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Poultry farming is crucial for the livelihoods of small-scale producers in the Northen Benin, yet the industry faces challenges from diseases like ND, which threaten both poultry health and economic stability. This study investigates the seroprevalence of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) among indigenous chickens and guinea fowl in the Atacora and Donga regions of Northern Benin, addressing a significant gap in regional poultry health data. A cross-sectional study was designed, sampling a total of 300 birds, including 191 indigenous chickens and 109 guinea fowl, from six districts. Systematic random sampling was employed to select smallholder farms, and blood samples were collected for Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests to detect NDV antibodies. Statistical analyses, including chisquare tests, determined associations and differences in seroprevalence between regions and species. Results revealed notable variations in NDV seroprevalence between the two regions. In Atacora, 59.22% of chickens tested positive for NDV antibodies, with 52.33% of non-vaccinated and 94.12% of vaccinated chickens showing positive results. In Donga, the overall seroprevalence was 46.59%, with 27.78% of non-vaccinated and 59.62% of vaccinated chickens testing positive. A chi-square test indicated a significant difference in NDV seroprevalence between the two regions for chickens (x2 = 12.901; P = 0.024). For guinea fowls, seroprevalence was 63.53% in Atacora and 62.50% in Donga, with no significant difference observed (x2 = 1.102; P = 0.954). This study provides the first serological data on NDV prevalence in northern Benin, highlighting the endemic nature of NDV and the critical epidemiological role of guinea fowls due to frequent exposure and field infections, especially in the Atacora region. It recommends enhancing vaccination coverage, improving biosecurity measures, and conducting further research to isolate and characterize virus strains to develop more effective control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are stem cells, from which only gametes develop. In birds, the female sex is heterogametic, thus female gene conservation necessitates preservation of PGCs. PGC transplantation can generate germline chimeras in a host organism and develop into gametes. However, competition between host and transplanted PGCs hinder efficiency of germline chimera generation. We hypothezised that in sterile hybrid recipients with no germ cells of its own, transplanted donor PGCs may exclusively form gametes. Advantages of sterile hybrids as host for PGCs is compliant with many national regulations on genetically modified organisms and technically simpler procedure than the use of busulphan. Therefore, we investigated whether sterile interspecific hybrids may be suitable as recipients for supporting donor PGCs by injecting green fluorescent protein-labelled chicken PGCs into 3-day-old Guinea fowl and domestic fowl hybrid embryos and monitoring PGC development. The injected PGCs colonized almost 100% of the recipient gonads and produced mature spermatozoa after 44 weeks. However, gamete production in these hybrids was initiated much slower than in domestic fowls. This delay may be caused by suboptimal hormonal regulation of gametogenesis in the hybrids. Our results suggest that sterile interspecific hybrids may be suitable hosts for PGCs for efficient gamete production.

Poultry farming is crucial for the livelihoods of small-scale producers in the Northen Benin, yet the industry faces challenges from diseases like ND, which threaten both poultry health and economic stability. This study investigates the seroprevalence of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) among indigenous chickens and guinea fowl in the Atacora and Donga regions of Northern Benin, addressing a significant gap in regional poultry health data. A cross-sectional study was designed, sampling a total of 300 birds, including 191 indigenous chickens and 109 guinea fowl, from six districts. Systematic random sampling was employed to select smallholder farms, and blood samples were collected for Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests to detect NDV antibodies. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, determined associations and differences in seroprevalence between regions and species. Results revealed notable variations in NDV seroprevalence between the two regions. In Atacora, 59.22% of chickens tested positive for NDV antibodies, with 52.33% of non-vaccinated and 94.12% of vaccinated chickens showing positive results. In Donga, the overall seroprevalence was 46.59%, with 27.78% of non-vaccinated and 59.62% of vaccinated chickens testing positive. A chi-square test indicated a significant difference in NDV seroprevalence between the two regions for chickens (x2 = 12.901; P = 0.024). For guinea fowls, seroprevalence was 63.53% in Atacora and 62.50% in Donga, with no significant difference observed (x2 = 1.102; P = 0.954). This study provides the first serological data on NDV prevalence in northern Benin, highlighting the endemic nature of NDV and the critical epidemiological role of guinea fowls due to frequent exposure and field infections, especially in the Atacora region. It recommends enhancing vaccination coverage, improving biosecurity measures, and conducting further research to isolate and characterize virus strains to develop more effective control strategies.

Today, both producers and consumers of fodders are aware that achieving high productivity of animals and poultry, as well as optimal quality of final products, is impossible without the use of complete and nutritionally balanced feed. Requirements for the quality of compound feeds continuously grow and change, as new, more productive animal breeds and poultry crosses appear. It is proved that the COVID-19 pandemic, the full-scale war in Ukraine, climate variability and the global economic crisis are seriously undermining efforts to fight hunger and improve food security and nutrition. In the countries of Europe and Central Asia, the number of people who face problems in accessing adequate nutrition, including quality and safe products, has increased by 25.5 million people. According to FAO estimates, by 2050 we will have to increase the production of food and animal protein, including by 60%, to provide food for the world's 9.3 billion people. It has been established that poultry products are the most common and available source of animal protein to meet the needs of the world's population. The dynamics of changes in the feed production volume in 2018-2023 according to the data of the annual Agri-Food Outlook are presented. The top 10 leading countries in the feed production in 2022 are listed. They consume 64% of the world's compound feed, and half of the world's compound feed consumption is concentrated in four countries (China, USA, Brazil and India). A comparative analysis of the structure of compound feed production by types of agricultural animals and poultry for 2021-2023 shows that there is a growth trend for almost all types. The production of compound feed for pigs has been negatively affected by ASF all over the world. The greatest growth is observed in the field of compound feed for pets. It has been proven that a third of consumers prefer poultry products due to their availability and quality. In Ukraine, the industry is developing rapidly even in the conditions of a full-scale war, personnel shortages, power outages, inflation and disruption of logistics chains. The volume of global poultry production from 2012 to 2023 is shown. It is constantly increasing, caused by the increase in demand for affordable and relatively cheap animal protein. As a result of the analysis of the dynamics of poultry meat production by country in 2022-2023, it was established that the USA remains the leader in the production of poultry meat in the world for many years. Brazil and China remain in second and third place. Brazil has the largest growth during the reporting period. High competition in the field of breeding of laying hens and broilers stimulates the development of niche industries, such as guinea fowl breeding. Guinea fowls are raised for meat, eggs and fluff. This can be a very profitable business, especially for small poultry farms, due to the speed of payback of small investments and the unpretentiousness of the bird

The aim of the study is to monitor the changes in the main indicators of the chemical composition of Guinea fowl eggs at 2 storage temperature regimes (0-4°C and 15°C) after 3 storage periods (1, 30, and 90 days), compared to chicken eggs. In both temperature regimes, the storage period has a significant effect on the reduction of water content, both in the egg white and in the yolk. The water content decrease in chicken eggs is more significant, compared to those of Guinea fowl, especially at 90 days of storage. Regarding the protein content in dry matter of egg white, the following changes were observed: At 0-4°C: chicken -- from 89.10 (first day) to 90.65% (90 day); Guinea fowls -- from 89.10 (first day) to 90.49% (90th day); temperature 15°C: chicken -- from 89.10 (first day) to 90.36% (90th day); Guinea fowls -- from 90.65 (first day) to 90.36% (90th day). Regarding the content of protein in the dry matter of the yolk, the following changes were observed (1-90 days): 0-4°C: chicken -- 29.11-31.11%; Guinea fowls -- from 30.58--31.93%; 15°C: chicken -- 29.11-31.83%; Guinea fowls -- 30.58-32.15%. Changes in the fat content in egg white dry matter (1-90 days): temperature 0-4°C: chicken -- 0.89-0.81%; Guinea fowls -- 0.76-0.73%; 15oC: chicken -- 0.89-0.73%; Guinea fowls -- 0.76-0.64%. Fat content in the dry substance of the yolk (1-90 days): temperature 0-4°C: chicken -- 68.47-61.65%; Guinea fowls -- 63.35-60.83%; temperature 15 °C: chicken -- 68.47-60.65%; Guinea fowls -- 63.35-60.55%. In both white and yolk, the reduction in Guinea fowl's eggs is significant lower. The observed results are due to the specificity of the shell of Guinea fowl eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to determine the changes occurring in the eggs of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) from free-range farming in relation to the laying season and storage time. The experimental material consisted of 360 guinea fowl eggs, collected in the first, second and third laying seasons and stored for 7, 14 and 21 days. After each period, physical and physicochemical characteristics of the eggs were determined, as well as the basic chemical composition and mineral content of the albumen and yolk and the yolk fatty acid profile. The age of the guinea fowls affected certain physical parameters of the eggs. The egg weight, shape index and shell thickness increased with the age of the laying hens; however, a decrease in the proportion of shell in the egg was demonstrated. Storage time had a significant effect on egg weight, weight loss during storage and air cell height. Significant differences were found in the chemical composition of guinea fowl eggs depending on the age of the laying hens. Eggs obtained from older laying hens were characterized by higher yolk fat content and lower ash content, while the albumen contained higher water content and lower ash content. During the three-year laying period, changes were observed in the mineral composition of the eggs. The fatty acid profile underwent significant changes; however, no important differences were observed in the total content of SFA, MUFA, PUFA and n-6 fatty acids. Conversely, significant differences were found for n-3 acids and the n-6/n-3 ratio. Eggs in the first and second laying seasons exhibited the most favorable composition. The slow dynamics of changes occurring in successive laying seasons and egg storage time indicated that the raw material studied was safe and could be used by consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to contribute to guinea fowl farming productivity. Thus, a socio-economic and technical survey was conducted in Far-North Cameroon and 500 eggs were randomly collected for hatchability assessment. Additionaly, 90 eggs were collected from three localities for physico-chemical analysis. Guinea fowls are raised in free range and 53.3 % of farmers have traditional shelters and no sanitary measures are taken. Farmers have traditional know-how in terms of egg selection techniques for brooding and the management of guinea fowl. They are mostly sold at the market and prices of one living guinea fowl vary between 3 and 5 USD. Major constraints consist in financial needs and lack of appropriate rearing practices. Physico-chemical characteristics showed that weight and edible mater proportions were not affected by locality. Haugh unit of eggs from Bipain (71.04±3.88%) were lower than those from Guidiguis (81.01±7.40%) and Chaochai (84.30±5.83%) and the reverse was observed for lipid and protein contents. Effective hatching rate was 28.96% respectively with an embryonic mortality rate of 42.2% for all eggs. This work shows that guinea fowl farming remains poorly developed and the artificial incubation performances remain low, hence the need for better ways to increase productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Simple Summary: A decrease in eggshell quality in the late laying period leads to eggshell breakage, seriously affecting production efficiency. Guinea fowl with relatively high eggshell strength have the same layers of eggshell structure and various identical proteins as laying hens. However, their eggshell structures have not been systematically compared. Therefore, this study systematically compared the eggshell ultrastructure, bubble pore index, and composition of laying hens and Guinea fowl. The differences in the eggshell ultrastructure, bubble pores, and composition revealed, to some extent, the structure and composition necessary to increase the eggshell quality of laying hens. This study provides a reference for improving eggshell quality. The decrease in eggshell quality seriously affects production efficiency. Guinea fowl (GF) eggs possess strong eggshells because of their unique crystal structure, and few systematic studies have compared laying hen and GF eggs. Sixty eggs were collected from both 40-week-old Dwarf Layer-White (DWL-White) laying hens and GF, and the eggshell quality, ultrastructure, bubble pores, and composition were measured. The results showed that the DWL-White eggs had a higher egg weight and a lower eggshell strength, strength per unit weight, thickness, and ratio than the GF eggs (p < 0.01). There were differences in the mammillary layer thickness ratio, the effective layer thickness ratio, the quantity of bubble pores (QBPs), the ratio of the sum of the area of bubble pores to the area of the eggshell in each image (ARBE), and the average area of bubble pores (AABPs) between the DWL-White and GF eggs (p < 0.01). The composition analysis demonstrated that there were differences in the organic matter, inorganic matter, calcium, and phosphorus between the DWL-White and GF eggs (p < 0.01). There were positive associations between the mammillary knob number in the image and the QBPs and ARBE and a negative correlation with the AABPs in the DWL-White eggs (p < 0.01). This study observed distinctions that offer new insights into enhancing eggshell quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was carried out on testes of 54 apparently healthy male guinea fowl (Pearl variety) at different age groups from Day old to 28 Weeks at monthly interval. The testes are paired organs, located within the abdominal cavity attached to the dorsal body wall by mesorchium. After hatching at day old age, the testes were indistinct and very difficult to demarcate. From 24 weeks onwards abundant fat tissues were observed in and around the testes and associated regions. They were small rice sized upto 8 weeks of age followed by elongated bean shaped, white to creamy white in colour from 12 to 28 weeks of age. The weight, length, width, and volume of guinea fowl testes increased as the age advanced till 28th week of observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding local guinea fowl has the potential to address protein malnutrition and alleviate poverty in West African countries. The current study aimed to examine the effects of incorporating Moringa oleifera leaf meal into the diet on hematology and biochemical parameters as well as the productive performance of local guinea fowl breeders in Togo. Thus, 512 local guinea fowls (22 weeks of age with an average weight of 1176.7 ± 2.9 g), comprising 384 females and 128 males, were examined for 31 weeks. The fowls were randomly assigned to four dietary groups, namely M0, M1, M2, and M3 containing 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in diets, respectively. Each group had 4 replicates of 32 fowls. During the study, feed intake, body weight, egg-laying rate, and feed conversion ratio were weekly recorded. Blood samples for hematology and biochemical analysis were taken from 12 females (3/replicate) at 34 and 50 weeks of age. Eggs were collected for the quality evaluation. Results showed that feed intake was comparable across all groups during the rearing period (23 to 33 weeks of age). However, it significantly decreased in fowls of the M2 and M3 during the laying period (34 to 50 weeks of age). The live weight of fowls in M3 was significantly higher than other groups before the laying period. The egg production, yolk ratio, and shell ratio of the birds in the M1 were like that of M0 and higher than that of M2 and M3. The feed conversion ratio was not significantly different between groups during the laying period. However, the albumen ratio and haugh unit were improved by feeding Moringa leaves especially at level 1.5%. The level of white blood cells and lymphocytes decreased by feeding the Moringa leaves at 1%. Neutrophils and platelet levels were comparable across groups. Total proteins, albumin, and transaminases increased in Moringa groups (M1, M2, M3), especially in M3. It was concluded that the use of Moringa oleifera leaves at 0.5% improved egg-laying performance in local guinea fowl. Moreover, 1% and 1.5% of incorporation improved the quality of eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Improving the reproductive performance of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) based on the management of environmental factors is important for developing meleagriculture. Thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary crude protein levels and photoperiod during the 12th to 26th wk of age on growth performance, calcium and phosphorus mobilization, and fertility of local Pearl Gray male guinea fowl. In total, 120 twelve-week-old male guinea fowl were divided into 3 groups with 8 replicates each and 5 birds per replicate using a completely random design. The experimental groups included: a group fed a diet containing 15% crude protein and subjected to 16 h of light and 8 h of darkness (16LL), a group fed a diet containing 19% crude protein and subjected to 16 h of light and 8 h of darkness (16HL), and a group fed a diet containing 15% crude protein and subjected to 18 h of light and 6 h of darkness (18LL) during the 12th to 26th wk of age. The results showed that guinea fowl in the 16HL treatment had a significantly (P = 0.003) lower feed conversion ratio than those in the 16LL and 18LL groups. Calcium and phosphorus levels in the tibia and femur were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in guinea fowl of the 16HL and 18LL groups than in that of the 16LL group. Birds in the 16HL and 18LL treatments had significantly higher peripheral testosterone levels (P < 0.00001) than those in the 16LL treatment. The 16HL and 18LL treatments had significantly higher (P < 0.05) sperm volume, sperm concentration and motility, and fertility rate than the 16LL group. Therefore, a decrease in crude protein level from 19 to 15% in the diet of male guinea fowl between the 12th and 26th wk of age negatively affects the growth performance and fertility of these birds, but this is corrected by an increase in the photoperiod before sexual maturity.

Background: Candidosis is a fungal disease caused by yeast of the genus Candida, which affects various bird species. The most common infection method involves ingesting contaminated food or water; however, contaminated environments, such as the litter and facilities may also expose birds to Candida spp. Diagnosis relies on lesion observation, direct microscopic examination, or mycological culture for isolation and identification. This report details an outbreak of candidosis in Guinea fowl, confirmed by etiological diagnosis, including isolation, identification, and anatomopathological analysis. Cases: Birds housed in an intensive Guinea fowl farm exhibited clinical signs in the 2nd week of life. Mortality increased in the 3rd week after the transfer from the rearing area to the ground area, with daily deaths reaching 30-40 birds. The affected birds displayed prostration, emaciation, diarrhea, and ruffled feathers. Tilmicosin-based antibiotic treatment was administered early in life and no response was observed after treatment with antifungal gentian violet. Five 7-week-old Guinea fowl from the farm underwent necropsy to observe macroscopic lesions and collect samples from the esophagus, crop, proventriculus, and intestines for mycological culturing and histopathological analysis using standard techniques. Macroscopic examination revealed alterations such as whitish, circular, and ulcerative lesions in the palate, esophagus, crop, and proventriculus; dilated and empty crops with thickened mucosa; accumulated urate in the ureters; and variations in intestinal mucosal thickness from thickened to thin. Histopathological analysis identified superficial layers of the esophagus, crop, and proventricular mucosa colonized with numerous yeast-like forms and pseudohyphae, characteristic of Candida spp. Esophagus and crop samples were cultured on YEPD agar and growth was verified under a stereoscopic microscope for culture purity. Ten colonies were isolated from these cultures, inoculated into YEPD broth tubes, and then incubated at 25°C for 48 h. Microcultures of the isolates on glass slides with 10 x 10 mm YEPD agar fragments were prepared and incubated at 25°C for 5-10 days in a humid chamber. After incubation, lactophenol cotton blue staining was performed, followed by microscopic observation of cellular morphology. The germ tube test was also performed by inoculating the isolates into tubes with 0.5 mL of human serum, incubating them at 37°C for 2 h, and then examining them under an optical microscope. The yeast isolates were tested on CHROMagar® Candida medium for chromogenic behavior, incubated at 30°C for 48 h, and the coloration observed was consistent with Candida albicans. Discussion: The observed anatomopathological lesions were consistent with those described in other cases of candidosis. The combination of antimicrobial use and digestive tract lesions supported the presumptive diagnosis of the disease, with a definitive etiological diagnosis confirmed by the mycological culture results. Treatment with gentian violet in water and nystatin in feed failed to yield the expected results. Administering antibiotics early in a bird's life can disrupt the balance of digestive tract microbiota, leading to yeast colonization. All subsequent flocks were treated with probiotics using the competitive exclusion principle to inhibit pathogenic bacterial microbiota growth and maintain a balanced commensal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The aim of the study was to determine the changes occurring in the eggs of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) from free-range farming in relation to the laying season and storage time. The experimental material consisted of 360 guinea fowl eggs, collected in the first, second and third laying seasons and stored for 7, 14 and 21 days. After each period, physical and physicochemical characteristics of the eggs were determined, as well as the basic chemical composition and mineral content of the albumen and yolk and the yolk fatty acid profile. The age of the guinea fowls affected certain physical parameters of the eggs. The egg weight, shape index and shell thickness increased with the age of the laying hens; however, a decrease in the proportion of shell in the egg was demonstrated. Storage time had a significant effect on egg weight, weight loss during storage and air cell height. Significant differences were found in the chemical composition of guinea fowl eggs depending on the age of the laying hens. Eggs obtained from older laying hens were characterized by higher yolk fat content and lower ash content, while the albumen contained higher water content and lower ash content. During the three-year laying period, changes were observed in the mineral composition of the eggs. The fatty acid profile underwent significant changes; however, no important differences were observed in the total content of SFA, MUFA, PUFA and n-6 fatty acids. Conversely, significant differences were found for n-3 acids and the n-6/n-3 ratio. Eggs in the first and second laying seasons exhibited the most favorable composition. The slow dynamics of changes occurring in successive laying seasons and egg storage time indicated that the raw material studied was safe and could be used by consumers

ABSTRACT: Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), although native to Africa and despite its many potentials, does not represent the dominant species on the continent because of its seasonal reproductive nature and high keets mortality. This study was conducted to assess the effect of crude protein levels on growth performance, bone characteristics and reproductive activity of Pearl Gray male breeder guinea fowl from 12 to 26 wk of age. A total of 120 twelve-wk-old guinea fowls were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments with 8 replicates each and 5 birds per replicate using a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments comprised low level (LL), normal level (NL), and high level (HL) with diets respectively containing 15, 17, and 19% crude protein (CP). The results showed that guinea fowl in the HL treatment had a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (P = 0.008) than those in the other treatments. The birds fed the HL diet had significantly higher concentrations of testosterone (P < 0.05) than in the other treatments. High levels of calcium and phosphorus were observed in the femur of the HL group relative to the LL group. The birds in the LL treatment had a significantly higher (P = 0.007) femur robusticity index than those in the HL treatment. In conclusion, feeding 19% crude protein to Pearl Gray male guinea fowl from 12 to 26 wk of age improves growth performance, the density and strength of the femur and tibia and the reproductive tract. The CP level for the best performance of male guinea fowl from 12 to 26 wk of age is 19%.

The Guinea fowl (Numida meleagridis) is a semi-domestic bird whose commercial popularity is on the increase. The gross anatomy of the hindlimbs of 8 helmeted Guinea fowls of equal sexes were studied. The pubic shafts were free, thus they did not fuse ventrally to form a symphysis. The ilium had a quadrilateral and roughly triangular pre and post acetabular wings, respectively. A conspicuous renal fossa was observed in the post acetabular wing. An incomplete concentric obturator foramen, lacking a caudal margin, was formed by the ventral border of the ischium and dorsal border of the cranial pubic shaft, while a prominent ischiopubic fissure was formed by the same bones, caudally. The incomplete concentric nature of the obturator foramen created a common space between it and the ischiopubic fissure. The femoral major trochanter was more proximal than the head, while the minor tro-chanter and the head were on the same horizontal level. The femur lacked a visible pneumatic foramen. The tibiotarsus had a prominent cranial cnemial crest. The fibular spine terminated at the tibia mid-shaft, leaving one interosseous space. An intertarsal sesamoid bone was identified, indicative of an adult skeleton. Crests and channels depicted the hypotarsus. Vascular foramen was identified in the distal extremity of the tibiotarsus. Digit I was oriented to the planter direction.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The decrease in eggshell quality seriously affects production efficiency. Guinea fowl (GF) eggs possess strong eggshells because of their unique crystal structure, and few systematic studies have compared laying hen and GF eggs. Sixty eggs were collected from both 40-week-old Dwarf Layer-White (DWL-White) laying hens and GF, and the eggshell quality, ultrastructure, bubble pores, and composition were measured. The results showed that the DWL-White eggs had a higher egg weight and a lower eggshell strength, strength per unit weight, thickness, and ratio than the GF eggs (p < 0.01). There were differences in the mammillary layer thickness ratio, the effective layer thickness ratio, the quantity of bubble pores (QBPs), the ratio of the sum of the area of bubble pores to the area of the eggshell in each image (ARBE), and the average area of bubble pores (AABPs) between the DWL-White and GF eggs (p < 0.01). The composition analysis demonstrated that there were differences in the organic matter, inorganic matter, calcium, and phosphorus between the DWL-White and GF eggs (p < 0.01). There were positive associations between the mammillary knob number in the image and the QBPs and ARBE and a negative correlation with the AABPs in the DWL-White eggs (p < 0.01). This study observed distinctions that offer new insights into enhancing eggshell quality.

Due to the importance of the pancreas gland and its important role of the digestion process, as well as the economic importance of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). The present study was conducted to study the pancreas histologically in guinea fowl. Samples were taken from the pancreas of (15) healthy adult males of guinea fowl after slaughtering them and separating the pancreas from its appendages. All samples were subjected to histological techniques. In the current study, four types of stains were used when conducting the histological study, which are the Masson trichrome stain, Heamatoxylin and eosin stain, Gomori’s stain and Periodic Acid-Schiff stain. This current study discovered that the pancreas of guinea fowl was parenchymal tissue surrounded by a thin connective tissue capsule. The microscopic examination exhibited the parenchyma tissue of the pancreas was composted of an exocrine portion and an endocrine portion. The exocrine portion forms the largest area of pancreas and consisted of acini and ducting system. The secretory acini vary in shapes and size as globoid, oval, elongated and amorphous, while the exocrine ducts system consisted of intercalated, intralobular, interlobular, and the two major pancreatic ducts, the current study detected that the guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) exhibits the identical structure as other bird species.

By preheating the eggs before incubation, all embryos are set to the same developmental stage. In this manner, the hatching window can be shortened and hatchability can increase. Before incubation, a total of 491 partridge and 460 guinea fowl eggs were preheated at 28°C and 60% relative humidity for 0, 4, 6, and 8 hours. Preheating significantly affected hatchability in both partridge and guinea fowl eggs. In partridge eggs, the hatchability of fertile eggs was 73.31% in the 0-hour preheated group and 92.94% in the 8-hour preheated group. The hatching rates of guinea fowl eggs were 69.60, 80.07, 84.38 and 78.23% in the 0, 4, 6 and 8 hours preheated groups, respectively. Partridge keets hatched from preheated eggs had significantly better quality, while guinea fowl keets did not differ in quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guinea fowls are an alternative source of high-quality meat and eggs. Several studies have been developed on guinea fowl reproduction, nutrition, management, meat and egg quality, including genetic improvement. However, due to the breeding system used in this species, advances in these areas have been delayed. Guinea fowls have their particular morphological and productive aspects. For example, they have seasonal reproductive characteristics, with an egg production that ranges, depending on the type of system, from 20 eggs in the extensive system to 50–200 in the intensive system. Females are heavier than males, especially when sexual maturity begins. Another characteristic is the presence of a brown-coloured cephalic protuberance in both sexes and its widely varied plumage. Other factors such as fertility and hatchability have yet to be fully elucidated. The storage of guinea fowl hatching eggs also deserves more attention. As in the case of broilers, a longer storage time can negatively affect hatchability and chick quality, emphasising that eggs from young breeders are more resistant to a higher storage time. In the nutrition field, research has focussed on determining nutrient requirements. However, standardised diets and correct nutritional requirements for better performance are still scarce. Lack of knowledge about proper nutrition along with poor genetic selection results in slow growth of the guinea hen. Despite the challenges, guinea fowl meat is one of the alternatives to chicken meat, in terms of access to a source of quality protein and financial profitability in certain markets. Guinea fowl eggs present characteristics of a nutritional supplement to a much greater degree in terms of quantitative and qualitative than other alternative bird species. This review aims to assess several aspects related to guinea fowl production as an alternative species in the poultry industry and its global panorama. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals must integrate feedforward, feedback and intrinsic mechanical control mechanisms to maintain stable locomotion. Recent studies of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) revealed that the distal leg muscles rapidly modulate force and work output to minimize perturbations in uneven terrain. Here we probe the role of reflexes in the rapid perturbation responses of muscle by studying the effects of proprioceptive loss. We induced bilateral loss of autogenic proprioception in the lateral gastrocnemius muscle (LG) using self-reinnervation. We compared in vivo muscle dynamics and ankle kinematics in birds with reinnervated and intact LG. Reinnervated and intact LG exhibit similar steady state mechanical function and similar work modulation in response to obstacle encounters. Reinnervated LG exhibits 23ms earlier steady-state activation, consistent with feedforward tuning of activation phase to compensate for lost proprioception. Modulation of activity duration is impaired in rLG, confirming the role of reflex feedback in regulating force duration in intact muscle.

The proximate composition and mineral contents of eggs from quail (Coturnix japonica) turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) commercial chicken (Gallus domesticus), local chicken (Gallus domesticus) guinea fowl, (Numida meleagris) and duck (Cairina moschata) obtained in Minna, Nigeria were studied. Standard laboratory procedures were used in determining the nutrients and mineral compositions of the egg samples. The local chicken eggs had significantly higher crude fat (11.73 ± 0.18%), ash (1.38 ± 0.01%), zinc (3.23 ± 0.11 mg/100 g), and manganese (0.44 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) contents, it also showed the lowest phosphorus (120.00 ± 3.50 mg/100 g, iron (19.70 ± 0.60 mg/100 g) and vitamin A concentration (1.62 ± 0.59 × 103 μg/L). Quail egg had the highest (p < 0.05) vitamin A (4.16 ± 0.16 × 103 μg/L) and protein (13.49 ± 0.33%) contents. The moisture content was significantly higher in guinea fowl eggs (80.28 ± 0.41%) than in others. The outcome of this study indicated that some eggs which are seemingly underutilised may provide an enormous supply of nutrients needed for adequate human nutrition and health. Hence, if properly exploited they may substantially improve the quality of diet.

One of the major pollutants generated from guinea fowl farms and slaughterhouses is guinea fowl feather (GFF) wastes. Chicken feathers are an important substrate for removing aqueous pollutants due to their structural characteristics, but the application of GFFs for such purposes has not been elucidated. This study was carried out to determine the potential of raw as well as chemically and physically pretreated GFFs in the bioremediation of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) from aqueous solutions and the subsequent biodegradation of Cu- and Zn-laden GFFs using free and immobilized heavy-metal-tolerant bacteria. Using atomic adsorption spectrometry, the ability of treated and untreated GFFs to adsorb Cu and Zn was determined, and the generated heavy-metal-laden GFFs were degraded using Pseudochrobactrum sp. IY-BUK1. The results revealed that under optimized conditions, acetone and autoclave pretreatment enhanced Cu and Zn removal by 40% within 6 h when compared with raw GFFs. Similarly, complete biodegradation of Cu- and Zn-laden GFFs was achieved at pH 8, with 2% inoculum size, and at 25̊C using IY-BUK1 in 7 days. Upon optimization of physical and nutritional conditions, using one factor at a time and response surface methodology, the maximum keratinase activity was achieved at 30̊C, with 3% inoculum size and 3.5% polluted GFF concentration in 3 h. The degradation and keratinase activity were further enhanced by 50% by the immobilization of Pseudochrobactrum sp. IY-BUK1 cells compared with free cells. Thus, GFFs can act as good biosorbents, and together with IY-BUK1, the use of GFFs can be an alternative approach to dispose of GFFs, thus preventing environmental pollution via bioremediation.

ABSTRACT: Variability in shell structure is an evolutionary mechanism in birds that enables them to adapt to specific environmental conditions. This variability may also occur within the same species under the influence of individual indicators, such as the age or health status of females. While interspecies variation is quite obvious and easy to interpret, the reasons for intraspecies variation remain unclear. In this study, we examined the ultra- and microstructure of guinea fowl eggshells to identify the association between variations in shell structure and hatchability outcomes. We analyzed the visual differences between shells with low (L), intermediate (I), and high (H) external porosity using scale invariant feature transform analysis with NaturePatternMatch software. We found that the external pore image was closely related to the overall porosity of the shell before incubation. The total pore area, total porosity, and diffusion index (GH2O) were highest in group H shells (P < 0.001). Posthatching shells were characterized by an increased diameter and total surface area, decreased pore number (P < 0.001), as well as shortened mammillary layer (P < 0.001) and decreased total consumption of mammillary knobs (P < 0.001). The porosity indices of posthatching H shells had intermediate values between L and I. Although the effect of shell structure parameters on hatching was not confirmed, we assumed that all categories (L, I, and H) of shells were ideal for incubation. This suggests that the shell structure adapts to the metabolic rate of developing embryos; however, differences in shell structure affect the duration of incubation and synchronization of hatching. Both L and H shells showed delayed and prolonged hatching. Therefore, we recommended that guinea fowl eggs with different external porosity parameters should be incubated separately for better hatching synchronization. Differences in GH2O between L, I, and H eggs suggest that the shell porosity characteristics of guinea fowl eggs may be a key determinant of the rate of water loss during storage before incubation.

ABSTRACT: Pullorum disease is described worldwide and is caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum (S. Pullorum). S. Pullorum infection is important in commercial poultry, provoking a systemic disease with high mortality rates. Its occurrence requires notification, and when it is diagnosed in commercial breeding flocks, its eradication is demanded. The aim of this study was to report a severe outbreak of Pullorum disease in young Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), resulting in 100% mortality of keets (n=290) within the first two weeks of age. All examined keets had enlarged liver, kidneys and spleen (5/5), and the affected tissues were submitted to histological and bacteriological examination. On histopathology, random paratyphoid nodules characterized by areas of necrosis with fibrin and a moderate infiltrate of macrophages and heterophils were observed in the liver. In kidneys, discrete areas of necrosis associated with moderate multifocal infiltrates of lymphocytes, and plasma cells were observed. In the spleen, a moderate infiltrate of macrophages was noticed. Isolation of colonies suggestive of S. Pullorum from liver and spleen was performed in selective agars and, after biochemical tests, confirmed by specific duplex-PCR. The antimicrobial susceptibility test of the isolated strain revealed resistance to only sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim among the tested antimicrobials. The S. Pullorum isolate recovered in the present study was highly pathogenic to N. meleagris and may represent a risk to other avian species, including industrial poultry.

In the present study, the influence of varying photoperiods [short day light 8L:16D, long day light 16L;8D] and exogeneous melatonin on the excurrent duct system of male helmeted guinea fowl was investigated using histo-morphological and histometric approaches. A total of twenty-eight (28) guinea fowl birds were randomly divided into Group I: Short daylight (SD; 8 HL), Group II: (SD +1mg/kg melatonin; 8 HL+ Mel), Group III: Long daylight (LD; 16 HL) and Group IV: (LD +1mg/kg; 16 HL + Mel)] and comprises of seven birds (n=7) per group. At the end of the 8 weeks of experimentation, the excurrent ducts were excised and processed for routine histological examination and the variations in histo-morphometrical parameters were determined using the GIMP2 software. Histologically, apart from the moderate cellular degeneration observed in efferent duct epithelia of the SD subgroups: (8 HL and 8 HL + Mel), there was remarkable spermatozoa presence in the lumens of the epididymal duct and ductus deferens of both 16 HL and 16 HL + Mel groups. The histo-morphometric data (luminal, ductal diameters and epithelial heights) were significantly increased (p 0.05) increase in SH was observed in melatonin-treated groups, regardless of photoperiod. Taken together, these sets of data from this study indicate the importance of artificial light and exogenous melatonin in the control of seasonality of reproduction and which could be used to influence the reproductive cycle of the guinea fowl.

Copyright of Veterinaria is the property of University of Sarajevo, Veterinary Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of mating ratio on Guinea fowl reproductive performance. A total of 420 Guinea fowls of the pearl variety were randomly selected from growers housed on the farm. The selected birds were sexed and assigned to three treatment groups according to a mating ratio of 1:4, 1:6 and 1: 10 respectively, with a maximum of 120 female Guinea fowls in each group. Eggs were collected daily from the laying birds by treatment groups, graded and stored for a maximum of seven days at room temperature. The selected eggs were fumigated and incubated using an automated Petersime incubator. Percent fertility, hatchability and embryonic mortality were measured after 28 days of incubation. The fertility rate (%) was 84 ± 3.4, 78 ± 3.9 and 75 ±5.1 in Guinea fowls with mating ratios 1:4, 1:6 and 1:10, respectively. The fertile hatchability and total hatchability rates (%) were 66 ± 3.3, 55 ±3.7, 59 ± 28, 47 ± 24 and 51 ± 35, 39 ±28 respectively in Guinea fowls with mating ratios 1:4, 1:6 and 1:10 As mating ratio increased from to 1:4, 1:6 and 1:10, embryonic mortality rates (%) were 34 ±3.3, 41 ± 28 and 49 ± 35, while percentage viable keets were 98 ± 0.72, 96 ± 2.5 and 96 ± 2.0. Mating ratios did not significantly affect reproductive performance. The mating ratio of one male Guinea fowl to four males was optimal for reproduction.

The purpose of this study was to compare analyze the quality of meat depending on the type of muscle: breast muscles (m. Pectoralis superficialis and m. Pectoralis profundus) and leg muscles (m. Sartorius and m. Femorotibialis) in relation to the sex of the common guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). For the study, pectoral muscles and leg muscles from 10 females and 10 males at 20 wk of age were used to determine their chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and texture characteristics of the pectoral muscle were determined. Overall, pectoral muscles were characterized by higher protein content, lightness (L*), and electrical conductivity (EC 24), and lower redness (a*), and pH 24 compared to leg muscles. Leg muscles, on the other hand, were characterized by higher, collagen, intramuscular fat and salt content. In terms of pectoral muscle texture characteristics, males were characterized by lower chewiness value and were less gumminess. In conclusion, it can be said that the sex of the birds affected some of the pectoral muscle texture traits, but did not affect the remaining analyzed features of the pectoral and leg muscles. However, from the consumer's point of view, breast muscles contained more protein and less fat, so they are more dietary compared to leg muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Guinea fowl have several advantages over chickens. These birds are highly valued for their meat and eggs, particularly in tropical regions. They are currently in many parts of the world. Recently, the demand for guinea fowl meat has increased because it is considered a high-quality protein source. In addition, their eggs are delicious and considerably better than those of chickens. Guinea fowl eggs are valued for their thick shells, and longer shelf life, and it has premium prices compared with commercial and indigenous chickens. Chicken eggs have been well studied for egg and meat quality. However, such information isn’t so sufficiently documented in other poultry species. Despite the interest in guinea fowl production, it is vital to take cognizance of the fact that there is a lack of information on the production and quality of guinea fowl products, in contrast to commercial chickens. Therefore, the present review aims to assess the egg and meat quality of Guinea fowl in different tropical regions. The main results of the current study showed that the external egg quality characteristics, mainly (egg weight, shell percentage, and shell thickness), and internal egg quality traits, mainly (albumen weight, haugh unit, yolk height, and yolk color) of Guinea fowl differed under different tropical regions. Concerning carcass characteristics, a clear difference was observed in dressing percentage and breast percentage of Guinea fowl in various tropical areas. A similar trend was observed for the meat color.

ABSTRACT: 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.

Simple Summary: The guinea fowl is an indigenous African bird species that has spread to all continents due its high adaptive capacity. These birds are cheaper to produce than other poultry species because they are effective foragers and are resistant to most diseases. In some African countries, the guinea fowl is the cheapest type of poultry meat. This species is raised for meat in many countries, including the United States, Canada, France, and Italy. However, the guinea fowl is not widely produced or consumed in Europe. Guinea fowl come in many color varieties and enjoy considerable popularity among amateur breeders in small farms and agritourism farms as a source of meat, eggs, and ornamental feathers. Similarly to pheasant meat, guinea fowl meat has low fat content and high protein content, and it is characterized by high nutritional value. Guinea fowl meat is also highly valued for its unique sensory properties, and it can be a viable alternative to other types of poultry meat. The popularization of guinea fowl farming and raising consumer awareness of the eating quality and sensory attributes of guinea fowl meat could contribute to an increase in its consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate selected parameters of carcass and meat quality in 16-week-old pearl gray and lavender guinea fowl. The birds were raised in summer and fall, in an extensive system. Until 4 weeks of age, the birds were kept indoors, and from week 5 until slaughter they could use outdoor space enclosed by a fence, adjacent to the building. Guinea fowl were fed complete chicken diets: starter (weeks 0–6), grower (weeks 7–12), and finisher (weeks >13). In comparison with lavender guinea fowl, pearl gray birds had higher live weight at slaughter (p = 0.001) and higher carcass weight (p = 0.001). Females, compared with males, had a higher carcass dressing percentage (p ˂ 0.001), lower liver weight (p = 0.008), lower heart weight (p ˂ 0.001), and lower total weight of giblets (p = 0.004). The leg muscles of pearl gray guinea fowl, compared with those of lavender birds, had a higher content of dry matter (p ≤ 0.029). The breast muscles (p ˂ 0.001) and leg muscles (p = 0.017) of lavender guinea fowl contained less fat than the muscles of pearl gray birds. The breast muscles of females had a higher content of dry matter (p = 0.044) and ash (p = 0.016), and lower total collagen content (p = 0.028) than the breast muscles of males. The leg muscles of females were characterized by a higher pH (p ˂ 0.001), and lower cooking loss (p = 0.004) and drip loss (p = 0.005) than the breast muscles of males. The breast muscles of lavender guinea fowl, compared with those of pearl gray birds, were characterized by a higher chroma value (p ˂ 0.001), and a higher contribution of redness (p ˂ 0.001) and yellowness (p = 0.002), and their leg muscles were lighter in color (p ˂ 0.001), with a higher contribution of yellowness (p = 0.041) and a higher hue angle (p = 0.037). The value of chroma (p = 0.004) and the contribution of yellowness (p = 0.002) were higher in the breast muscles of females, compared with males. Neither variety nor sex affected (p > 0.05) the evaluated sensory properties of guinea fowl meat or the proportions of total SFAs, total UFAs, total MUFAs, and total PUFAs in the intramuscular fat (IMF) of breast and leg muscles. Meat from guinea fowl of both analyzed varieties can be an excellent alternative to more popular types of poultry meat due to its high nutritional value and eating quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of season on histomorphological changes in the testes of two colour types of helmeted guinea fowls. Testes were collected from 192 helmeted guinea cocks (96 each of Pearl and Black strains) from four local poultry abattoirs in Bauchi metropolis, Bauchi State, Nigeria during the rainy (May to September) and dry (October to December) seasons. Records were collected on live weight, paired testes weight, right and left testes weights, volumes, lengths, widths, diameters and gonadal sperm reserves (GSR) and subjected to analysis of variance and simple correlation coefficients. Live weight was similar for the two strains Pearl and Black (1.24 and 1.22 kg). Season and month had significant (P<0.001) effect on all testicular morphometric parameters measured. No significant difference was observed in testicular morphometry between the strains. Correlation among live weight, testicular morphometry, and gonadal sperm reserve were moderate to high, positive and significant (P<0.01). The relationship between gonadal sperm reserve and body weight was low (r = 0.13) but significant (p<0.01) while testicular weight was highly (p<0.01) correlated (r = 0.82) with gonadal sperm reserve. Histologically, it was shown that season had effect on seminiferous tubules diameter and inter tubular tissues indicating lower, larger, medium and regressed diameters for early rainy, mid rainy, late rainy and early dry seasons respectively. The seminiferous tubules show cells in active spermatogenesis with numerous spermatids during mid-rainy season while regressed follicles filled with connective tissues along some blood vessels were observed in dry season. Variations in season and month changed the histomorphology of the testes as well as gonadal sperm reserves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to increase the commercialization and popularity of guinea fowl and better exploit their higher nutritional value compared to other poultry species has necessitated the search for feed additives that will enhance their egg laying potential. A 70 d study was carried out to investigate the laying response and egg quality attributes of guinea fowl fed diets containing vitamin E (vit. E) and selenium (Se) yeast with or without L-arginine (L-arg). A total of 240 helmeted guinea hens at the age of 20 weeks (average weight 2,11 ± 0,02 kg) were allotted to 8 dietary treatments. Each treatment was replicated three times, with 10 birds per replicate, in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were arranged in a 4 × 2 factorial system, with four combinations of additives, i.e. (1) no additive, (2) Se yeast (0,3 mg/kg), (3) vit. E (30 IU/kg), and (4) Se yeast + vit. E) and two variants of arginine supplementation: (1) no additive or (2) 1 g L-arg/kg of feed. Laying performance and egg quality were analysed by two-way ANOVA using a general linear model. Supplementation with L-arg improved (P < 0,05) the number of eggs collected per day (19,73 eggs) and daily production (65,76%) compared with the diet without L-arg supplementation (17.68 eggs, 58,90%, respectively). Birds fed a diet supplemented with vit. E + Se yeast had the highest number of eggs collected per day (19,40 eggs) compared to all other groups (P <0,05). Also, birds fed various additives had higher (P < 0,05) hen-day production (63,33%) compared with those fed the control diet. Birds fed the diet containing vit. E + Se yeast supplemented with L-arg had the highest (P < 0,05) total number of eggs collected per day (21,00 eggs) and hen-day production (70%). Supplementation with all tested additives had a significant effect (P < 0,05) on yolk weight (8,06- 12,53 g), yolk height (10,49-16,73 mm), yolk percentage (24,62-35,17%) and albumen weight (14,04-17,06 g). Supplementation with all tested additives led to an increase in the number of eggs produced per day. It was concluded that the inclusion of vit. E and Se yeast supplemented with Larg enhanced the laying performance and egg quality attributes of guinea fowl. Further studies should be conducted using other poultry species such as turkey, quail and broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Animal Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

One of the major pollutants generated from guinea fowl farms and slaughterhouses is guinea fowl feather (GFF) wastes. Chicken feathers are an important substrate for removing aqueous pollutants due to their structural characteristics, but the application of GFFs for such purposes has not been elucidated. This study was carried out to determine the potential of raw as well as chemically and physically pretreated GFFs in the bioremediation of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) from aqueous solutions and the subsequent biodegradation of Cu- and Zn-laden GFFs using free and immobilized heavy-metal-tolerant bacteria. Using atomic adsorption spectrometry, the ability of treated and untreated GFFs to adsorb Cu and Zn was determined, and the generated heavy-metal-laden GFFs were degraded using Pseudochrobactrum sp. IY-BUK1. The results revealed that under optimized conditions, acetone and autoclave pretreatment enhanced Cu and Zn removal by 40% within 6 h when compared with raw GFFs. Similarly, complete biodegradation of Cu- and Zn-laden GFFs was achieved at pH 8, with 2% inoculum size, and at 25EC using IY-BUK1 in 7 days. Upon optimization of physical and nutritional conditions, using one factor at a time and response surface methodology, the maximum keratinase activity was achieved at 30EC, with 3% inoculum size and 3.5% polluted GFF concentration in 3 h. The degradation and keratinase activity were further enhanced by 50% by the immobilization of Pseudochrobactrum sp. IY-BUK1 cells compared with free cells. Thus, GFFs can act as good biosorbents, and together with IY-BUK1, the use of GFFs can be an alternative approach to dispose of GFFs, thus preventing environmental pollution via bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Photoperiodic treatments have been of practical interest in controlling seasonality of reproduction in poultry. Melatonin is responsible for transmission of important photoperiodic signals that regulate reproduction. However, there are limited research on the effect of photic (artificial light) stimulation and melatonin on the sperm cellular characteristics in avian reproduction. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine, the effect of combined influence of varying photoperiodic treatments and exogenous melatonin (Mel) administration on sperm parameters in helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Method: A total of forty-two (42) sexually-matured helmeted guinea fowls were randomly assigned into six (6) photoperiodic regimes; [Group I: short daylight (SD; 8 HL (hour of light (HL) Group II: SD+1mg/kg Mel; 8 HL+ Mel), Group III: regular daylight (RD; 12 HL), Group IV: (RD+1mg/kg; 12 HL+ Mel), Group V: long daylight (LD; 16 HL) and Group VI: (LD+1mg/kg; 16 HL+Mel)] of seven birds (n=7) per group. After 60 days of experimentation, assessment of spermatozoa morphology, motility, concentration and sperm cell live-dead ratio was done. Results: Microscopic evidence revealed that percentage sperm abnormalities were significantly reduced in 16HL +Mel group, compared to other treatment groups. Conversely, the spermatozoa concentration, motility and live-dead ratio were significantly higher (p <0.05) in guinea fowl exposed to 16 HL and exogenously treated with Mel, compared to other groups. Significance: The findings of this study has shown that long photoperiod (16HL) and exogenous melatonin administration remarkably influence the sperm parameters in the exposed helmeted guinea fowl. Hence, guinea fowl breeders could optimize the semen output by the approach regardless of the season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improving the reproductive performance of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) based on the management of environmental factors is important for developing meleagriculture. Thus, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary crude protein levels and photoperiod during the 12th to 26th wk of age on growth performance, calcium and phosphorus mobilization, and fertility of local Pearl Gray male guinea fowl. In total, 120 twelve-week-old male guinea fowl were divided into 3 groups with 8 replicates each and 5 birds per replicate using a completely random design. The experimental groups included: a group fed a diet containing 15% crude protein and subjected to 16 h of light and 8 h of darkness (16LL), a group fed a diet containing 19% crude protein and subjected to 16 h of light and 8 h of darkness (16HL), and a group fed a diet containing 15% crude protein and subjected to 18 h of light and 6 h of darkness (18LL) during the 12th to 26th wk of age. The results showed that guinea fowl in the 16HL treatment had a significantly (P = 0.003) lower feed conversion ratio than those in the 16LL and 18LL groups. Calcium and phosphorus levels in the tibia and femur were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in guinea fowl of the 16HL and 18LL groups than in that of the 16LL group. Birds in the 16HL and 18LL treatments had significantly higher peripheral testosterone levels (P < 0.00001) than those in the 16LL treatment. The 16HL and 18LL treatments had significantly higher (P < 0.05) sperm volume, sperm concentration and motility, and fertility rate than the 16LL group. Therefore, a decrease in crude protein level from 19 to 15% in the diet of male guinea fowl between the 12th and 26th wk of age negatively affects the growth performance and fertility of these birds, but this is corrected by an increase in the photoperiod before sexual maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a guinea fowl jumping robot with a one-axis momentum wheel mechanism with a passive hallux model. The Guinea fowl jumping robot was able to perform stable vertical jumping due to the linkage structure designed as a passive hallux model. Furthermore, we used the one-axis momentum wheel mechanism in the jumping robot for making the compact balance control mechanism that can control the body angle of the robot. Through the experiment, the conventional jumping robot uses the inertial tail to adjust the body angle in the air for stable landing and jumping. However, in the case of an inertial tail, it has a large volume and has a disadvantage in that stability is highly reduced when it collides with obstacles due to the shape of the inertial tail. Moreover, we performed a theoretical analysis, simulation, and experiment to verify the performance of the momentum wheel mechanism, and we confirmed that the passive hallux structure contributed to the jumping stability. Besides, we proved that the momentum wheel could adequately land on the ground by adjusting the body angle after vertical jumping. In addition, we demonstrated that the stability of the momentum wheel is higher than the inertial tail through collision simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guinea fowl breeding for meat production is widespread across Europe and the USA. For hatcheries to achieve their output potentials, they need in-depth knowledge about incubation techniques and guinea fowl embryonic development. The aim of this study was to provide updated quantitative data on the developing meat-type strain embryo and to describe its embryonic growth pattern in terms of embryonic weight modelled using Gompertz and logistic functions. Eggs from a 56-week-old genetically controlled flock (Galor S.A.S., Amboise, France) were individually weighed and incubated according to good hatchery practices. 10 embryos were randomly removed every 12 h through to hour 192 of incubation, and thereafter every 24 h. Incubation traits, blastoderm diameter, vitelline circulation diameter, and embryo body weight were recorded, and the mean daily wet embryo-specific mass was calculated. During each session, photographic documentation of the embryos was also obtained, including a general view of the egg content as well as the isolated embryonic body. Embryonic growth curves were estimated using Gompertz and logistic functions, and their parameters are given. High fertility (96%) and hatchability (81%) rates were observed, and the mean keet weight was 32 g at hatch. The accuracy of the curve fit was high for both models. The curves’ inflection points occurred on days 21 and 23 for the logistic and Gompertz models, respectively, demonstrating an embryonic growth pattern typical of a precocial bird species. A photographic chart of the in-ovo chronological development of guinea fowl is provided.HIGHLIGHTS The study follows the incubation and embryonic development of meat-type guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Daily photographic images and graphical growth models of body weight document the birds’ embryonic development. The results provide effective practical help for hatchery practices by enabling the determination of embryo age.

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.

The proximate composition and mineral contents of eggs from quail (Coturnix japonica) turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) commercial chicken (Gallus domesticus), local chicken (Gallus domesticus) guinea fowl, (Numida meleagris) and duck (Cairina moschata) obtained in Minna, Nigeria were studied. Standard laboratory procedures were used in determining the nutrients and mineral compositions of the egg samples. The local chicken eggs had significantly higher crude fat (11.73 ± 0.18%), ash (1.38 ± 0.01%), zinc (3.23 ± 0.11 mg/100 g), and manganese (0.44 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) contents, it also showed the lowest phosphorus (120.00 ± 3.50 mg/100 g, iron (19.70 ± 0.60 mg/100 g) and vitamin A concentration (1.62 ± 0.59 × 103 µg/L). Quail egg had the highest (p < 0.05) vitamin A (4.16 ± 0.16 × 103 µg/L) and protein (13.49 ± 0.33%) contents. The moisture content was significantly higher in guinea fowl eggs (80.28 ± 0.41%) than in others. The outcome of this study indicated that some eggs which are seemingly underutilised may provide an enormous supply of nutrients needed for adequate human nutrition and health. Hence, if properly exploited they may substantially improve the quality of diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]