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

This study was undertaken to assess the dietary crude protein (CP) concentrations required by laying indigenous guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) for optimum growth performance. One hundred and twenty (120) twenty-eight weeks old pearl guinea fowl layers were randomly assigned to experimental diets with 150, 160, 170 and 180 g/kg CP, from 28 to 36 weeks of age for the laying 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, percent hatchability, egg weight, yolk weight, albumin weight, shell weight and shell thickness. Results show that diets containing 180 g/kg crude protein for laying guinea fowls is ideal for optimum growth performance and production.