowl Keets

Ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture is vital as the global population expands, leading to increased protein demand. However, competitive demand for feed ingredients such as maize and soybeans has driven up costs. As a result, alternative feed sources, including Jackfruit by-products like seeds, have been explored. This study aimed to assess the effects of incorporating raw jackfruit seedmeal (JSM) into the diet of guinea fowl keets, specifically regarding growth performance, carcass yield, organ weights, and economic production. The seven-week study involved 120 keets divided into different treatments, each replicated three times. Treatments 2, 3, and 4 included JSM at 10%, 15%, and 20%, respectively, while treatment one served as the control without JSM. Increasing the level of JSM resulted in a consistent decline in all relevant indicators, as observed through proximate analysis. Treatment four, which included 20% JSM, exhibited the best performance in terms of final weight (745g) and daily weight gain (15g). Notably, the gizzard was the most significant parameter among carcass features, with treatment four showing the highest value (3.95%), while the control diet had the lowest value (2.83%). Diets containing 15% and 20% JSM had the most favorable outcomes in terms of feed cost per weight gain, with the 20% JSM diet demonstrating the highest gross margin and revenue. Importantly, dietary inclusion of JSM did not significantly impact the performance of guinea fowl keets, and incorporating 20% JSM into their diet resulted in a significant increase in productivity and feed utilization.

Effects of source of hatchable egg on egg external characteristics, fertility, embryo characteristics, mortality, and hatchability of guinea fowl keets

Effects of source of hatchable egg on egg external characteristics, fertility, embryo characteristics, mortality, and hatchability of guinea fowl keets

Response of guinea fowls to dietary L-arginine supplementation

Abstract This experiment aimed at evaluating the influence of supplementing L-arginine in the diets fed to guinea fowls on growth response, haematological profile, serum biochemical indices and internal organs. A total of 300 one-day-old guinea fowl keets were allotted in a completely randomised design to three dietary treatments of basal diets (starter and grower) supplemented with 0, 0.5 and 1.0 g arginine/kg. Each treatment group was replicated four times consisting of 25 keets per replicate. At the starter phase, final weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) improved as arginine level increased in the diet. However, feed intake was higher (p < 0.05) in the group fed 1.0 g/kg arginine supplemented diet when compared to other treatment groups. Final weight at the grower phase increased linearly (p < 0.05) with arginine supplementation without corresponding effect on weight gain in birds fed different arginine levels. Red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts and lymphocytes (p < 0.05) increased in the blood of guinea fowls fed diets supplemented with arginine. Creatinine and uric acid (p < 0.05) were reduced in guinea fowls fed arginine supplemented diets at the starter and grower phases, respectively. Liver weight linearly increased (p < 0.05) with arginine in the diets of the guinea fowls. This study indicates that supplementing guinea fowl diet with arginine at 1.0 g/kg at the starter phase and 0.5 g/kg at the finisher phase improved their growth and feed conversion ratio. Birds fed arginine supplemented diets had higher lymphocyte and reduced heterophil counts which may suggest a better immune response.

Carcass Characteristics of Guinea Fowl Raised under Intensive System and Fed Diets Containing Yellow Maize, Millet and White <i>Sorghum</i> as Energy Sources

This study investigated carcass characteristics of guinea fowl reared under intensive system and fed diets containing yellow maize, millet and white sorghum as energy sources compared to commercial broiler diets (control). A completely randomized design was used where 160 guinea fowl keets were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. Data were analyzed using Procedure General Linear Model in Statistical Analysis Software (version 9.0). Results showed that dietary treatment did not (p > 0.05) influence carcass characteristics of guinea fowl at the same age. However, carcass characteristics significantly (p sorghum diets, respectively. Carcass yield slightly increased from 69.93% ± 3.67% to 72.81% ± 2.67%; 73.85% ± 3.67% to 76.31% ± 2.67% and 70.55% ± 3.67% to 72.37% ± 2.67% for control, millet and sorghum diets, respectively. Carcass yield of guinea fowl on maize diet decreased with age (76.18 ± 3.67 to 71.68 ± 2.67). Other parameters including empty gizzard, heart, liver, drumstick, thigh, back and breast increased with guinea fowl age for all the dietary treatments. Maize, sorghum or millet diets can be used in guinea fowl diets without affecting carcass characteristics. Further studies on the acceptance of meat by consumers and cost-benefit analysis of the dietary treatments should be conducted to enable formulation of guinea fowl diets using local feed resources.

Effects of egg storage duration on egg quality, metabolic rate, hematological parameters during embryonic and post-hatch development of guinea fowl broilers

Considering the value of guinea fowl keets, successful incubation of eggs is particularly desirable in this poultry species. This study evaluated the effect of egg storage duration on egg quality, heat production, hematological parameters during embryonic development and post hatch performance of guinea fowl broilers. A total of 800 hatching eggs of guinea fowl were used for this study. Before incubation, 12 eggs per treatment were used to analyse egg quality. Then, eggs were numbered, weighed, and assigned to 2 treatment groups of 400 eggs each according to storage duration of 5, and 10 d at a temperature of 18°C. The eggs were set for incubation at 37.7°C and 55% relative humidity for 28 d in a forced-draft incubator. To determine heat production as a measure of metabolism, 60 eggs in each replicate were transferred to respiratory cages post hatch two 12 wk old guinea fowl were also used to determine heat production. CO2 and O2 were recorded to calculate heat production at internal pipping, hatch and at 12 wk of age. The hatched keets were reared for 12 wk and data were collected on feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio. Blood samples were collected at hatch and at 12 wk of age from 24 guinea fowls per treatment to analyze haematological parameters. The results showed that embryos and guinea fowls at 12 wks of age from eggs stored for 5 d had higher (P ˂ 0.05) heat production and body weights. However, a significant higher (P ˂ 0.05) level of basophile, eosinophils, and lymphocytes was observed in guinea fowls from 10 d storage egg. It was concluded that extended duration of egg storage negatively influenced the metabolic rate of embryos. It also impacted hematological parameters which may suggest influence on immune response during embryonic and post-hatch growth.

CRUDE PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS OF GUINEA FOWL KEETS (NUMIDA MELIAGRIS GALEATA, PALLAS) IN THE TROPICS

Guinea fowl of both sexes were fed from 0 to 8 weeks on protein level ranging from 18 to 26% using constant energy concentration of 3000 kilocalories/kg diet. At the end of the experimental period, keats on 24 and 26% protein levels with liveweights of 854 and 867.3g respectively were significantly heavier than keets on the other diets. Keets on these two rations showed no significant differences in the final liveweights, liveweight gains and feed consumption. However, it appeared from the result that feed consumption was related to growth rate. The feed/gain ratio was significantly better for keets that received 24% protein level than for those on 26% protein. But feed/gain ratios generally tended to be inversely related to growth rate. On the basis of this study it is recommended that the diet of guinea fowl keets in the tropics should not contain less than 24% crude protein for optimal results. 

The growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) fed on diets containing RE3™ probiotics

The increasing abuse of antibiotics in production of food animals has led to development of resistant strains of bacteria (and other microbiota) which are responsible for several infectious diseases in animals and in humans. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of RE3TM, a third-generation probiotic used in place of a conventional antibiotics (to minimise incidence of antimicrobial resistance in livestock and human consumers), on growth performance and some carcass characteristics of guinea fowls. One hundred and twenty guinea fowl keets of mixed sexes with an average weight of 28.3±0.364g were used for the study conducted in a Completely Randomised Design. There were 4 treatments in which RE3TMwas incorporated at; 0.0ml/kg feed (Diet 1; Control), 1.0ml/kg feed (Diet 2) ,1.5ml/kg feed (Diet 3) and 2.0ml/kg feed (Diet 4); each treatment had 30birds. The feeding trial covered the entire meat production phase (starter, grower and finisher) which lasted for 84 days. Feed and water were given ad libitum.At maturity (12 weeks old), a total of thirty-six (36) birds (9 from each treatment, comprising 5 males and 4 females across the treatments) were selected, weighed and slaughtered.Carcass and viscera weights were taken, carcasses were then sectioned into primal cuts after 24-hour chilling at 4°C. Breast muscles from sampled carcasses were grilled for sensory evaluation by a trained panel, whilst the thigh muscles were subjected to proximate analyses. Data obtained were analysed for statistical significance using the one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) Test, of the GenStat Statistical Package (Discovery Edition,VSN, 2012). Results obtained showed higher (p<0.05) growth rates and lower feed conversion ratio for birds on the diets with 1.0 ml of RE3TM per Kg feed. The carcass and body parts characteristics assessed however, showed no significant differences (p>0.05), except for the thighs which were heavier (p<0.05) in birds on the RE3TM supplemented diets, compared with those on the control diets.The use of RE3™ probiotics, up to 2.0ml/kg feed for guinea fowls, had no adverse effects on the growth of the birds, but it reduced the cost of providing medication for the birds. Fat content in the meat reduced, as inclusions of RE3TMincreased in the diets. It is recommended that relevant Government authorities and other stakeholders should aid in promoting the use of probiotics, instead of antibiotics in livestock production to minimise possible antibiotic residue in meat.

Sustainability of Guinea Fowl (Numidia meleagris) layers fed varying levels of Centrosema pubescent leaf meal.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of egg size on hatchability of Guinea fowl keets. Three different egg size groups (treatments): small (<39 g); medium (39 - 42 g) and large (>42 g)] were used in the experiment. Each treatment had three replicates of 10 eggs each. A complete randomized design was used for the experiment. Eggs were incubated with their sharp ends pointing downwards at 37.5 - 37.8oC and 60% relative humidity for 28 days. Thereafter, incubation parameters including hatchability (number of eggs that successfully hatched), dead in shells (DIS), clears, pips and keets with deformities evaluated. Data were analyzed using General Linear Model (GLM) of SAS. Medium sized eggs had significantly (P<0.05) higher hatchability than small eggs. Also, medium sized eggs had lower pips. Egg size did not have effect on DIS, clears and deformities. The results of the present study showed that medium sized eggs (39 - 42 g) hatched best in comparison to both small and large categories. Keywords: Dead in shells, deformities, egg size, guinea fowl, hatchability, incubation

Carcass, Organ Weights and Egg Quality Characteristics of Guinea Fowl Layers Fed Varying Levels of Butter Fly Pea Leaf (Centrosema Pubescent) Meal.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different protein levels on growth of guinea fowl keets (Numidia meagris) of the same age under intensive system in a typical poultry house from 6th week to 12th week of age. They were fed commercial broiler starter for two weeks and maintained on same diet of 18% crude protein for 5 weeks of age and given water ad libitum. The birds were separated into three pens. One hundred and twenty old guinea fowls were assigned at grower period on 3 dietary protein levels of 14, 16 and 18% crude protein (CP) on same metabolizable energy level of 2800 kcal/ kg. The study conducted at the Poultry Unit of Teaching and Research Farm, Imo State Polytechnic was used to test the performance of the guinea fowl layer birds. The birds were killed at the owner’s farm by cutting the neck through the jugular vein. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in feed intake between the three treatments. The internal organs for the treatments were not significantly different. Keywords: Carcass, Organ Weights, Egg Quality Characteristics, Guinea Fowl Layers, Butter Fly Pea Leaf (Centrosema Pubescent) Meal.

Effect of direct fed microbial in layer diets, on egg laying performance and health response of indigenous Ghanaian guinea fowls (Numida meleagris)

The aim of the present experiment was to examine the effect of direct fed microbial (DFM) on egg laying performance and health response of indigenous Ghanaian guinea fowls (Numida meleagris). A total of 216, 9-wk-old guinea keets (already sexed) were randomly assigned to 4 DFM administering treatments. These included control, daily, 3 consecutive days per week, and 7 d repeated every other week at 1.5mL/L through water for 30 wk. Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, yolk weight, egg albumen weight, shell weight, shell thickness, mortality, hematological and serum biochemical parameters were recorded. Birds on daily DFM treatment consumed the least feed (P = 0.007) with an increased weight gain (P = 0.009). Hen-day egg production, eggshell thickness and eggshell weight, albumen weight, albumen height, yolk weight, and yolk height were not different between treatments (P > 0.05). Egg weight was higher in daily supplementation of DFM in water than other treatments (P < 0.0001). Serum albumin was higher (P = 0.024) in daily DFM treatment, whereas serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration was reduced (P = 0.017). The results showed that supplementing DFM daily at 1.5mL/L of water resulted in increased total proteins and albumin as well as reduced LDL cholesterol. It could be concluded that these health indices increased the quality of guinea fowls eggs and may have improved the hatchability of eggs in the 1.5mL/L DFM supplementation and there the supplementing DFM daily at 1.5mL/L is recommended in Guinea fowls to increase hatchling numbers.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of the black and pearl guinea fowl (&lt;i&gt;Numida meleagris&lt;/i&gt;) and their crosses

This study was carried out to estimate and evaluate the growth performance and carcass yield of the black and pearl guinea fowl and their crosses. The following three mating groups were established: Pearl male X Pearl female (PXP), Black male X Black female (BXB) and Black male X Pearl female (BXP), from which a total of 317 guinea fowl keets were obtained in six hatches and used for the study. There were 100 PXP, 118 BXB and 99 BXP keets. Growth parameters estimated were body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Carcass traits studied include live weight at point of slaughter, slaughter weight, dressed weight and dressing percentage. Carcass traits were taken at 14 weeks of age. All the growth performance traits studied did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) across the genotype groups, except body weight at 10, 12 and 14 weeks of age. Birds of the PXP pure line were significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 10-14 weeks old than the other two genotype in this respect. The average bi-weekly body weight gains (g/bird) were 149.34, 126.78 and 124.24g and average daily body weight gains were 9.33, 9.06 and 8.87g for birds in the PXP, BXP and BXB genotypes respectively. The average daily feed intake were 47.92, 47.15 and 47.18g for the PXP, BXB and BXP genotypes respectively while average feed conversion ratios were 5.14, 5.22 and 5.32 for the PXP, BXP and BXB genotypes respectively. Significant differences were not observed among the genotype groups in all the carcass traits. The dressing percentages were 75.83, 75.17 and 74.50 for the BXB, PXP and BXP genotypes respectively. It was concluded that the genotype groups did not differ significantly in their growth performance and carcass traits due to a probable genetic relatedness among the ancestors. Keywords : Weight gain, Feed Conversion Ratio, Slaughter weight, Dressing Percentage

Effect of direct-fed microbial addition in guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) diets on performance and health responses.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of intermittent use of direct-fed microbial addition (DFM-"RE3®")on growth performance and health status of indigenous guinea fowls in northern Ghana. One-hundred and eighty day-old guinea keets were randomly assigned to 4 direct-fed microbial (DFM) treatments that included: control, daily, 3 consecutive days per wk (3CDW), and 7 days repeated every other wk (7DREOW) at 1.5ml/L through water from day 1 to 56 days.Feed intake, body weight gain, and blood hematological and serum biochemical properties were recorded. The treatments had no effects (P > 0.05) on the hematological or serum biochemical properties recorded. Birdson DFM treatments appeared to consume less feed(range: 1,584 to 1,824g/d) comparedto the control (1,870g/d/head). Birdson DFM treatments daily and 3CDW gained more (P < 0.05) weight(334 to 394g/d) comparedto the control (306.1g/head) with keets on daily DFM supplementation recording the lowest (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio. The total blood protein, globulin, lipids, albuminconcentrations, and cholesterol concentrations werenot affected (P > 0.05) by DFM supplementation. Supplementing birds with 1.5mL of RE3®/liter ofwater daily can improve body weight. Further research on immune competence from the spleen, thymus, andbursa fibrosis for evidence of increased immune competence in probiotic administered birds is recommended.

Analysis of growth curves of Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) fed diets containing dry oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) in an organic system

In this study, 240 day-old guinea fowl ( Numida meleagris ) keets were utilized. They were divided into four treatment groups each containing 20 chicks and were randomly distributed into 12 mobile coops placed in a 100-m2 grazing area. Guinea fowl chicks were randomly allocated to 4 treatment diets containing 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% dry oregano leaf (DOL) supplements. Nonlinear Gompertz and logistic growth models were used to estimate the mean age-body weight. The growth curve parameters for these models and the following characteristics for fowl were estimated: β0, the asymptotic weight parameter; β1, the scaling parameter; β2, the instantaneous per week growth rate; weight at age of inflection point (WIP); maximum weight gain at inflection point (MWG); and age at the inflection point (AIP). The goodness of fit (GF) for the models was assessed using the following variables: coefficients of determination (r2), mean square error (MSE), adjusted determination coefficient (ADR2), Akaike’s information criteria (AIC), chi-square test (Chi.Sq2) and residual standard deviation (RSD). The different nonlinear function results of the individual data indicated that supplementation of diets with DOL had no significant effects on growth curve parameters when compared with the control diet. Greater correlation values were estimated among β0, β1, β2, WIP, MWG and AIP in the Gompertz equation, and similar results were estimated in the logistic equation, but there was no significant correlation between β2-β1 and β2-MWG. According to the results obtained from the GF, high r2 and ADR2 were estimated in Gompertz and logistic equations (above 0.96).

Effect of varying dietary concentrations of lysine on growth performance of the Pearl Grey guinea fowl

Lysine is the second limiting essential amino acid in poultry nutrition after methionine. Understanding the lysine requirement of poultry is necessary in guiding formulation of least cost diets that effectively meet the nutritional needs of individual birds. The lysine requirement of the Pearl Grey guinea fowl (PGGF) is not known. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the appropriate lysine levels required for optimal growth attributes of the PGGF. In a 12-week study, 512 one-day-old Pearl Grey guinea keets were weighed individually and randomly assigned to electrically heated battery brooders. Each battery contained 12 compartments housing 15 birds each. Eight diets fed to the experimental birds consisted of corn-soybean meal and contained 0.80 to 1.22 digestible lysine in 0.06% increments. Feed and water were provided at free choice and the diets were replicated twice. Experimental diets contained 3,100 Kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg diet and 23% crude protein (CP), 3,150 ME Kcal ME/kg diet and 21% CP, and 3,100 ME/kg and 17% CP, at zero to 4, 5 to 10, and 11 to 12 weeks of age (WOA), respectively. Birds were provided water ad libitum and a 23:1 and 8:16-hr (light:dark) regimen at zero to 8 and 9 to 12 WOA, respectively. Birds were weighed weekly, and body weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversions were determined. Data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedures of SAS (2002) with dietary lysine as treatment effect. Females responded better to diets containing 1.04 and 0.8% lysine from hatch to 4 and 5 to 12 WOA, respectively. Males responded better to diets containing 1.10 and 0.8% lysine at hatch to 4 WOA and 5 to 12 WOA, respectively. Therefore, we recommend that PGGF females and males be fed diets containing 1.04 and 1.10%, respectively, at hatch to 4 WOA and 0.80% lysine at 5 to 12 WOA. The diets should be supplied in phases.

Lysine mediation of neuroendocrine food regulation in guinea fowl

In poultry, obesity is partly influenced by food intake, and is increasingly becoming a nationwide problem. Hypothalamic food intake mechanisms are involved metabolically and neurologically via two peptide hormones, leptin and ghrelin, and the amino acid glutamate, which is enzymatically derived from lysine metabolism. We hypothesize that lysine homeostasis mediates regulation of feed intake and performance characteristics via the brain-liver axis through glutamate sensing. The objective was to examine the effects of lysine homeostasis in avian food regulation and performance through neuroendocrine signaling. One-day-old male French Guinea fowl (GF) keets (n = 270) were weighed and randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments (0.80%, 0.86%, 0.92%, 1.10% control, and 1.22% lysine) in 3 replicates. At 4 and 8 wk of age 20% of experimental birds were randomly selected, weighed and euthanatized. The liver, pancreas, and hypothalamus were excised, snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80°C until use. Tissue mRNA was extracted and cDNA synthesized for qPCR assays. Lysine at 0.80 and 0.86% hindered growth, development of digestive organs, expression of brain and liver glutamate and leptin receptors, and caused high mortality in GF. The fold change for metabotropic glutamate receptor I was lower (P < 0.05) in liver and higher in brain at 0.86 and 0.92% than the control (1.10%) and 1.22% lysine. The 1.22% lysine exhibited highest expression of ionotropic glutamate receptor, while brain ghrelin receptor expression was highest at 0.86 and 0.92% lysine. Therefore, dietary lysine concentration may influence signaling pathways regulating food intake in brain-liver axis via glutamate synthesis.

The growth performance and nutrient digestibility of wild indigenous guinea fowl keets (&lt;i&gt;Numida meleagris galeata&lt;/i&gt;) fed varying levels of roasted &lt;i&gt;Senna occidentalis&lt;/i&gt; seeds under intensive system.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance and nutrient digestibility of wild indigenous guinea fowls fed different inclusion levels of processed Negro coffee (Senna occidentalis) seed meal under intensive management. In the experiment, Roasted Senna occidentalis meal (RSOM) was included at 0.0, 6.50, 13.00 and 19.50 % levels to formulate isonitrogenous (26 % Crude Protein) and isocaloric (3000Kcal/KgME) diets fed to 180 day-old guinea fowl keets during the starter phase. The result revealed that roasting increased the nutritional value of senna seeds in terms of Dry Matter (DM) and CP.Similarly, some of anti-nutritional factors like cyanide and trypsin inhibitors were reduced by 41.89 and 61.76 % respectively. The result of the feed intake ,final weight,FCR,water intake, PER and cost/kg feed showed significant difference(P&lt;0.05).On the other hand, the values of Ether Extract were significantly affected by various inclusion levels of RSOM.The result of the nutrient digestibility revealed no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in DM,CP and Crude Fibre,however significant differences were recorded in EE, ash and Nitrogen Free Extract.From the result of this experiment, it can be concluded that roasted Senna occidentalis seed cannot be tolerated by guinea fowls keets even at 6.5% dietary level at the starter phase.Key words: Wild indigenous guinea fowl, Growth performance, Roasted Senna occidentalis seed

Feeding of Dehulled-micronized Faba Bean (Vicia faba var. minor) as Substitute for Soybean Meal in Guinea Fowl Broilers: Effect on Productive Performance and Meat Quality.

The present study aimed to assess the effect of dietary substitution of soybean meal (SBM) with dehulled-micronized faba bean (Vicia faba var. minor) in guinea fowl broilers on their growth traits, carcass quality, and meat fatty acids composition. In this trial, 120 day-old guinea fowl keets were randomly assigned to two treatments which were fed from hatch to 12 weeks of age. Birds were fed two wheat middlings-based diets comprising of a control treatment which contained SBM (78.3 g/kg) and a test diet containing dehulled-micronized faba bean (130 g/kg) as the main protein source. Substituting SBM with faba bean had no adverse effect on growth traits, dressing percentage, or breast and thigh muscles relative weight of the guinea fowls. Conversely, a decrease (p<0.05) of abdominal fat was found in guinea fowls fed the faba bean-diet. Breast muscle of birds fed faba bean had higher L* score (p<0.05) and water-holding capacity (p<0.05) than the SBM control diet. Meat from guinea fowls fed faba bean had less total lipids (p<0.05) and cholesterol (p<0.01), and higher concentrations of phospholipids (p<0.01). Feeding faba bean increased polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations in breast meat and decreased the saturated fatty acid levels. Moreover, dietary faba bean improved the atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes in guinea fowl breast meat. Results indicated that substitution of SBM with faba bean meal in guinea fowl diet can improve carcass qualitative traits, enhancing also meat lipid profile without negatively affecting growth performance.

Performance and carcass characteristics of guinea fowl fed on dietary Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder as a growth promoter.

The present work aimed at studying growth pattern and carcass traits in pearl grey guinea fowl fed on dietary Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder (NLP) over a period of 12 weeks. Day old guinea fowl keets (n=120) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, each with 3 replicates. The first treatment was designated as control (T0) in which no supplement was added to the feed, while in treatments T1, T2 and T3, NLP was provided as 1, 2 and 3 g per kg of feed, respectively. The results revealed a significant increase in body weight at 12 weeks; 1229.7 for T1, 1249.8 for T2, and 1266.2 g T3 compared to 1220.0 g for the control group (P<0.05). The results also showed that the supplementation of NLP significantly increased feed intake (P≤0.05) which might be due to the hypoglycaemic activity of Neem. A significant increase was also found in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the treated groups over the control, showing that feeding NLP to the treated groups has lowered their residual feed efficiency. The results of the study demonstrate the beneficial effects of supplementing NLP on body weight gain and dressed yield in the treated groups in guinea fowl. NLP is, therefore, suggested to be used as a feed supplement in guinea fowl for higher profitability.

Effect of Dietary Protein on the Performance of Local Guinea Keets in the Northern Region of Ghana

An experiment was conducted on 524 guinea keets to test the effect of four dietary protein levels on general performance. The four levels evaluated were 0.22, 0.23, 0.24 and 0.25g dietary protein/g feed. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gains and mortality. Partial cost-benefit analysis was also done. The results showed significant feed intake differences between treatments (P<0.05). Keets on 0.22 protein feed recorded the highest feed consumption followed by 0.23, 0.25 and lastly 0.24. Mean daily weight gain was highest among keets on the 0.24 protein feed and lowest among keets on the 0.22 protein feed; however, these differences were not statistically significant. The 0.25 DP feed also appeared to perform better than 0.23 DP feed in terms of daily weight gain. Mean cost of feed per kilogram live weight gained seemed to be lowest for the 0.24 protein diet followed by keets on 0.25, 0.23 and then 0.22 protein feed. Mortality was highest in keets on 0.22 protein diet and least in keets on 0.24 protein diet. The 0.24 protein diet may therefore be the most economical diet to feed to growing indigenous keets between 0 and 8 weeks.