Comparative Study of Growth and Seasonal Influence on Some Reproductive Hormones and Egg Production in Two Strains of Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris).
ABSTRACT
A comparative study of growth (Body weight and linear body measurements; Neck length, Body length, Thigh length, Shank length and Breast width) and seasonal influence on some reproductive hormones
(luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) and egg production in two strains of guinea fowl (Belgie and Pearl) was conducted at the Poultry Unit,
Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State. Body weight and linear body measurements were taken biweekly from 16 weeks to 28 weeks of age.
The year was classified into four seasons; late dry (January, February and March); early rain (April, May and June); late rain (July, August and September) and early dry (October, November and December). Level of reproductive hormones and egg production were assessed in each season.
Means for the hormonal assay in the late rainy season were LH-4.670 ± 0.25, P4– 1.390 ± 0.11, E2- 2.000 ± 0.2 and LH- 5.060 ± 0.2, P4– 1.970 ± 0.08 and E2- 1.860 ± 0.19 in Belgie and Pearl, respectively.
There was no egg production in season one; late dry. Total egg produced during the late rainy season was significantly (P<0.05) higher than what was produced in the other seasons in the two strains.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Malnutrition has been a persistent problem in Africa especially Nigeria. The most important area of deficiency is in the intake of animal proteins. Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) meat and egg contribute immensely to the alleviation of this animal protein deficiency with demand being higher than supply and can be a tool for poverty reduction (Koney, 2004).
Attractive plumage and value as a table bird with game-type flavor and higher meat to bone ratio of guinea fowl has led to its worldwide acceptance (Embury, 2001).
They are widely consumed by a large number of Nigerians because of the meat and egg which possess distinct flavor and taste (Ayeni and Ayanda; 1982).
Guinea fowl production is associated with small holder farmers in Africa and is described as ”poor man‟s pheasant” (Smith, 2000).
It has ambiguitous distribution in Africa where it has distinct popularity among small holder farmers (Nwagu and Alawa 1995). This specie of poultry is kept for various purposes depending on the society.
REFERENCES
Stekelener, E.P. (1966). The duration of the fertile period and the optimum time for fertilization in intra and inter specific breeding poultry. ABA annotated. 854136.
Tanabe, Y., Nakamura,T., Tanase, H. and Doi, O. (1981). Comparisons of plasma LH, progesterone, testosterone and estradiol concentrations in male and female chickens (Gallus domesticus) from 28 to 114 days of age. Endocrinology Journal, 28:605-613.
Tebesi, T., Madibela, O. R. and Moreki, J. C. (2012). Effects of Storage Time on Internal and External Characteristics of Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Eggs. Journal of Advanced Animal Science, 2(6): 534-542.
Teye, G. A. and Adam M. (2000). Constraints to guinea fowl production in northern Ghana: A case study of the Damongo area. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science, 33: 153- 157.
Tretjjakov, N. P. and Peljtcer, S. C. (1954). The incubation of guinea fowl eggs.Trud.Nauc. Issled Inst. Pticer. 24, 33-39.
Van Teinhoven, A. (1958). Effect of progesterone on broodiness and egg production of turkeys.Poultry Science, 37: 428-433.
Be the first to comment