Protein Requirements for Growing Indigenous Guinea Fowls (Numida Meleagris) in the Humid Tropical Zone of Ghana

Abstract

This study was undertaken to assess the dietary crude protein (CP) concentrations required by growing indigenous guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) for optimum growth performance. One hundred and eighty (180) nine-week old pearl guinea fowl growers were randomly assigned to experimental diets with 160, 180, 200 and 220 g/kg CP, from 9 to 27 weeks of age for the growing phase in a complete randomized design (CRD). Rations used in the experiment were isocaloric, having ME of 12.30 MJ/ kg. Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times, a pre-weighed amount of feed was given and water was provided ad libitum. Feed consumption was measured daily and body weight measured weekly. Mortality was recorded as and when it occurred. Other parameters measured included haematological and biochemical analysis, carcass parameters, age and weight at first lay and weight of first egg. Results show that diets containing 160 g/kg crude protein for growing guinea fowls is ideal for optimum growth performance and production.