Effects of rearing methods and hormones on growth and reproduction in the helmeted guinea fowl-numida meleagris

Abstract

Growth pattern of helmeted guinea fowl keets was studies in two types of housing management: an open air system (OAS) and a deep litter system (DLS). A common growth pattern was obtained in both systems indicating that the birds can be reared successfully for meat production in either of the two systems. The result show that rearing method influences reproductive performance but not growth pattern of the helmeted guinea fowl. Hormone levels are critical to both growth and reproduction. Open air rearing methods are recommended for optimum growth and reproduction of the helmeted guinea fowl as non conventional poultry in situations where the free range system is not practicable