Author/Authors :
U. K، Oke نويسنده Department of Animal Breeding and Physiology, College of Animal Science and Animal production , , C. A، Ariwodo نويسنده Animal Production and Improvement Programme. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State Nigeria , , U، Herbert نويسنده Animal Production and Improvement Programme. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State Nigeria , , S. N، Ukachukwu نويسنده Animal Production and Improvement Programme. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State Nigeria , , I. A، Ukwueni نويسنده Animal Production and Improvement Programme. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State Nigeria , , A. H، Akinmutimi نويسنده Animal Production and Improvement Programme. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State Nigeria , , I. I، Ezeigbo نويسنده Animal Production and Improvement Programme. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State Nigeria , , D. O، Chukwu نويسنده Animal Production and Improvement Programme. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State Nigeria ,
Abstract :
The study was conducted to investigate the effect of egg size groupings from which keets were hatched had on the fertility, hatchability and early growth traits of two varieties of guinea fowl (Pearl and Lavender). The different egg sizes were in categories A (25g-36g), B (37g-47g) with corresponding average hatch weight of 26.19g and 31.67g respectively. A total of 360 day old keets of the two varieties generated from a base population of 120 adult guinea fowl were used in a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design. Parameters measured include percent fertility and hatchability of the eggs, number of dead in shell, number of keets emerged, number piped, linear body traits and efficiency of production. Results showed that birds hatched from egg size group B had better fertility and hatchability in the two varieties. It was noted that fertility and hatchability were low at first batch of the eggs set and increased thereafter with Lavender guinea fowl having better fertility and hatchability. Result indicates significant difference in feed intake (FI) between egg size groupings and between guinea fowl varieties at week 5. Birds in egg size group B had significantly (P < 0.05) heavier keets than in group A. Birds from egg size group B had lesser (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio than those from egg size group A suggesting that group B are more efficient in converting feed mass into increased body mass. Body weight showed significant (P < 0.05) difference between the egg size grouping from 3 to 9 weeks, with B grouping showing higher values throughout the experimental period. However, no significant difference (P > 0.05) was noted in percent mortality and linear body traits. Body girth at week 3 and 9 showed significant difference P < 0.05) between egg size grouping suggesting a high positive correlation between the two traits. It may be concluded that guinea fowl hatched from larger eggs have higher body weight and better production performance than those from smaller egg sizes. Breeders should select egg sizes of 37-47g for breeding in the humid tropics.
