Analysis of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among red jungle fowls and Chinese domestic fowls

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among 568 individuals of two red jungle fowl subspe- cies (Gallus gallus spadiceus in China and Gallus gallus gallus in Thailand) and 14 Chinese domestic chicken breeds were evaluated with 29 microstaellite loci, the genetic variability within population and genetic differentiation among population were estimated, and then genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships were analyzed among red jungle fowls and Chinese domestic fowls. A total of 286 alleles were detected in 16 population with 29 microsatellite markers and the average number of the alleles observed in 29 microsatellite loci was 9.86±6.36. The overall expected heterozygosity of all population was 0.6708±0.0251, and the number of population deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium per locus ranged from 0 to 7. In the whole population, the average of genetic differentiation among population, measured as FST value, was 16.7% (P<0.001), and all loci contributed significantly (P<0.001) to this differentiation. It can also be seen that the deficit of heterozygotes was very high (0.015) (P<0.01). Reynolds' distance values varied between 0.036 (Xiaoshan chicken-Luyuan chicken pair) and 0.330 (G. gallus gallus-Gushi chicken pair). The Nm value ranged from 0.533 (between G. gallus gallus and Gushi chicken) to 5.833 (between Xiaoshan chicken and Luyuan chicken). An unrooted consensus tree was constructed using the neighbour-joining method and the Reynolds' genetic distance. The heavy-body sized chicken breeds, Luyuan chicken, Xiaoshan chicken, Beijing Fatty chicken, Henan Game chicken, Huainan Partridge and Langshan chicken formed one branch, and it had a close genetic relationship between Xiaoshan chicken-Luyuan chicken pair and Chahua chicken-Tibetan chicken pair. Chahua chicken and Tibetan chicken had closer genetic relationship with these two subspecies of red jungle fowl than other domestic chicken breeds. G. gallus spadiceus showed closer phylogenetic relationship with Chinese domestic chicken breeds than G. gallus gallus. All 29 microstaellite loci in this study showed high levels of polymorphism and significant genetic differentiation was observed among two subspecies of red jungle fowl and 14 Chinese domestic chicken breeds. The evolutional dendrogram is as follows: evolutional breeds→primitive breeds (Chahua chicken and Tibetan)→red jungle fowl in China (G. gallus spadiceus)→red jungle fowl in Thailand (G. gallus gallus). The results supported the theory that the domestic fowls might originate from different subspecies of red jungle fowl and Chinese domestic fowls had independent origin.

Morphometric Assessment of Common Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) in Cameroon

A survey was conducted in the Sudano-Sahelian, High Savannah, and Western Highlands agroecological zones of Cameroon to assess the morphometric features and to determine the population structure of the native common guinea fowl breed. A total of 1021 adult common guinea fowls were sampled in the dominant pastoral production system. The main results showed that there was a phenotypic variability (p < 0.01) of the morphometric characteristics of common guinea fowls with a dominance of pearl gray coloring of the plumage (23.02%), bluish red barbels (29.09%), black eyes (36.04%) and tarsi (39.18%). The development of the barbels and the shape of the comb are determinants of the sex (p < 0.01), as well as the live weight which presents a dimorphism in favor of the females (p < 0.01). The average measurements (in cm) were: Crest height (2.07 ± 0.03), Crest length (2.79 ± 0.03), Barbel length (3.35 ± 0.04), Barbel height (2.28 ± 0.02), Spout length (2.11 ± 0.01), Caruncle length (0.69 ± 0.01), Baleen length (4.32 ± 0.04), Chest circumference (31.81 ± 0.99), Wing length (25.99 ± 0.18), wingspan (41.82 ± 0.32), Thigh diameter (9.17 ± 0.10), Thigh length (11.30 ± 0.07), Tarsus length (6.62 ± 0.04), Tarsus diameter (1.20 ± 0.07), Body length (40.13 ± 0.15), and Live weight (1.68 ± 0.02 kg). The highest positive correlation (r < 0.70) was observed between thigh and ridge length. The PCR revealed that three (3) components (F1, F2 and F3) make it possible to better explain phenotypic variability (50.21%). The variables that contributed most to the explanation of the observed total variability are the length of the crest (0.70%), the beak (0.61%), the wattle (0.70%), the body (0.44%), the wing (0.35%), thigh (0.68%), tarsus (0.29%) and wing span (0.41%) for the main component F1 while the F2 and F3 components mainly concern the length of the barbel (0.43%) and the height of the crest (0.48%) respectively. The F1 factor constitutes the most discriminating variable (89.40%). The AFD and the CAH made it possible to detect 03 sub-populations (T1, T2, and T3) which can be grouped into 2 subgroups on the basis of intra/inter population variations and genetic distances. Morphometric assessment coupled with genomics would increase the efficiency of selection, improvement, and conservation of common guinea fowl in Cameroun.

Indigenous Breeding Practices in Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) as Influenced by Plumage Features in Northern Cameroon

The objective of this work was to draw up an inventory of environmental and anthropogenic factors linked to indigenous breeding practices of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) influenced by plumage characteristics. The information was collected using the snowball technique and using a formal questionnaire developed (AU-IBAR, 2015). The dominant plumage is pearl gray with a frequency of 38.89% followed by black (13.85%). In total, 154 adult animals were lost by operators with a frequency of 22.95%. According to plumage, white comes first with a frequency of 51.61% followed by Lavender plumage (36.58%). Predation is the major constraint with a frequency of 35.72%. The guinea fowl most targeted by predators are the white guinea fowl with a frequency of 56.25%, while predation is low for black plumage (25%), royal purple (33.34) and pearl gray (34.69). The pearl gray guinea fowl and the royal purple guinea fowl appear to have a more developed wild instinct, which explains the frequency of recorded escapes. White plumage is perceived as being more docile during breeding and tends to exhibit better resistance to heat stress compared to other phenotypes, making it more valued for traditional rituals. Dark plumage seems more sought after in breeding for its supposed prolificacy, its resistance to infections and its weight. According to breeders, the dominance relationship mainly depends on the number of individuals of the same plumage. Dark plumage in significant numbers in most flocks seems to have dominance in terms of food and choice of sexual partners, which would explain their large numbers.

Studies on the Inactivated Oil Emulsion Binary Vaccine against Newcastle Disease and Fowl Cholera(Ⅲ)——Safety and Immune Efficacy Test of Vaccine on Duck and Goose

[Objective] The aim of this study is to provide theoretical basis for immunizing waterfowls(duck and goose)with the inactivated oil emulsion binary vaccine against Newcastle Disease(ND)and Fowl Cholera(FC).[Method]Bacterial liquid from solid culture media inoculated avian Pasteurella multocida(APM)type A and allantoic fluid from embryonic eggs infected with Newcastle Disease Virus(NDV)attenuated strain La Sota were mixed and inactivated by formalin to prepare 5 batches of inactivated oil emulsion binary vaccine,which were then used for the safety and immune efficacy test on duck and goose.[Result]Immunized ducks and geese didn't performed any adverse reactions in the safety test of the 5 batches of vaccine;the immune efficacy test showed that ND-HI antibody titers of ducks and geese were no less than 4 log2 three weeks after inoculation,and the protection rates against NDV and APM were 100% and 66.7%-83.3%,respectively.[Conclusion]The binary vaccine against ND and FC is safe and reliable for duck and goose,and can provide them with sufficient immunity protection against ND and FC.

Study on Inactivated Vaccine in Oil Emulsion Against Newcastle Disease and Fowl Cholera IV——Field Test of Vaccine

[ Objective] The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of the inactivated vaccine in oil emulsion against Newcastle disease and Fowl cholera, and provide conditions for combined prevention and control of Newcastle disease and Fowl cholera. [ Method] The mixture of avian pasteurella multocida （type A） virulent strain 1502 and Newcastle disease virus attenuated strain La Sota was prepared into five batches of the inactivated vaccine in oil emulsion to use in the field test for assessing its safety and effects on immune protection of chicken, duck and goose. [ Result] The field safety test showed that there was no adverse reaction in the vaccinated chickens, ducks and geese. The field test of immune effect for chickens suggested that the titers of hemagglutination inhibition antibody for Nescastle disease virus （ ND-HI ） in 7 - 14 day- old chickens and 60 -90 day-old young chickens were 2 -3 log2 higher than the control group after being vaccinated for 3 weeks, which could last for more than 4 months. The protection rate against avian pasteurella multocida was over 75.0% and its immune effect could last for 6 months. The field test of immune effect for duck and goose indicated that the titers of ND-HI antibody were all higher than 4.2 log2 in vaccinated ducks and geese while lower than 2 log2 in the control group after being vaccinated for 3 weeks. The protection rate against avian pasteurella multocida in vaccinated ducks and geese was higher than 75.0% and 62.5% respectively. [ Conclusion] The binary vaccine is safe for poultry and has good immune effects.

扩展OWL处理模糊知识

为了解决模糊Ontology的表示和推理问题,本文结合网络本体语言OWL的特点,在模糊描述逻辑的基础上,构建了RDF/XML式的模糊算子和公理．用来表达Ontology中的模糊概念和模糊声明；提出了OWL到模糊算子的转换规则,统一了模糊Ontology中确定知识的表示方法．最后,利用新增模糊词汇和转换规则解决了视频提取领域的模糊知识表示和推理任务．

香蕉枯萎病菌Fow1基因的克隆及序列分析

为了解Fow1基因在尖镰刀菌古巴专化型侵染香蕉过程中的作用,及其与尖镰刀菌古巴专化型生理小种1号和生理小种4号之间的致病力差异的关系,采用PCR和RT-PCR方法扩增了2个生理小种的Fow1基因,并对扩增产物进行了克隆测序及相似序列搜索和比对,还对基因编码的蛋白进行了结构预测和功能分析。研究结果表明2个生理小种Fow1基因开放阅读框均为957bp,编码318个氨基酸,基因序列和氨基酸序列差异小,而且两个生理小种Fow1基因所编码的蛋白均具有酵母线粒体载体蛋白典型的结构特征,推测Fow1基因可能为香蕉枯萎病菌在香蕉组织中定殖所必需。从Fow1基因序列及其编码蛋白的氨基酸序列看,2个生理小种致病力的差异与Fow1基因并无明显对应关系,这为进一步研究Fow1基因功能奠定了基础。

Baculovirus-expressed FAdV-4 penton base protein protects chicken against hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome

Hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome(HHS)is an infectious disease caused by fowl adenovirus serotype 4(FAdV-4).Several structural and non-structural proteins of FAdV-4 have been expressed in Escherichia coli and baculovirus expression system to develop candidate subunit vaccines.However,the protective efficiency of baculovirus-expressed penton base protein has not been assessed.In this study,two recombinant capsid proteins,penton base and fiber-2,were constructed.And then,penton base and fiber-2 were administrated alone or together to specific pathogen-free(SPF)chickens at 14 days of life and boosted at 28 days of life.At 42 days of life,the immunized groups and the control group were challenged with FAdV-4 virulent strain.Results show that inoculating penton base or penton base+fiber-2 provided 100%protection to the chickens.All groups vaccinated with the recombinant protein produced detectable antibodies and showed no apparent lesions.Thus,baculovirus-expressed penton base protein is a promising candidate subunit vaccine.

Polymorphism in Mitochondrial DNA of Six Fowl Breeds Revealed by Restriction Endonuclease

The patterns of cleavage of mtDNA by restriction endonucleases was analysed for six fowl breeds and of. Hyline White, Hyline Brown, ISA Brown, Hisex Brown, Lohmann White, Abor Acres and mtDNA polymorphisms were detected in the restriction patterns with the following eight enzymes, Ava Ⅰ, Ava Ⅱ, EcoR Ⅰ, Hind Ⅲ, Bam HI, Pvu Ⅱ, Pst Ⅰ, Hinc Ⅱ. The restriction cleavage patterns were identical among these breeds. Hyline White, Hyline Brown, ISA Brown, Hisex Brown, Lohmann White—A type. The patterns of Abor Acres were B type. Based on their mtDNA restriction types, all the breeds were classified into two groups. Genetic distances among these groups were calculated in order to define their phylogenetic relationships. The relationship among five egg line breeds is close, while Abor Acres (Broiler fowl) is relatively far from them. The results suggest that the difference of mtDNA could result from the different origins. The polymorphic sites in mtDNA of Hyline White has been located on a restriction map.

Molecular Characterization of Peruvian Fowl Adenovirus (FAdV) Isolates

Forty seven clinical samples of Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) associated with Inclusion Body Hepatitis (IBH) from Peruvian broilers received between July 2006 and April 2013 were genotyped using sequencing of L1 Loop of Hexon gene. All 47 clinical samples presented macroscopic and histopathology lesions consistent with IBH, and amplified a specific fragment of Hexon gene by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). A unique nucleotide sequence of 789 base pairs of Hexon gene (position 273 to 1061) was obtained in all 47 clinical samples analyzed. This sequence showed a high level of conservation in amino acid and nucleotide sequence (>99%) with a Fowl Adenovirus C serotype 4 previously identified. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicate no genotypic variation in Peruvian isolates. The presence of a unique genotype very closely related with genotype C1 previously reported in Peru and Ecuador (>99%), suggests the presence of FAdV C serotype 4 genotype C1 in clinical cases of IBH from Peruvian broilers.

Aluminum-Magnesium Silicate enhances release of virions of cultured <i>Fowl Pox Virus</i>and inhibits the virus

Antiviral effects of a synthetic Aluminum-Magnesium Silicate (AMS) were tested on Fowl Pox Virus (FPV). Five batches of the Nigerian brand of FPV vaccine were used as sources of the virus. The reconstituted vaccines were mixed with The Synthetic AMS on equal volume to weight basis and incubated at room temperature for one hour. They were centrifuged for 10 minutes at 2000 revolutions per minute. The incubation and centrifugation were repeated on a portion of each vaccine supernatant. The two sets of supernatants were tested by the Modified Passive Haemagglutination test, for FPV titres. Portions of the vaccines, not incubated with the AMS, were served as controls. Fowl Pox Virus titres of the vaccines increased from a mean of 2.8 ± 1.10 to 11.2 ± 4.38 when incubated with the AMS once. When incubation with the AMS was repeated, the titres reduced (P< 0.05) to zero in each sample.

STUDY ON CONSTITUTIVE RELATIONSHIP OF Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Cr-4Mo ALLOY AND SIMULATION OF HOT FORMING PROCESSES

In the present research, artificial artificial networks hare be applied to establish the constitutive rela- tionship model of Ti - 5Al - 2Sn - 2Zr - 4Mo - 4Cr (wt - % ) alloy. In the first stage of the re- search, an isothermal compressive experiment using Thermecmastor - Z hot simulator is studied to ac- quire the flow stress at different deformation temperature,equivalent strain and equivalent strain rate. Then,a feed - forward neural network is trained by using the experimental data.After the training process is finished, the neural networks become a knowledge-based constitutive relationship system. Comparison of the predicted and experimental results results shows that the neural network model has good le- arning precision and good generalization.The neural neural network methods are found to show much better agreement than existing methods with the experiment data, and have the advantage of being able to deal with noisy for or data with strong non - linear reationships. At last, this model can be aused to simulate the flow behavior of Ti - 5Al - 2Sn - 2Zr - 4Mo - 4Ca alloy.

Establishment of Indirect ELISA Method for Detection of Penton Protein of Fowl Adenovirus GroupⅠ

[ Objective] To establish an indirect ELISA method which can detect fowl adenovirus group I （FAVI） antibody easily and rapidly. [ Method] The expressed and purified FAVI penton recombinant protein was used to be an antigen, optimized the reaction conditions, and then estab- lished the FAVI indirect penton-ELISA antibody detection method. [ Result] The optimal coating concentration of antigen was 1.5 μg/hole, the opti- mal coating condition was 37℃ 2 h and 4 ℃ overnight; the optimal dilution of serum was 1：100; the optimal working concentration of anti-chicken IgG-HRP was 1：2 000; the positive and negative critical value of ELISA was 0.335. Detected the 100 chicken serum samples by the established penton-ELISA method, the positive rate was 41%. [ Conclusion] Through the study, ~e established penton-ELISA method has a good specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility. And it offers an effective tool for the diagnosis of FAVI, the survey of antibody and epidemiology survey.

Comparative Laying Performance, Egg Quality, Fertility and Hatchability of Guinea Fowl with Tilili, Horro and Potchefstroom Koekoek Chicken Breeds

A study was conducted to compare laying performance, fertility, hatchability, and egg quality of guinea fowl (GF) with Horro (HR) and Tilili (TL) local chicken and Potchefstroom Koekoek (PK) exotic chicken. Forty five layers from each genotype and 6 cocks from each chicken genotype and 9 cocks from GF were used in 3 replications in a completely randomized design. Commercial layer feed was used ad libitum for the study that lasted 29 weeks. Daily DM intake per hen was 85, 114, 103 and 137 g (SEM = 3.1) for GF, HR, TL and PK, respectively, and was in the order of GF < TL < HR < PK. Final body weight of hens was highest for PK (2490 g), intermediate for HR (1983 g) and lowest for TL (1671 g) and GF (1641 g). Egg number per production week followed a similar trend like that of DM intake and was 71, 101, 75 and 121 (SEM = 0.5) for GF, HR, TL and PK, respectively. Both fertility and hatchability of fertile eggs for GF were 57%, which were lower than the mean of chicken genotypes by 41% and 34%, respectively. Embryonic mortality was higher for GF (early, middle and late was 15.8%, 10.0%. and 17.4% respectively) compared to chicken genotypes. Chick weight was highest for PK, intermediate for HR and TL and lowest for GF;while chick length was in the order of PK > HR > TL > GF. Average egg weight was higher for PK eggs (46.4 g), intermediate for HR (43.5 g) and TL (42.3 g), and lowest for GF (35.9 g). Eggshell weight and thickness were higher for GF than chicken genotypes. Haugh unit was similar among genotypes. Such differences among poultry genotypes could be reflection of previous selection and breeding interventions, which are apparently more in chicken genotypes than GF. A possible more stressful condition of the confined environment for GF versus chicken genotypes could have also contributed to such differences. This study highlighted the need of implementing future selection and breeding schemes to improve the performance of GF and TL birds to the level achieved by other genotypes.

Comparison of Nutritional Composition of Bird Egg Varieties Found in Southern Nigeria: A Preliminary Study

This study was aimed at comparing nutrient composition of some bird eggs in their raw and boiled forms. The different varieties were exotic chicken, local chicken, turkey, quail and guinea fowl eggs. The eggs were shelled and their contents (boiled and raw) lyophilized. Standard AOAC methods were used for determination of proximate, mineral and vitamin compositions. Results showed the boiled eggs having higher nutrient concentrations than the raw eggs across all species. Guinea fowl egg had significantly higher (p < 0.05) content of protein, fat and most micronutrients. The eggs were rich in microelements, with guinea fowl egg having the best sodium-potassium ratio (0.66). Turkey eggs had significantly (p < 0.05) higher iron content in the raw and boiled samples (7.2 ± 0.09 mg/100g and 9.6 mg/100g, respectively). This study showed some “less-popular”/underutilized eggs having certain nutrients in significantly greater quantities;hence exploiting these may greatly improve diet quality and nutritional status of consumers.

Isolation,Identification and Immunogenicity of a Chicken-derived Strain of Fowl Avidenovirus Type 4

In order to obtain a fowl avidenovirus type 4 strain with good immunogenicity,chicken liver tissues suspected of adenovirus infection in a chicken farm in Binzhou were treated and then inoculated to chicken liver hepatocellular carcinoma cells(LMH).The cell cultures were extracted for DNA,which was subjected to PCR identification and sequencing analysis,and animal regression test and immunogenicity test were also carried out.The results showed that one fowl avidenovirus strain was successfully isolated.The isolated strain was inoculated to LMH cells,and the first generation showed obvious cytopathic changes.The PCR identification result of the 8^(th)generation cell culture of the isolated virus strain on LMH cells was positive.The sequencing result and NCBI sequence alignment analysis showed that the isolated virus strain had the highest nucleotide similarity with fowl avidenovirus type 4,reaching 100%,indicating that the isolated strain was of fowl avidenovirus type 4.The strain could cause the death of 21-day-old SPF chickens,with a mortality rate of 100%,and could completely replicate the same symptoms as clinically infected chickens after being challenged.The three batches of oil vaccine prepared with the isolated strain had a protection rate of 100%,and the geometric mean values of serum agar expansion titers were 1∶4.6,1∶4.9,and 1∶4.6,respectively.It can be seen that the isolated virus is of fowl avidenovirus type 4 in group I,and has good immunogenicity.

Protection Efficacy of Recombinant Infectious Laryngotracheitis Vaccine in Chicks

A commercial recombinant fowl pox vectored infectious laryngotracheitis （ILT） vaccine was examined its protection efficacy in one-day-old chicks by subcutaneous route with various dose-strength. The treatment groups I-III birds were vaccinated with a full, 1/2 and 1/3 dose of recommendation dose, respectively. Thereafter, at 6 wk post vaccination, they were challenged with 5x labeled dose of live ILT vaccine. Protection efficacy of the vaccine was compared among groups based on antibody production and eye lesion score. The results of eye lesion score showed that there was a significant difference between control and treatment groups, whereas the difference was not found among the treatment groups. For seroconversion, there was no significant difference between birds in group I and II. However, higher number of seroconversion birds in groups I and II than group III was observed （P 〈 0.05）. It was concluded that a half dose of recommendation dose had the same protection efficacy as a full dose of recombinant YP-LT vaccine.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Three Methods of Protecting Guinea Fowl from Mortalities Used in Traditional Breeding in Northern Togo

A study on the evaluation of the effectiveness of three traditional methods of protecting guinea fowl from mortality was carried out at CRA-SS （Centre de Recherche Agronomique de la Savane S6che） in northem Togo. Guinea fowl were divided into 5 batches, of which 3 batches received prophylactic medical treatment including plant decoctions, the 4th batch was followed by a medical prophylaxis program as a control group and the 5th batch considered as a negative control, has not received any prophylactic treatment. The results showed that a mortality rate of 25% for the reference lot and two other batches which received plant decoctions （Euphorbia poissonii or Khaya senegalensis） were recorded against a rate of 87.5% in the batch of guinea fowl which received the decoction of Pteleopsis suberosa. Meanwhile, regardless of weight growth, daily average gain （GMQ） or food consumption, no significant difference was observed （p 〉 0.05） between the guinea fowl that received a baseline health monitoring and those having taken the decoction orE. poissonii. On the other hand, the values recorded in these two batches of guinea fowl differed statistically from those in the guinea fowl that received the decoction of K. senegalensis. Although the decoction of K. senegalensis has a protective effect in guinea fowl, the growth of guinea fowl has been slowed down. On the basis of these results, it appears that two endogenous practices tested （K. senegalensis or E. poissonii） have positive effects. However, it would be desirable to carry out a toxicity test in order to determine the recommended doses.

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.

Analysis of the Technical and Sanitary Constraints of the Traditional Breeding of Guinea Fowl in ＂Region des Savanes＂ of Northern Togo

A survey to determine the causes of mortality of guinea fowl and the technical and sanitary constraints of the traditional breeding of guinea fowl was carried out among 106 poultry farmers from the Savannah Region in North Togo. The survey also made it possible to identify the breeding constraints and the endogenous practices of rearing of the guinea fowl. The results obtained from the investigations are： （i） the high rate （69.81%） of illiterates is not conducive to the def＇mition or control of plans for prophylaxis and rationing. （ii） Breeders are unaware of disease-resistant strains of guinea fowl. （iii） Guinea fowl breeding starts with traditional methods, with 33.96% of the breeders who leave the guinea fowl in the wilderness and 13.21% who breed them in conflagration pell-mell. （iv） The formulations of food rations in order to satisfy the nutritional requirements of guinea fowl are virtually non-existent. The sources of proteins sometimes supplemented are only termites. However, food imbalance leads to growth lags. （v） Prophylaxis plans are not followed by breeders. Fifty two percent （52%） of the breeders self-medicate and other breeders （9.43%） do not treat. Several plants are used alone or in combination to control poultry diseases. （vi） biosecurity measures are non-existent in the farms （48.11% of the farmers give the dead guinea fowl to the children for consumption and 66% of the breeders throw the dead guinea fowl in the wild）. （vii） The major constraints identified in this investigation are the remoteness of the veterinary supply centers, the lack of access to quality veterinary services, the low rate of training of farmers, the inadequate support ofpastoralists livestock equipment; （viii） the problem of predators （93.40%） and the problem of access to effective veterinary products （79.25%） were noted.