Influence of strain on some production traits, egg characteristics, fertility and hatchability of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in Togo

The study was conducted to determine the influence of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) strains on some production traits, egg characteristics and reproduction traits. A total of 192 guinea fowls of 38 weeks of age, from the four feather colors (Pearl, Isabelle, Lavender and Black) were alloted into 4 crossing groups with three replicates of 16 birds each including 4 males and 12 females. Data were collected during 12 weeks on the following parameters: feed intake (Fi), hen egg production (HEP), egg weight (EW), albumen weight (AW), yolk weight (YW), shell weight (SW), egg length (EL), egg width (EWd), shell thickness (STk), egg fertility and hatchability. The data collected were analysed using ANOVA test of R 4.0.1 software while the difference among the strains were estimated with Tukey’s test. The results indicated that the Pearl (40.27g) and the Black (41.13g) had recorded the highest egg weight and the higher egg length was attributed to the Pearl, the Black and the Lavender strain with the value of 48.93 mm, 49.91 mm and 49.05 mm respectively. Isabelle strain recorded the best HEP (63.49 %). For the reproduction traits the Pearl and the Isabelle strains had obtained the highiest fertility with 82.77 % and 73.75 % respectively. The others parameters were not significantly influenced by the strain. In conclusion the Pearl and the Isabelle would be the best strains to improve guinea fowls reproductive traits in Togo.