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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

珍珠鸡与贵妃鸡鸡肉中营养品质比较

为比较珍珠鸡和贵妃鸡鸡肉中营养品质差异,以甘肃省渭源县黄香沟牧场养殖的珍珠鸡和贵妃鸡为研究对象,采用国标法对其胸肌和腿肌肉样营养组分、氨基酸组成、脂肪酸组成、肌苷酸(IMP)含量等指标进行了系统比较和分析。结果表明:珍珠鸡肉中粗蛋白、粗脂肪、灰分含量均显著高于贵妃鸡肉(p <0.05),水分含量显著大于贵妃鸡肉(p <0.05);除了组氨酸以外,珍珠鸡肉中氨基酸含量均大于贵妃鸡肉;贵妃鸡肉中含有29种脂肪酸,珍珠鸡肉中含有32种脂肪酸,其中棕榈酸、亚油酸、二十二碳六烯酸(DHA)、亚麻酸、花生四烯酸和二十碳五烯酸(EPA)等含量均显著高于贵妃鸡(p <0.05),油酸、C20∶3n6含量显著低于贵妃鸡(p <0.05)。根据HMSO推荐的∑PUFA n-6/∑PUFA n-3和∑PUFAs/∑SAFAs值,珍珠鸡肉和贵妃鸡肉均符合食品营养健康要求,且以珍珠鸡肉更佳;在4℃冷藏8 h后,珍珠鸡肉中IMP、腺苷二磷酸(ADP)、次黄嘌呤(Hx)、肌苷(HxR)含量显著高于贵妃鸡肉(p <0.05),腺苷三磷酸(ATP)未检出,腺苷一磷酸(AMP)含量差异不显著。综上,珍珠鸡鸡肉营养品质比贵妃鸡鸡肉更佳。

珍珠鸡体质量、体尺性状发育规律曲线拟合分析

【目的】为系统选育和改良珍珠鸡Guinea fowl生产性能提供基本数据资料。【方法】以1~9周龄珍珠鸡为研究对象,分析其生长发育规律,并采用Logistic、Gompertz、Bertalanffy 3种模型进行拟合分析,探讨其合适的生长模型。【结果】公、母珍珠鸡的体质量、龙骨长、胫长和胫围差异不显著(P>0.05),生长发育规律呈现一致趋势。体尺性状在2周龄生长速率最大,呈直线上升趋势。珍珠鸡体质量与体尺性状间均呈正相关,公珍珠鸡的胫长与体质量的相关系数最大(r=0.752),且达到极显著水平。母珍珠鸡的体质量与龙骨长的相关系数最大(r=0.600),其次为胫长(r=0.509),且胫长与龙骨长之间相关性达到显著水平,相关系数为0.477。3种曲线模型均适合珍珠鸡生长曲线的模拟,其中Gompertz模型是珍珠鸡体质量的最佳拟合模型,龙骨长、胫长和胫围的最佳拟合模型均为Bertalanffy模型。【结论】公、母珍珠鸡体质量和体尺生长发育规律趋势一致,Gompertz、Bertalanffy模型分别是体质量和体尺性状的最佳拟合模型,应加强对胫长指标的选育,有可能间接提高珍珠鸡龙骨长度和胸肌产量,并提高体质量。

牛大力营养成分分析及其对珍珠鸡屠宰性能和肉品质的影响

试验旨在分析牛大力营养成分及在日粮中添加牛大力对珍珠鸡屠宰性能和肉质品质的影响。采用国标规定的饲料常规养分分析方法测定牛大力样品中的水分、粗蛋白质、粗纤维、粗脂肪、粗灰分等含量;另将3%牛大力添加到基础日粮饲养4~10周龄珍珠鸡,饲养40 d后研究其对珍珠鸡生长速度、屠宰性能和肉质品质的影响。结果表明,牛大力常规营养养分为：水分3.06%、灰分1.76%、粗纤维52.26%、粗蛋白1.12%、粗脂肪1.32%,说明牛大力具有高粗纤维等特点,但具有一定的营养价值。在基础日粮中添加3%牛大力,可显著提高珍珠鸡的生长速度、宰前活重、屠体重、半净膛重、全净膛重、胴体重、胸肌重、腿肌重和胸肌、腿肌的pH值;显著降低珍珠鸡的胸肌、腿肌的滴水损失;对粗脂肪、粗灰分、翅重、屠宰率和水分的影响不大。结果提示,在基础日粮中添加牛大力可显著提高珍珠鸡的生长速度,一定程度上提高了屠宰率和肉质品质。

不同品种鸡肌肉中营养成分及脂肪酸分析

为了研究鸡的肌肉营养成分,试验以西北地区主要家禽品种（青爪乌鸡、珍珠鸡、贵妃鸡和大白鸡）公鸡为研究对象,测定了肌肉中水分、灰分、粗蛋白、粗脂肪等营养成分和脂肪酸组成。结果表明：不同品种鸡肌肉的基本营养成分含量除水分外不存在显著差异（P〉0.05）,蛋白质含量较高,脂肪含量较低。肌肉中脂肪酸组成丰富,多不饱和脂肪酸占比较大,并富有人体必需的脂肪酸,如亚油酸、亚麻酸、花生四烯酸、二十碳五烯酸（EPA）和二十二碳六烯酸（DHA）。说明青爪乌鸡、珍珠鸡、贵妃鸡和大白鸡肌肉均具有高蛋白、低脂肪、富含人体必需脂肪酸的特点,符合人们对肉品的营养价值的需求。

珍珠鸡、贵妃鸡和雉鸡肉质风味前体物含量的对比研究

试验比较了3种珍禽珍珠鸡、贵妃鸡和雉鸡胸肌中风味前体物肌苷酸及其代谢产物、脂肪酸、游离氨基酸、总还原糖和硫胺素的含量。结果表明3种珍禽之间总还原糖含量、硫胺素含量差异显著(P<0.05);雉鸡肉质中校正肌苷酸含量显著高于珍珠鸡和贵妃鸡中的含量(P<0.05),而珍珠鸡和贵妃鸡肉质中校正肌苷酸含量差异不显著(P>0.05);总不饱和脂肪酸含量雉鸡要显著高于珍珠鸡和贵妃鸡(P<0.05),珍珠鸡和贵妃鸡之间差异不显著(P>0.05);贵妃鸡中总游离氨基酸含量显著高于珍珠鸡和雉鸡(P<0.05),珍珠鸡和雉鸡中总游离氨基酸含量差异不显著(P>0.05)。

珍珠鸡人工授精的研究

用电刺激采精方法 ,对 5只雄性成年珍珠鸡进行 2 5只次试验 ,皆获得精液。与按摩采精法相比 ,电刺激采精法采集的精液量 (0 .5 5 m L )显著高于按摩法 (0 .12 m L ) ,平均每次射出的精子总数 (4.2 2亿个 )比按摩采精法 (2 .4 4亿个 )显著增加 ,但精子活率和受精率无显著差异。冷冻试验结果表明 ,精子的活率为 2 0 %～ 5 0 % ,输精结果表明 ,受精率可达 6 0 %。

一株不发酵乳糖致病性大肠杆菌的分离与鉴定

从广东某珍珠鸡场发病死亡的初产珍珠鸡肝脏中分离到一株细菌,经培养特性与生化特性观察,以致病性试验和血清型鉴定,结合其16S rRNA序列分析,判定其为大肠杆菌。这是一株不发酵乳糖的致病性大肠杆菌。

盔顶珍珠鸡快慢羽基因分型及早期性别鉴定

珍珠鸡与家鸡的动物学分类地位相差甚远,1日龄珍珠鸡无法通过翻肛鉴别性别,直接影响其管理和生产流程。为解决珍珠鸡早期性别鉴定的问题,分析了珍珠鸡快、慢羽遗传特征以及利用快慢羽建立自别雌雄配套系的可能性,同时尝试利用CHD-1基因对珍珠鸡实施早期性别鉴定。通过肉眼观察1日龄珍珠鸡羽速,并采集其毛囊组织,检测珍珠鸡快慢羽ev21基因插入位点;以家鸡CHD-1基因序列为参考,扩增检测珍珠鸡的毛囊DNA,鉴定珍珠鸡的性别。未检测出该群体存在慢羽个体;另外,性别鉴定结果与阳性对照家鸡的条带一致,公母间出现差异,且与180日龄珍珠鸡性成熟时的翻肛鉴定结果一致。控制珍珠鸡快慢羽性状的遗传基础与家鸡可能存在差异,该群体目前不能通过系统选育建立快慢羽自别雌雄品系,而CHD-1基因可用于珍珠鸡早期性别鉴定,表明该基因在家鸡与珍珠鸡间遗传特征相同。在珍珠鸡快慢羽自别雌雄品系尚未建立前,可用于珍珠鸡早期性别鉴定。

碳酸氢钠对高温下珍珠鸡生产性能及血液pH值的影响

用１８０只５６日龄肉用仔珍珠鸡，测定了高温环境（２５～３４℃）条件下，在日粮中添加不同量的ＮａＨＣＯ３ （质量分数分别为０％ ，０．５％ ，１．０％ ，１．５％ ，２．０％ ，２．５％ ）对珍珠鸡肥育期（５６～８４日龄）生产性能及血液ｐＨ 值的影响，基础日粮含 ＭＥ １３．３７ ＭＪ／ｋｇ，ＣＰ１８％ 。结果表明：体增重、采食量、屠宰率、血液ｐＨ 值不受日粮中ＮａＨＣＯ３的显著影响（Ｐ＞ ０．０５），但体增重、采食量、饲料利用率受性别的显著影响（Ｐ＜ ０．０５），母鸡比公鸡的体增重大１８．８％ ，采食量高８．０２％ ，饲料利用率高９．７０％ ，公母鸡间的这种差异在１．５％ ＮａＨＣＯ３

珍珠鸡与家鸡的染色体核型比较分析

为了探索珍珠鸡染色体的细胞遗传学特征,以珍珠鸡和贵州黄家鸡为研究对象,采用骨髓法和外周血淋巴细胞培养法分别制备珍珠鸡和家鸡的染色体标本并对其染色体核型进行分析。结果表明:1)两种雄性鸡均为同型染色体(ZZ),Z染色体的相对长度为(9.31±0.50)%～(9.84±0.85)%,介于4号与5号染色体间,为中着丝粒染色体;两种雌性鸡均为异型染色体(ZW),Z染色体的大小、类型均与雄性鸡相同,珍珠鸡的W染色体相对长度较长,为(4.19±0.23)%,介于7号与8号染色体间,家鸡的W染色体相对长度为(4.12±0.23)%,介于8和9号染色体间,两者的W染色体均为中着丝粒。2)家鸡与珍珠鸡前10对染色体的相对长度差异不大,但染色体形态存在一定差异,主要集中在2号和5号染色体上,家鸡的2号和5号染色体为中着丝粒和端着丝粒,珍珠鸡对应的染色体分别为亚中着丝粒和中着丝粒,其余染色体的着丝粒位置相同。结论:属于珍珠鸡科的珍珠鸡与家鸡的染色体核型存在一定差异。

珍珠鸡矿质元素含量测定

采用微波消解技术对样品进行前处理,利用原子吸收光谱法和原子荧光光谱法对珍珠鸡肌肉组织中的K、Na、Ca、P、Mg 5种常量元素,Fe、Mn、Zn、Cu 4种微量元素和Cd、Pb、Hg、As 4种重金属元素进行了测定。结果表明,珍珠鸡肌肉中常量元素和微量元素含量丰富,重金属含量低于中国鲜(冻)畜肉卫生指标规定值,具有较高的营养价值,可以放心食用。

不同饲养方式对珍珠鸡生长·屠宰性能和肉品质的影响

[目的]为珍珠鸡的科学饲养提供理论依据。[方法]选用1日龄初生重相近的珍珠鸡180只随机分为散养、地面平养和立体笼养3组,研究不同饲养方式对珍珠鸡生长、屠宰性能和肉品质的影响。[结果]与散养相比,地面平养和立体笼养可提高珍珠鸡生长性能,但效果不显著。散养珍珠鸡腹脂率较其他2组显著降低,而胸肌肉色显著高于其他2组,腿肌灰分含量显著低于其他2组。[结论]各种饲养方式各有利弊,生产中应根据实际情况和市场需求选择适宜的饲养方式。

3株珍珠鸡源致病性大肠杆菌的分离鉴定及其16SrRNA测定

对来源于广东省珍禽养殖场的3株珍珠鸡源大肠杆菌进行了形态特征、培养特性、生化特性、药敏特性和致病性鉴定,同时对16S rRNA序列进行比较分析。结果发现3株分离菌均对珍珠鸡有较强致病性,但是3株细菌对乳糖、棉子糖、蔗糖、赖氨酸的利用存在差异,对庆大霉素、青霉素、红霉素、环丙沙星、四环素、利福平和氟哌酸等药物的敏感性存在较大差别。3个16S rRNA序列之间有11个位点的不同,经DNAstar软件分析后发现,它们均位于不同的分支中。