Abstract:
Little scientific research has been carried out on local Guinea fowls to estimate
average values of traits and effects of genetic and environmental factors on these
traits. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of strain and non genetic factors on growth, reproduction, egg quality 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 campus, Ghana, from 2015 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 to estimate average values of traits. Data were analysed with
the General Linear Procedure (GLM) of SAS. Results obtained showed that parental
generation was significantly(p<0.05) higher than the first filial generation in 6 months
body weight, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The female birds had
significantly (p<0.05) better 6 months weight, daily weight gain and daily feed intake
than the male birds. The strains of the birds significantly (p<0.05) influenced the
growth indicators. Lavender strain had the highest (240.57±9.73) total weight gain
compared to black (214.65±12.64), white (212.75±15.06) and pearl (207.265±7.1)
strains. Parental generation (37.9±3.98) had significantly (p<0.05) better egg weight
than the first filial generation (37.64±0.93). Hatchability and fertility were
significantly (p<0.05) influenced by strain of birds. Pearl had the highest (66.77±1.93)
fertility than black (59.36±4.8), lavender (58.11±3.75) and white (56.83±4.59). The
highest (27.29±2.05) hatchability was recorded by pearl, followed by black
(25.73±5.09), lavender (18.83±3.98) and white (12.5±4.89). Parental generation birds
(13.7±0.24) had significantly (p<0.05) better yolk weights than first filial generations
birds (13.2±0.21). White strains had significantly (p<0.05) 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. The interaction of sex and strain had significant (p<0.05) influence on live,
heart and intestine weights. Strain had significantly (p<0.05) influence on moisture
and carbohydrate. In conclusion, the genetics (strains) and non-genetics factors (Sex,
season and generation) influence the growth, reproductive, egg quality and carcass
quality of local guinea fowl, hence the effects of these factors must be considered in
genetic selection of indigenous Guinea fowls.
Description:
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES, UNIVERSITY
OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA, IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE OF MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY (M.PHIL) IN ANIMAL
SCIENCE (ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS)
JULY, 2016