Growth and carcass performances of guinea fowls reared under intensive system in Benin

Several local guinea fowl varieties continued to be reared in extensive systems in Benin, even though productivity remains low. Improving rearing conditions through feeding and housing may enhance local guinea fowls productivity in Benin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to verify growth and carcass performances of five (Common, Bonaparte, Grey, White and Black) local guinea fowl varieties under intensive management conditions. At birth, 36 keets (young guinea fowls) of each identified variety were randomly divided into six batches and reared up to 16 weeks old under the same feeding and housing conditions. Body weights were recorded up to week 15. At week 16, carcass measurements were also taken.
Growth performances and carcass measurements (morphological and visceral) differed among guinea fowl varieties. The heaviest body weight was observed in Common (832±24g) and the lowest in Black variety (698±39g). Highest carcass yield was observed in Grey variety. Liver weight, intestine length and caecum length were highest in Bonaparte variety. Gizzard weight and thigh proportion were highest in Common variety. Breast weight and breast proportion were highest in Grey guinea fowls. Body weight was moderately correlated with drumstick length, body length, wing size, tarsus diameter, thigh length and thorax circumference (range r = 0.34-0.60). The phenotypic variability and its impact on the characterization of these varieties implies that they are genetically different strains, supporting the hypothesis that the guinea fowl population in Benin presents opportunities for genetic improvement.