Carcass Characteristics of Guinea Fowl Raised under Intensive System and Fed Diets Containing Yellow Maize, Millet and White Sorghum as Energy Sources

This study investigated carcass characteristics of guinea fowl reared under intensive system and fed diets containing yellow maize, millet and white sorghum as energy sources compared to commercial broiler diets (control). A completely randomized design was used where 160 guinea fowl keets were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. Data were analyzed using Procedure General Linear Model in Statistical Analysis Software (version 9.0). Results showed that dietary treatment did not (p > 0.05) influence carcass characteristics of guinea fowl at the same age. However, carcass characteristics significantly (p < 0.05) increased with age. From 6 to 16 weeks of age carcass dressed weight of guinea fowl increased from 301.73 ± 9.49 g to 1003.65 ± 26.77 g;288.18 ± 9.49 g to 952.58 ± 26.77 g;305.00 ± 9.49 g to 976.55 ± 26.77 and 292.81 ± 9.49 g to 970.08 ± 26.77 g for control, maize, millet and sorghum diets, respectively. Carcass yield slightly increased from 69.93% ± 3.67% to 72.81% ± 2.67%;73.85% ± 3.67% to 76.31% ± 2.67% and 70.55% ± 3.67% to 72.37% ± 2.67% for control, millet and sorghum diets, respectively. Carcass yield of guinea fowl on maize diet decreased with age (76.18 ± 3.67 to 71.68 ± 2.67). Other parameters including empty gizzard, heart, liver, drumstick, thigh, back and breast increased with guinea fowl age for all the dietary treatments. Maize, sorghum or millet diets can be used in guinea fowl diets without affecting carcass characteristics. Further studies on the acceptance of meat by consumers and cost-benefit analysis of the dietary treatments should be conducted to enable formulation of guinea fowl diets using local feed resources.

Contemporary Currents in Japanese Machizukuri (Citizens Collaborative Community Improvements and Management) and Their Socio-Cultural Meanings

This paper studies the contemporary attempts of Japanese Machizukuri,Citizens Collaborative Community Improvement and Management,and their socio-cultural meanings in order to shed light on the sustainable planning approaches dealing with population ageing and decreasing.In recent years,as response measures for non-physical local issues such as environmental problems and welfare,and with the aim of further enhancing community-centred planning capabilities against a background of decentralisation in various fields and the establishment of civic society,new cooperative/collaborative-style planning theory is being deployed.Through this process,community improvement and management is becoming deeper,in terms of technology,systems,and technique.The study attempts to find out a solution to real-world problems-how to construct a comprehensive planning theory based on spatial and social challenges arising in modern civic communities,with local resources,social capital and systems that have resulted from such issues.It also seeks to show how to achieve a vision for the city as a whole by mutually compiling individual community improvement and management scenarios and programs,based on the autonomous determination and future vision of the organisations and residents that play leading roles in the community.