Indigenous Guinea Research Articles

Growth and Laying Performance of Local Guinea Fowl on Different Dietary Protein and Energy Levels

Constraints to Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) production include poor growth and low laying performance. However, the lack of standard nutritional requirements significantly hinders commercial indigenous Guinea fowl production in Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the proper levels of crude protein (14, 16, and 18%) and metabolizable energy (2.65, 2.75, and 2.85 Mcal/kg) in the diets of native Guinea fowl in Nigeria. The dietary protein (PL) and energy (EL) levels for the fowl were evaluated in a completely randomized 3 (PL) × 3 (EL) factorial design with three replicates of 10 birds each. Thus, 270 birds with 20 weeks of age were allocated randomly to nine dietary treatments (18P:2.65E, 18P:2.75E, 18P:2.85E, 16P:2.65E, 16P:2.75E, 16P:2.85E, 14P:2.65E, 14P:2.75E and 14P:2.85E). The PL × EL interaction affected Guinea fowl's DFI, DWG, and WWG (p<0.05), while WFI and FCR remained unaffected. The 16:2.85E diet increased the DFI of the birds compared to other diets (p˂0.05). The DFI of the 18:2.65, 18:2.75, and 16:2.75E Guinea fowls was higher than those of 18:2.85E, 14:2.65E, 14:2.75E, and 14:2.85 birds (p˂0.05). The DWG of fowls improved by the 16:2.85E diet compared to other diets, except for the 18P:2.65E and 16P:2.75E diets (p˂0.05). The interaction had a significant impact on the EN, EYH, and EM of the Guinea fowl egg while FCR remained unaffected. The 18P:2.85E diet improved the EN and EM of the birds compared to other diets (p˂0.05), The 18P:2.85E also improved the FCR for laying except for 14P:2.85E and 18P:2.75E. The 18P:2.85E diet influenced the YW of the birds compared to other diets (p˂0.05), whereas the EW of fowls improved by the 16:2.85E diet compared to other diets except for the 16P:2.65E diet (p˂0.05). In conclusion, feeding guinea fowls with a diet comprising 18% protein and 2.85 Mcal/kg metabolizable energy significantly improved egg production and quality.

Effects of housing systems and laying phases on external and internal egg quality characteristics of indigenous guinea fowl hens.

The study investigated the effect of housing system and laying phases on the internal and external qualities of guinea fowl eggs laid in three different housing systems. The trial involved the use of 117, 34-wk-old guinea fowl hens which were assigned to three housing types, which were battery cages, deep litter, and deep litter housing systems with free runs, which had the same dimensions as deep litter houses but with free run and open-air space to allow the birds to have free access to soil and exhibit natural behavior. The laying phases of the birds were partitioned into three (36 to 40, 41 to 45, and 46 to 50wk of age). The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a 2×3 factorial design. The findings demonstrated that both housing type and laying period significantly influenced egg quality parameters, with deep litter housing exhibiting higher egg weight, egg breadth, and shell surface area. Battery cage housing had thicker shells and a higher percentage of shell weight than total egg weight. As the birds aged, most parameters increased, while shell thickness decreased. The interaction between housing type and laying period played a crucial role, with egg weight, breadth, and egg shape index increasing as the birds aged. The shell thickness decreased as the laying period progressed across all housing systems. During the 40 to 45wk period of lay, they exhibited the highest albumen height, haugh unit, and % yolk weight. The study's findings highlight how the interaction between the housing system and the laying period impacted the internal quality of guinea fowl eggs.

Genetic diversity and population structure of indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in Benin using simple sequence repeat markers.

This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 12 guinea fowl phenotypes from three climatic zones (Guinean, Sudano-Guinean and Sudanian) of Benin. A total of 96 adult guinea fowl, aged at least 6months, were selected for blood sampling. Fragment analysis was carried out using 17 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The informative marker combinations revealed a total of 83alleles across all loci, with an average of 5alleles per locus and a mean polymorphic information content (PIC) of0.793. This study showed an observed heterozygosity of0.492. The inbreeding coefficient values ranged from0.086 in white phenotype to0.226 in cinnamon, showing a deficit of heterozygotes, suggesting a moderate inbreeding level. A relatively low population differentiation was observed, with a mean fixation index(Fst) value of0.033. The short genetic distances between phenotypes, unlike the strong genetic identities, revealed high genetic proximity between the 12 phenotypes of indigenous guinea fowl in Benin. These data indicate the existence of a single indigenous guinea fowl population with high intra-population genetic diversity with respect to climatic zones or phenotypes. This study will help in the selection of parental breeding stock for genetic improvement programs, as well as in the conservation for biodiversity maintenance and sustainable use of the indigenous guinea fowl in the study zones in Benin.

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF2) gene and their associations with body weight and growth rate traits in indigenous guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) of northern Ghana

Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 (IGF2) plays important roles in stimulating cell proliferation, differentiation and migration culminating its effects as a modulator of juvenile growth in animals. Although the gene that codes for IGF2 (IGF2) has been investigated as a candidate gene in several livestock species, there is no information on polymorphisms in IGF2 in guinea fowls (gIGF2), an important indigenous poultry species from West Africa. Therefore, this study sought to identify the Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in three populations of indigenous guinea fowls in northern Ghana. Target genomic regions in gIGF2 were amplified and sequenced from 84 indigenous guinea fowls from Upper East Region (n = 17), former Northern Region (n = 22) and Upper West Region (n = 45) of Ghana together with domesticated French variety (n = 3). The sequences were aligned with the reference genomic sequence (domesticated French variety) of chromosome 6 (GenBank accession no., NC_034414.1) to identify SNPs. Statistical associations among the genotypes arising from the SNPs and juvenile growth traits were estimated using linear models. Two novel SNPs were identified in gIGF2 among the indigenous guinea fowls. An insertion of a Guanine (G) within a poly G motif of the intron following the third exon at the 13,955,730 bp location was identified in the majority (84.5%) of indigenous guinea fowls, while the wild type allele was observed in the minority of indigenous guinea fowls and in the domesticated French variety sampled. Also, a biallelic transition arising from the substitution of G by Adenine (A) at position 13,956,496 bp (13,956,496 G > A) located on the fourth exon, which codes for most of the extension peptide of prepro IGF2, was observed in the minority (11.9%) of indigenous guinea fowls. No significant associations among the genotypes arising from the two SNPs, with body weights and weekly growth rates, were identified.

Sensory characteristics and consumer preference for meat from guinea fowl fed hevea seed meal or cashew nut meal supplemented diets

This study is part of a series of studies on the possibility of substituting alternative protein source supplements to the diet of guinea fowl in order to improve food security in the fight against poverty on the African Continent. This study assesses the identified sensory characteristics of guinea fowl meat and consumer preferences to determine if the possible alternative supplements identified result in a product acceptable to consumers and if consumer preference was evident. Indigenous guinea fowl or selected breed (Galor animals) were fed a control diet C, a commercial diet I (diet used for guinea fowl in Côte d'Ivoire), or one of 2 experimental diets N (diet C supplemented with 15% cashew nut meal) or diet H (diet C supplemented with 15% detoxified hevea seed meal). Meat samples were assessed by 120-trained people using 18 sensory attributes. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that meats from guinea fowl fed diet C or diet I were clearly distinguished from guinea fowl fed N or H diets and that meat of indigenous guinea fowl or Galor animals were also clearly distinguished. The results of the hierarchical group analysis showed that meat from guinea fowl fed diet H was the preferred guinea fowl meat. A first partial least squares regression PLSR1 identified the relationships between guinea fowl meat samples, their sensory attributes and consumer preference and showed that 82.6% of the sensory data of the first 2 principal components accounted for 95.5% of the preference. The PLSR2 identified the relationships between guinea fowl samples, their sensory attributes, and their biochemical characteristics and showed that the fat content of the meat determined the intensity of flavor, odor, juiciness, and tenderness of the meat. Our results showed that meat from birds fed diet H was preferred, and thus emphasized the existence of a place for the use of hevea seed meal in guinea fowl diet in Côte d'Ivoire.

Socioeconomic correlates, typology and characterization of indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris, Linnaeus) farming in Benin, West Africa

The role of agriculture in Benin, Western Africa cannot be overemphasized, where livestock production is a major occupation among the rural population as it serves as a means of livelihood and sustenance. This study was carried out to examine the socio-economic correlates of guinea fowl production status in Benin and to characterize their management practices. 165 farmers across 10 regions in Benin were selected using the non-probabilistic snowball sampling method. Information on farmers’ socio-economics, management practices and constraints to optimum production were elicited with the aid of a structured questionnaire and subjected to analysis. The results showed that across all the 10 regions surveyed, guinea fowl farming was the dominant occupation, particularly among men (81.0%) irrespective of sociolinguistic groups, religion and level of education. About one-third (34.5%) of the farmers had no formal education. In terms of characterization, four clusters of guinea fowl farmers were identified based on geographical location, educational level, management technique and farming experience. The constraints to guinea fowl production were slow growth and high mortalities as a result of diseases (40.7%) and predators (29.1%). Improvement in feeding (30%) and veterinary care (33.9%) were part of suggestions made by farmers to increase the productivity of the birds. The study concluded that adequate technical support and scientific research are inevitable in this sector as this will considerably improve the rural populations living conditions through enhanced income and therefore constitute a real lever for rural development.

Genetic diversity of indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) using microsatellite markers in northern Togo.

Indigenous guinea fowl is an important animal resource for improving rural household income. In order to provide molecular data for a sustainable management of this poultry resource, an assessment of the genetic diversity and phylogenic relationships was undertaken on seven guinea fowl phenotypes from two agroecological zones (Dry Savannah and Atakora) of Togo. Genotyping was carried out using 18 microsatellite markers on 94 individuals from Dry Savannah (59) and Atakora (35) zones. The results obtained showed a high genetic diversity, with six as an average alleles per locus and an observed heterozygosity of 0.512. However, the FIS values varied from 0.047 (Lavender) to 0.257 (Albino), reflecting a deficit of heterozygotes, which suggests low to moderate inbreeding levels. The genetic distances between phenotypes are low, ranging from 0.0068 (Bonaparte-Pearl grey) to 0.1559 (Lavender-Albino), unlike the strong genetic identities that reflect a strong genetic similarity between the seven phenotypes of indigenous guinea fowl studied. These results indicate the existence of a single indigenous guinea fowl population, derived from three probable parental populations, with a high within population genetic diversity (phenotypic or agroecological zone). These results could be of use to conservation and improvement programs aiming at the maintenance and sustainable exploitation of this important socio-cultural and economic resource in Togo.

PRE - AND POST HATCH GROWTH OF NIGERIAN INDIGENOUS GUINEA FOWL AS INFLUENCED BY EGG SIZE AND HATCH WEIGHT.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of egg size on embryonic growth during incubation and of egg size and hatch weight on growth to 12 weeks of age in the Nigerian indigenous Guinea fowl. Weight loss in eggs incubated was about 5.42% while weight gain was 1.02g with the fastest increase in the last trimester of incubation. At hatching, the keets were 72.42% of the weight of the eggs. Egg weight was positively significantly (P<0.05) correlated with embryonic weight and is reliable for estimating the small, medium and large size. Egg weight was embryonic weight. Body weight up to 12 weeks of age differed when eggs were classified into significantly (P<0.05) and positively correlated to body weight up to 4 weeks of age and egg weight was found to be reliable for estimating body weight up to 4 weeks only. Hatch weight was also significantly (P<0.05) and positively correlated with subsequent body weight to 8 weeks of age.

Sexual dimorphism in the dressing yield and carcass traits of indigenous guinea fowl in humid tropics

Sexual dimorphism in the dressing yield and carcass traits of indigenous guinea fowl in humid tropics

Effect of season and different dietary protein level on production and reproductive performance and egg characteristics of indigenous Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in the middle belt of Ghana

This study was undertaken to determine the impact of seasonal variations and different dietary protein levels on production traits, reproductive performance and egg characteristics of Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in the Middle belt of Ghana. Twelve (12) males and forty-eight (48) females Pearl Guinea fowls of 12 weeks of age were subjected to isocaloric diet containing 16%, 18%, 20% and 22% crude protein levels.Each group was replicated three times and reared in three seasons (Dry-December-March, Major rains-April-July and Minor rains-August-November) in a 3x4 factorial experiment. Data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedure of SAS.Hen day egg production (HDEP) and egg mass increased (p<0.05), but feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, fertility and hatchability of incubated eggs were not significantly different (p>0.05) with increasing dietary protein. Egg quality traits did not differ significantly (p>0.05) except egg yolk (p<0.05). Season showed positive (p<0.05) relationship with all production traits as well as fertility of incubated eggs, but not hatchability (p>0.05). Egg internal and external traits were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by season except yolk weight and shell weight (p>0.05).Results demonstrates that increasing dietary protein promoted egg production and reproductive traits in Guinea fowl, nevertheless, 16% crude protein diet is sufficient to support optimum egg production, fertility and hatchability, and egg characteristics. Rainy seasons countenance production traits, fertility and hatchability as well as egg characteristics, thus, breeding should be planned to take advantage of the major rainy season.

Effect of season and different dietary protein level on production and reproductive performance and egg characteristics of indigenous Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in the middle belt of Ghana

Effect of season and different dietary protein level on production and reproductive performance and egg characteristics of indigenous Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in the middle belt of Ghana

Characteristics of indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) family poultry production in northern Togo.

A survey was conducted in Dry Savannah and Atakora agroecological zones in northern Togo, between March and July 2018, to characterise indigenous guinea fowl management practices. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 82 farmers in 28 villages. The data were analysed using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, independent-sample t test and the multiple correspondence analysis with SPSS and XLSTAT. The results showed that guinea fowl production was mainly practised by men (91.5%) who did not have training in guinea fowl production (68.4%). In traditional poultry farming, the most popular management method was the semi-intensive system (86.2%). Guinea fowl, which was raised primarily for sale (100%), was the main bird species with 68.2 ± 92.5 birds per farmer. All respondents provided a dietary supplement to guinea fowl with a feeding management that varied according to the birds' developmental stage. Wing drooping (89.3%), diarrhoea (67.4%) and drowsiness (64.7%) were the main clinical symptoms of diseases observed. The majority of respondents (68.2%) used both conventional veterinary products and ethno-veterinary plant products as drugs in order to control guinea fowl diseases. Guinea fowl started laying at 8.4 ± 1.6months and had 128.5 ± 51.2 eggs per year. The indigenous hen that hatched eggs naturally had 43.6 ± 17.1 hatching eggs per year with a hatchability of 85.0%. For 85.4% of the respondents, survivability was the main problem in guinea fowl production. Improving the survivability of the birds could improve their productivity, as they play an important socio-economic role for most rural households.

Effects of Graded Dietary Protein on Growth and Laying Performance of Pearl Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary crude protein (CP) on growth and laying performance of indigenous Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) in Ghana. A total of Sixty (60) grower pearl Guinea fowl made up of twelve (12) males and forty-eight (48) females were randomly selected and grouped into four made up of (4) females and one (1) male. The groups were each subjected to four experimental diets containing 16%, 18%, 20% and 22% crude protein (CP). A completely randomized design (CRD) was used for the experiment. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat version 11.1 (2008). Least significant difference (LSD) at 5% was used to separate the means. The result showed that birds fed with diets containing 22% crude protein (CP) had the heaviest (P= .05) body weight and body weight gain and reached age at first egg earlier followed by birds fed with diets containing 18% CP, 20% CP and 16% CP respectively. Feed consumption increased with an increase in dietary crude protein. Body weight at first egg was highest (P= .05) among birds fed with diets containing 22% crude protein (CP) and lowest in 16% crude protein (CP). Birds fed with diets containing 20% and 22% crude protein (CP) had the highest (P= .05) hen-day and hen- house egg production, whiles 16% crude protein (CP) diet recorded the lowest. It was concluded that body weight, body weight gain and total feed intake of indigenous Guinea fowls increased with increasing dietary crude protein. It is recommended to farmers that, diets containing 22% crude protein (CP) is ideal for optimum productivity of indigenous Guinea fowls.

Phenotypic and Genetic Parameter Estimates for Local Guinea Fowl Production and Some Other Traits

This study on indigenous Guinea fowls in Ghana was undertaken to estimate genetic variation and heritability of traits in these birds. The study was conducted at the Poultry Section of the Animal farm of the Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti campus, Ghana, from 2015 to 2018. The data used in the present experiment were collected from six hundred keets (300 males and 300 females) produced from randomly selecting and mating 110 dams and 22 sires and consisted of 780 records collected over a period of 3 years. The genetic parameters were estimated using sire-son, sire-daughter and dam-daughter regression analysis. Body weight and 8-month weight gain showed the greatest additive genetic variation, with survival, docility, dressing percentage, age at first egg, egg weight, egg number, fertility, hatchability traits, feed intake and FCR showing relatively low additive genetic variation. Moderate to high heritability estimates were obtained for body weight, weight gain at ages 1day to 2 months, 2-4 months in females, 4-6 months in males, docility, feed intake in females and feed conversion ratio in both males and females. Similarly, moderate to high heritability estimates were also obtained for age at first egg, egg weight and egg numbers. However, all other parameters considered in this study had low heritability estimates. This study concludes that, the results could be used to initiate Guinea fowl selection breeding programmes.

Indigenous Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) production in West Africa: inventory, performances and constraints – a review

Abstract In West Africa, traditional poultry farming plays an important role in the provision of livelihoods for the rural population. One of the major species of traditional poultry farming is Guinea fowl ( Numida meleagris), which is very valued for its meat and eggs. Despite some attempts to improve the performance of Guinea fowl in this region, the full potential of the birds is not yet well exploited and the birds are still managed under extensive or semi intensive systems. Feed supplementation remains low and insufficient and animals scavenge for feed (insects, worms, plants, etc.) in the field and in the area around the villages. These breeding and feeding conditions contribute to the poor productivity of the birds. However, some studies show that the growth performance of Guinea fowl under an intensive system was not better than that seen under a traditional system despite the use of improved feed. On the other hand, the performance is better with the improvement of the production conditions resulting in early laying and increased number of laying cycles. These results could be due to nutritional or genetic changes. Unfortunately, the genetic characteristics of indigenous Guinea fowl populations are poorly documented. The few studies available are based on the plumage colour and have identified several varieties of Guinea fowl with different growth performances. Comprehensive studies are needed to highlight the specific characteristics of local varieties or strains for proper management and improvement of the West-African indigenous Guinea fowl.

Growth performance and physiological responses of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) to different stocking densities in humid tropical environment

Abstract Commercialisation of helmeted guinea fowl production in Africa is still in its rudimentary stage and there is a dearth of information on the optimal stocking density of the birds. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of stocking density on the physiological responses and performance of guinea fowl. A total of 240 indigenous guinea fowl were used for this study. The birds were weighed and assigned to different stocking densities of 14, 16, 18 and 20 birds/m2 (SD1, SD2, SD3 and SD4, respectively) at four weeks of age. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Data were collected on growth performance, haematochemical profile and plasma triiodothyronine of the birds. The results showed that from the 7th to the 13th week, birds stocked at 14 and 16 birds/m2 were significantly (P < 0.05) heavier than birds stocked at 18 and 20 birds/m2, while at weeks 14 and 15, body weight of the birds was in the order 14 birds / m2 > 16 birds / m2 > 18 birds/m2 > 20 birds/m2. Feed conversion ratios of the birds increased with stocking densities. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio significantly increased with stocking density. It was concluded that stocking density of helmeted guinea fowl higher than 16 birds/m2 adversely affected growth performance and welfare of the birds.

Effects of Strain and Non-genetic Factors on the Egg Qualities and Carcass Characteristics of Indigenous Guinea Fowl (<i>Numida meleagris</i>)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of strain and non-genetic factors on egg qualities and carcass characteristics of indigenous Guinea fowl. The study was carried out at the Poultry Section of the Department of Animal Science Education, University of Education, Winneba, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana, from 2014 to 2016. Four strains of local Guinea fowls; namely Pearl, Lavender, White and Black were used. Three non-genetic factors were considered; season of hatch, generation and sex of bird. Data were collected on 603 local Guinea fowls for the study. Data were analysed using the General Linear Procedure (GLM) of SAS. Results obtained showed that egg weight was significantly (p<0.05) affected by generation. Parental generation had higher value (37.9±3.98) than the first filial generation (37.64±0.93); however, strain and season had no significant (p>0.05) effect on egg weight and hatch weight. Generation had significant (p<0.05) effect on yolk weight. Parental and first filial generations had 13.7±0.24 and 13.2±0.21 yolk weights respectively. Haugh unit was significantly influenced by strain; white had highest (79.04±2.49) Haugh unit, followed by lavender (77.67±2.03), black (76.51±2.49) and pearl (71.14±1.2). Generation had significant (p<0.05) influence on live and dressing weights. Sex had no significant (p>0.05) effect on head, neck and shank weights. The interaction of sex and Strain had significant (p<0.05) influence on live, heart and intestine weights. Generation had no significant (p<0.05) effect on carcass characteristics. Strain had significantly (p<0.05) influence on moisture and carbohydrate. In conclusion, the strains and non-genetics factors (sex, season and generation) influence the egg and carcass qualities of indigenous Guinea fowl, hence the effects of these factors must be considered in genetic selection of indigenous Guinea fowls.

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.

Effect of age, breed and sex on haematological and blood biochemical parameters in helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

Changes in blood profiles influence production performance in livestock. This study evaluated the effect of age, breed and sex on haematological and blood biochemical parameters in helmeted guinea fowl. Haemoglobin concentrations increased (P < 0.05) with age from 8 to 24 weeks, so did total WBC counts. The total RBC counts (1.89 ± 0.05 versus 1.64 ± 0.05 × 1012/L), PCV (37.04 ± 0.77 versus 33.47 ± 0.76%), and WBC counts (3.51 ± 0.15 versus 2.57 ± 0.14 × 109/L) were higher (P < 0.05) in the indigenous than those in the exotic helmeted guinea fowls. Furthermore, basophil counts were higher (P < 0.05) in the female than those in the male guinea fowls. The 16-week-old guinea fowls had higher (P < 0.05) total protein, albumin, globulin and total cholesterol levels than the 8- and 24-week-olds. Also, birds at 24 weeks old of age had higher (P < 0.05) uric acid levels than those at 8 and 16 weeks. Indigenous guinea fowls recorded higher (P < 0.05) albumin (29.87 ± 0.96 versus 27.08 ± 0.95 g/L), total cholesterol (4.79 ± 0.14 versus 2.99 ± 0.14 mmol/L) and creatine kinase (40.60 ± 1.06 versus 30.30 ± 1.04 μ/L) concentrations than their exotic counterparts. Uric acid and potassium levels were rather higher (P < 0.05) in the exotic helmeted guinea fowls than those in the locals. Also, protein and sodium levels were higher (P < 0.05) in females than those in males. The results demonstrate that age, sex and breed are factors that influence the productivity and health of the helmeted guinea fowl.

Biochemical characterization of the nigerian indigenous guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

Blood protein polymorphism has been extensively used for characterization and estimation of genetic diversity in farm animals. A study on biochemical characterization and estimation of genetic diversity of Nigerian indigenous guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) was conducted using four blood proteins {Haemoglobin (Hb), Carbonic anhydrase (CA), Transferrin (Tf) and Albumin (Alb)}. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis indicated that all the protein markers were polymorphic; expressing two co-dominant genes and two genotypes at their respective locus. Heterozygouse genotypes were prevalent at Hb, Tf and Alb loci while homozygoutes were more frequent for CA. Allelic constitution was similar (A and B) for Hb, Tf and Alb while F and S were typed at CA locus. Gene A had higher frequency of occurrence at Tf and Alb loci while gene F and B was prevalent at CA and Hb locus, respectively. Average estimated genetic diversity (heterozygosity) across the genetic systems was 0.40 and moderate. Prevalence of genes F, A and B at their respective locus is suggestive of their relevancies to the survival and adaptability of the studied population to its natural habitat.