Guinea Fowl Research Articles

Growth performance and meat quality of meat-type guinea fowl fed different commercial diets

The aim of study was to assess the growth performance, meat quality, and fatty acid composition of meat-type guinea fowl fed balanced commercial diets under two different feeding programs, similar to those for slaughter turkeys and broiler chickens, respectively. A total of 80 4-week-old meat-type guinea fowl divided into two groups (four replicates per group; 10 birds in each replicate) were raised for 14 weeks. One group received commercially available diets in a three-phased program (TM group), whereas the other group was fed commercial diets in a two-phased program (CM group). Growth-performance-related traits were recorded. At the end of rearing (14 weeks of age), eight birds from each group were slaughtered. Carcass yield and technological traits of meat (pH, color, water-holding capacity, natural and thermal loss, tenderness, fatty acid profile) were analyzed. Groups did not differ in terms of body weight as well as carcass yield and characteristics. There was no difference in meat quality and the fatty acid profile of breast and thigh meat of guinea fowl from TM and CM groups. The findings of this study suggest that both commercial diets (for broiler chickens and turkeys) can be used in meat-type guinea fowl rearing. Due to the lower price of diets fed to the CM group and the lack of significant variation in meat quality traits, its use seems to be more justified from an economic point of view.

A Practical Approach to Identifying Processed White Meat of Guinea Fowl, Rabbit, and Selected Fish Species Using End-Point PCR.

Among the foodstuff, most often adulterated are white meat and meat products as well as fish and fish products. For this reason, we evaluated in practice the possibilities of identifying selected species of white meat, i.e., guinea fowl and rabbit as well as four fish species, namely, pollock, hake, sole, and panga, in thermally treated samples. The aim was to check whether the previously published in the scientific literature species-specific primers allows for the identification of processed meat using the end-point PCR technique. To identify the six species, the short sequence fragments (from 130 to 255 bp) of 12S rRNA, COX3, mitochondrial ATP synthase Fo subunit 6 (ATP6) gene, pantophysin (Pan I) gene, 5S rRNA gene, and microsatellite markers (locus: Phy01-KUL) were selected. Stability and specificity of the six pair primers were evaluated on cooked and autoclaved meat, and commercially processed food samples such as rabbit and guinea pâtés, ready-made baby food, and breaded, fried, and deep-frozen fish products. The method proved to be useful for the authentication of severely processed food products against fraudulent species substitution and mislabelling and this approach may be an alternative to more advanced and more expensive PCR techniques.

The pathogenicity and transmission of live bird market H2N2 avian influenza viruses in chickens, Pekin ducks, and guinea fowl

H2N2 subtype low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) have persisted in live bird markets (LBMs) in the Northeastern United States since 2014. Although unrelated to the 1957 pandemic H2N2 lineage, there is concern that the virus could have animal and public health consequences because of high contact with humans and numerous species in the LBM system. The pathogenicity, infectivity, and transmissibility of six LBM H2N2 viruses isolated from three avian species in LBMs were examined in chickens. Two of these isolates were also tested in Pekin ducks and guinea fowl. Full genome sequence was obtained from all 6 isolates and evaluated for genetic markers for host adaptation and pathogenicity in poultry. Clinical signs were not observed in any host with any of the isolates, however one recent isolate was shed at higher titers than the other isolates and had the lowest bird infectious dose of all the isolates tested in all three species. This isolate, A/chicken/NY/19-012787-1/2019, was also the only isolate with a deletion in the stalk region of the neuraminidase protein (NA). This supports the theory that the NA stalk deletion is evidence of adaptation to gallinaceous poultry.

Magnitude, patterns and composition of wildlife roadkill in the Serengeti ecosystem, northern Tanzania

Globally, traffic associated with roads that pass through protected areas are the cause of many negative impacts on wildlife, such as wildlife roadkill, which has occurred within the Serengeti ecosystem. A 200 km stretch of gravel road networks that passes through the Serengeti ecosystem was surveyed in 2015 for five consecutive days during each study period during the wet and dry seasons, between March and August 2015, to document the magnitude, patterns and composition of wildlife roadkill. We found a total of 51 wildlife roadkills that consisted of 26 species of wild animals and included 18 bird and 8 mammal species. Bird species (60.8%) were more frequently killed than mammal species (39.2%). Moreover, a higher incidence of wildlife roadkill was recorded in the morning (56.9%) than in the afternoon (43.1%) and more mammals (51.7%) than birds (48.3%) were recorded in the morning. Greater numbers of wildlife roadkill were recorded along road segments with good road conditions (69.4%) that were wider (>8 m) and with higher traffic volumes than along roads with poor conditions (30.6%). Overall, the Cape hare (Lepus capensis) was the most frequently killed species (17.6%) among the mammals, whereas the helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) (13.7%) was most frequently killed among the avifauna. To reduce the number of roadkill incidents, we recommend changing driver speeding behaviours by installing wildlife-warning signage that consists of picture-based signs, because they have been proved to be more effective than word-based signs to reduce speeds and hence, reduce collisions. Additionally, the responsible management authorities should provide education to drivers on safe driving and enforcement of laws and regulations. Further, policy briefings that focus on wildlife roadkill should be made available to assist decision-makers and engineers to improve road design in protected areas.

Helminths of domestic and wild chicken birds (Aves: Galliformes) of Uzbekistan

The purpose of the research is studying existing fauna and ecology of Galliform helminths in biogeocenoses of Uzbekistan.Materials and methods. Parasitic worms were collected from chicken-like birds of the terrestrial cenoses of Karakalpakstan and North-eastern Uzbekistan. Birds were studied in all seasons of 2018–2020. Wild birds – Himalayan hen, keklik, grey partridge, quail and pheasant, were hunted by local hunters during hunting seasons, while domestic birds - chickens, turkeys and guinea fowls were uncovered from different types of poultry farms. The study of birds was carried out by well-known methods. It was examined 913 wild and 755 domestic chicken-like animals. The detected cestodes and trematodes were fixed in 70% alcohol, and the nematodes were fixed in Barbagallo liquid. The determination of helminth species was carried out according to the well-known guidelines of domestic and foreign authors.Results and discussion. We found that helminthoses were widespread among representatives of Galliformes in Uzbekistan. Total helminth infections in domestic and wild Galliformes were 50.5%. In infected birds, 44 helminth species were identified, among which 10 species were cestodes, 12 species were trematodes and 22 species were nematodes. Helminth species diversity was the most extensive in the domestic chicken (36 species), turkey (21), and partridge (20). For the first time for the helminth fauna in Galliformes in Uzbekistan, we identified 3 trematode species – Brachylaema fuscatus, Collyriclum faba and Echinostoma miyagawai, and 10 nematode species of the genera Capillaria, Aonchotheca, Ascaridia, Heterakis, Dispharynx, Streptocara, Tetrameres, Diplotriaena and Ornithofilaria.

In vivo and in vitro performance studies on groundnut (Acharis hypogea L.) genotypes for yellow witchweed (Alectra vogelii Benth.) resistance

Witchweed (Alectra vogelii Benth.) is a legume parasitic weed that causes severe yield reduction of groundnut (Acharis hypogea L.) in Africa. The study was conducted to screen and identify Alectra vogelii resistant and/or tolerant groundnut genotypes evaluated under both laboratory and glasshouse at the University of Zimbabwe during 2018/19 cropping season. The findings of the lab agar-gel screening experiment revealed significant differences in germination percentage and germination distance between genotypes. Significant genotype x A. vogelii infestation interaction on plant biomass, root to shoot ratio and shelled grain yield were observed. Alectra vogelii parasitism significantly reduced plant biomass and shelled grain yield across groundnut genotypes. Conversely, genotypes like Njiva, Ilanda and Guinea fowl did not support any haustorial attachment, and had the highest shelled grain yield under all A. vogelii infestation levels. Assessment of A. vogelii tolerance based on groundnut growth, physiological and yield related parameters revealed that the groundnut genotypes Njiva, Ilanda and Guinea fowl tolerated A. vogelii infection, whereas Dendera, Jessa, Nyanda and Tern could be susceptible. Field studies are expected to validate the initiative of breeding with farmers of tolerance groundnut genotypes to A. vogelii infection.

Application of “Prodaktiv Acid SE” in guinea fowl production

Guinea fowl is a relatively new sub-branch of poultry farming, which provides the population with dietary products — eggs and meat. However, even small enterprises are faced with the task of increasing the safety and productivity of an individual, since this type of bird has one of the most expensive prices. Reducing the risk of increased mortality directly depends on the level of resistance of the organism, the implementation of its immunity, 70% of which, as we know, depends on the health of intestines. Therefore, the use of organic acids to improve performance is a relevant and effective way to reduce pathogenic microflora in the intestine, activate useful, normalize digestibility and, consequently, provide good growth and development of the body. The above studies were carried out according to generally accepted methods. As a result, it was found that the use of “Prodactiv Acid SE” in growing guinea fowls promotes an increase in safety, and also improves the dynamics of growth of live weight relative to the control group.

Integrated farming system for sustainable livelihood, family food and nutritional security of Uttarakhand farmers-A case study

In the present investigation, integrated farming system (IFS) adopted by a progressive farmer in 1.0 ha area, in village Chalthi, situated in Champawat district of Uttarakhand was analyzed as a model for its economics, benefit to cost ratio and extent to overcome food and nutritional security. The main components of IFS were fish, dairy, poultry, vegetables, orchard, bee keeping and mushroom production. A total of Rs. 6,94,000.00 was earned with B:C ratio of 3.08 from this IFS model. The composite fish farming of common carp, silver carp and grass carp was undertaken in a fish pond and 40 kg of fish was harvested over a period of 6-8 months realizing net income of Rs.5800.00. The pond dyke and adjacent fields were used for cultivation of aerial vegetables, fruit trees (mango, litchi, lemon, plum, guava and mulberry) and fodder crops (maize and oats). Two cows (breed Gir) and 200 No. poultry birds (breed Kadaknath, RIR, Guinea fowl, Uttra fowl) were included in the IFS. Pink oyster mushroom (Pleurotus djamor) was also promoted as a component of IFS for income generation. The mushroom yield was 2.28 quintals accounting gross income of Rs.1,82,400.00. Bee keeping (Indian honey bee Apis cerana indica) also made contribution of Rs. 2,00,000.00 over a period of 6 months from 80 boxes. Poultry (Rs 1,20,000.00), fruit crops (Rs 1,00,000.00) and vegetables production (Rs 18,000) also contributed significantly to the gross income in present IFS. The farmer reported that he did not buy any food commodity from outside for 8 months in a year except rice and wheat flour. As a result, it can be argued that IFS has been found to be most profitable and suitable enterprise for hill farmers to achieve sustainable livelihood, family food and nutritional security. Key words Integrated farming system; Food security; Nutrition security; Fish; Mushroom; Poultry

Comprehensive Diagnosis of Selenium and Iodine Deficiencies in Golden Manchurian Quails and Gray-Speckled Guinea Fowls Risen in the Astrakhan Region

Comprehensive Diagnosis of Selenium and Iodine Deficiencies in Golden Manchurian Quails and Gray-Speckled Guinea Fowls Risen in the Astrakhan Region

ЛЕЧЕБНО-ПРОФИЛАКТИЧЕСКИЕ МЕРОПРИЯТИЯ ПРИ КОЛИБАКТЕРИОЗЕ В ПРОМЫШЛЕННОМ ПТИЦЕВОДСТВЕ

The aim of the research is improving measures for the prevention of periodic colisepticaemia infection of hens in industrial poultry farming. To ensure reliable protection of the poultry flock and break the epizootological chain, an optimal scheme of therapeutic measures was developed for chickens of the Rhodonit 3, Hajseks Braun, Braun Nik crosses. Therapeutic measures were carried out in private farms as of causative agent of infection for industrial poultry farming. In the course of conducting an administrative control of private farms of entrepreneurs engaged in incubation, breeding and keeping in exercise pens chickens, guinea fowls, pheasants and turkeys in exercise pens, it was found that periodic mortality of birds from colisepticaemia was the result of violations or non-implementation of therapeutic and preventive measures. Past-mortem examination of non-incubated chickens, tur-keys, guinea fowls and pheasants revealed pathanatomical changes in liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys. In the ex-periment with colistin antibiotic use, of the polypeptide group, which is active in regard to colibacillosis, the flock of 126990 heads participated. With oral use, colistin is practically not absorbed, it is not exposed to digestive en-zymes, thus creating a high colistin antibacterial concentration in the intestine. In an experimental poultry farm, 30- and 60-days-old chickens were treated with the colistin AVZ antibiotic. The drug was prescribed at the rate of 1 liter of the antibiotic colistin AVZ per 4000 liters of drinking water. The colistin AVZ solution was prepared just before drinking and chickens had it during 2 hours after morning feeding for 7 days (the same procedure was repeated until the flock reached 60 days of age). Chickens were not given antibiotics of the controlled farm. After the antibiotic treatment, the safety of the flock was controlled on the daily basis. A Past-mortem examination was performed with a pathoanatomical diagnosis determination and subsequent laboratory test of the pathological material. The bird mortality in the experimental poultry farm was significantly less (949 heads for the entire period of the experiment) than that in the control group 
 (6931 heads).

Not All Street Food Is Bad: Low Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella enterica in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Meats in Ghana Is Associated with Good Vendors' Knowledge of Meat Safety.

Foodborne infections due to the consumption of meat is a significant threat to public health. However, good vendor and consumer knowledge of meat safety could prevent meat contamination with and transmission of foodborne pathogens like Salmonella. Thus, this study investigated the vendor and consumer perception, knowledge, and practices of meat safety regarding ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and how this affected the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella enterica in RTE meats in the streets of Ghana. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the demographics, knowledge, and practices of meat safety data from RTE meat vendors (n = 300) and consumers (n = 382). Salmonella enterica detection was done according to the United State of America (USA)-Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) Bacteriological Analytical Manual. The disk diffusion method was used for antibiotic resistance testing. The results revealed that most of the respondents had heard of meat safety (98.3% vendors, 91.8% consumers) and knew that meat could be contaminated by poor handling (100.0% vendors, 88.9% consumers). The respondents knew that regular hand washing reduced the risk of meat contamination (100.0% vendors, 94.0% consumers). Responses to the practices of meat safety by vendors were generally better. A very low Salmonella enterica prevalence was observed in the samples, ranging between 0.0 and 4.0% for guinea fowl and beef, respectively. However, the six isolates obtained were resistant to five of the nine antibiotics tested, with all isolates displaying different resistance profiles. Overall, the good knowledge and practice of meat safety demonstrated by the respondents corroborated the negligible prevalence of Salmonella in this study, reiterating the importance of vendor meat safety knowledge. However, the presence of resistant Salmonella enterica in some of the meat samples, albeit in a very low prevalence, warrants stricter sanitary measures and greater meat safety awareness in the general population to prevent meat-borne infections and potential transmission of drug-resistant bacteria to humans.

Genomic Analyses Unveil Helmeted Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Domestication in West Africa

Domestication of the helmeted guinea fowl (HGF; Numida meleagris) in Africa remains elusive. Here we report a high-quality de novo genome assembly for domestic HGF generated by long- and short-reads sequencing together with optical and chromatin interaction mapping. Using this assembly as the reference, we performed population genomic analyses for newly sequenced whole-genomes for 129 birds from Africa, Asia, and Europe, including domestic animals (n = 89), wild progenitors (n = 34), and their closely related wild species (n = 6). Our results reveal domestication of HGF in West Africa around 1,300–5,500 years ago. Scanning for selective signals characterized the functional genes in behavior and locomotion changes involved in domestication of HGF. The pleiotropy and linkage in genes affecting plumage color and fertility were revealed in the recent breeding of Italian domestic HGF. In addition to presenting a missing piece to the jigsaw puzzle of domestication in poultry, our study provides valuable genetic resources for researchers and breeders to improve production in this species.

English

Guinea fowl production offers an income source that could reduce the incidence of poverty of rural householders in Northern Ghana, considered one of the poorest regions in West Africa, due to its unimodal rainfall patterns that restrict the year-round production of crops. However, information on profitability and resource use in guinea fowl production in Northern Ghana is very limited. We assessed the resource-use efficiency of guinea fowl production in the Savelugu-Nanton district of the Northern Region of Ghana based on a random-sampling survey of 192 guinea fowl producers using data for the 2018 production year. The study revealed that the average flock size per producer was 82 birds; the average gross margin was about 1,499 Ghana cedis (GHS), and the average return on investment was 16.7%. High mortality rates of birds and frequent incidences of diseases were the most important challenges faced by the producers. We recommend that the government improves its extension services to farmers, especially in veterinary care services for detection and early treatment of diseases. Key words: Guinea fowl, human capital, Ghana, poultry production, resource efficiency, risk aversion.

Optimisation of Water Absorption Parameters of Bagasse, Cocoa Pod Husk and Guinea Fowl Feather Reinforced Hybrid Epoxy Composites using Taguchi Method

Particulate waste of bagasse, cocoa pod husk and guinea fowl feathers may be adopted to fabricate epoxy composites due to their properties of biodegradability, lightweight and cheapness. However, most research has excluded the combination of these reinforcements while the optimisation behaviour of the reinforced composites at room temperature water absorption process is not known. To fill this knowledge gap, this paper aims to analyse issues related to optimisation of the mentioned reinforced composites considering Taguchi’s L25 orthogonal array, the smaller the better signal-to-noise criterion and remodelling of signal-to-noise ratio after the exponential smoothening structure for optimisation. The experiment considered 25% reinforcement blends to 75% epoxy resin. But the 25% reinforcement had five formulations among the component reinforcements. The experiment, using tap water, was conducted for 216 days with measurement intervals random. The response table yielded A5B5C4, indicating 158 experimental days, 12.29g of weight gained by the drained composites, and 7.32g of weight gained by composites damped in 190ml of water. The revised response table that has been influenced by the exponential smoothening method yielded A5B5C5, interpreted as 158 days of experiments, 12.29g of weight gained by the drained composites, and 7.44g of weight gained by composites dumped in 190ml of water. Using the damping factors from 0.05 to 1, different combinations as optimal parameters were obtained, assuring the investigator that the method is feasible. Thus, the optimisation assessment could provide a new method of combining the reinforcement to enhance the composite development process using waste.

Вимоги до облаштування пташників для утримання цесарок

This article discloses the requirements for the installation of poultry houses and indoor equipment for keeping guinea fowl. In the construction of poultry houses it is necessary to take into account the behavioral and physiological characteristics of guinea fowl on which their growth and development, productivity, feed consumption and disease resistance. For construction of a poultry house choose the elevated site or with a small slope that thaws and rain waters did not collect and did not stagnate. The size of the poultry house depends on the number of livestock in it, so it is recommended to place up to 5 heads per 1 m2 of floor area. The roof of the poultry house is made sloping. Litter is used in the premises for keeping guinea fowl: peat, straw, sawdust, litter thickness –10-15 cm. During the whole winter period the litter is not removed, only fresh is added regularly. If the litter is heavily soiled, the contaminated part is removed and a clean one is added. For winter keeping of guinea fowl the room is well warmed, without allowing in it humidity and formation of a mold. When keeping guinea fowl in the summer, it is recommended to equip them with a walking yard, fenced with wire mesh, around which bushes and trees are planted or canopies are made to protect the bird from direct sunlight. In winter, an artificial heat source is installed in the poultry house, for example, electric brooders, electric lamps with a metal shade-reflector located at a height of 15-20 cm from the floor. Seats for guinea fowl are made of chipped bars with rounded upper edges, which are installed on the opposite side of the windows in a horizontal form. Nests are set in the henhouse long before the laying hens begin to lay eggs, so that the guinea fowl have time to get used to them and lay eggs in the nests. Feeders are made like troughs, which prevents contamination and scattering of food. A turntable is mounted on the brackets on top of the feeder, it rotates around its axis and also prevents the feed from scattering. At the height of the feeder is made so that the edges of the sides were at the level of the back of the bird. It is better to use vacuum or nipple drinkers to water the guinea fowl, which provide them with fresh running water.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Probiotic Bacteria Obtained from Fermented Tchoukoutou on the Production Performance of Local and Exotic Guinea Fowl

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Probiotic Bacteria Obtained from Fermented Tchoukoutou on the Production Performance of Local and Exotic Guinea Fowl

Effects of collection zones and storage on hatchability and survival of feral helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris galleata pallas) eggs

The desire to shore up the shortfall in protein supply, the increased awareness of the importance of cholesterol free animal protein, like guineafowl, and the need to conserve their wild genes, have necessitated studies on improved captive breeding of feral helmeted guineafowl. Hence, this study was aimed at determining the effects of ecological zones and storage systems on the guineafowl eggs. Guineafowl eggs (n=214), were collected from identified and monitored-nests within the Kainji Lake National Park (KLNP) and Old Oyo National Park (OONP). Out of 91 eggs collected from KLNP, 32 and 38 were stored at room temperature (RT-21-25°C) and refrigerator (RF-17-20°C), respectively for five days prior to incubation while 21 eggs were not stored (NS-27-29°C), and out of 123 collected from OONP, 70 and 19 were stored for five days prior to incubation at (RT-21-25°C) and (RF-17-20°C), respectively while 34 eggs were (NS- 27-29°C). Prior to incubation, eggs were weighed, the height and width were measured. The process was repeated after incubation for unhatched eggs. Candling was done three days before hatching at day 29 of egg incubation. Embryo status of unhatched eggs was determined by cracking the eggs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The NS eggs from Kainji (7.60%) and Oyo (2.01%) had the lowest percentage shrinkage in weight across the three storage systems. The order was reversed in height with RF eggs from Kainji (0.96%) and Oyo (0.46%) having lowest. The least shrinkage in width of eggs from Oyo was recorded in the RF eggs (0.00%) and in NS (0.59%) from Kainji. Eggs candling showed that presumed fertile (opaque) was highest (69.10%) in NS eggs followed by RT (45.00%). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the hatchability of eggs from the two parks though hatchability (7.60%) of Kainji eggs was higher than those of Oyo (7.40%). Further check on fertilization after incubation showed that RT (37.50%) eggs from Kainji were fertilized but were unable to hatch alive so also was RF eggs (21.10%). The study showed that the eggs sizes vary with ecozones while size of the eggs and storage systems affects hatchability and survival of feral helmeted guineafowl eggs in captivity.
 Keywords: Guineafowl; ecozones; storage systems; incubation; candling; hatchability

Effect of light on Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) production: A review

Artificial light is highly recognized and used in Guinea fowl production. In Guinea fowl production, access to light is an important factor for both growth and egg production. The eye is a vital sense organ under neuro-endocrine regulation in order to allow sight in animals. Guinea fowls perceive light through photoreceptors that transform the energy contained in photons in biological signals. In the eye, the energy of the photons is transformed by photosensitive pigments in the cones and rods of the retina, and transmitted through neurons to the brain where signals are integrated in an image. Photoreceptors in the hypothalamus are biological transformers that convert photon energy into neural impulses. These impulses affect the endocrine system that control ovarian activity in females and therefore, their reproductive behavior. Many physiological and behavioural aspects of Guinea fowl is affected by lightening. Certain essential function of Guinea fowl like body temperature, feeding, metabolism and digestion is directly or indirectly affected by light. Light also controls the activities of different hormones and affects growth maturation and development of organism. The physical activity of Guinea fowls can be affected by daylength, light intensity, colour and wavelength. The increase in physical activity leads to overall development of Guinea fowl. Hence, Guinea fowl producers and breeders must consider light management activities for higher productivity.

Гидроимпульсный посол и бездымное копчение тушек цесарок

Гидроимпульсный посол и бездымное копчение тушек цесарок

Comparative Osteometric study of some selected bones of local domestic turkey and guinea fowl

The research was conducted in the Gross section of Veterinary Anatomy laboratory with the aim of preparation and comparing some skeleton bones of local domestic turkey and guinea fowl. Samples were purchased, sacrifice, feather and excess flesh were removed and boiled using water to produce the bones. The duration of process was recorded. Comparative biometry study was conducted on some selected bones (scapular, coracoid, furcular and tibiotarsus) and the bones were mounted using wooden stand, copper wire, and adhesive gum with the aim of enhancing avian teaching. Based on the processes of the research. It was recommended to use plastic materials in production of skeletal models to avoid deterioration of bones for proper teaching in veterinary anatomy.