ABSTRACT

 Variations in feather distribution and characteristics among three varieties of male helmeted guinea fowl in Nigeria (Black, Pearl, and Lavander) were studied and their relationship to carcass yield were evaluated using a total of 36 intensively reared and clinically normal guinea fowl consisting of 12 Pearl, 12 Lavander and 12 Black varieties. The experiment was carried out in the Teaching and Research fann of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike. Grower diet with 2900 kcal/kg Metabolizable energy and 17.5 % crude protein was given to the birds. The birds were replicated three times with four birds in each replicate. Data on body weight and feather loss were collected weekly While feather number, feather colour, feather distribution and structure and carcass traits were collected at the end of the study. The data collected was subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means with significant difference was separated using Duncan Multiple range test. Also the carcass was correlated with the feather characteristics and body weight. The result of the study showed no variation in feather distribution, except for colour pattern among the three varieties. However, feather distribution in the three varieties followed a distinct feather tract. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in feather number with Pearl showing superiority in feather number. Pearl also performed significantly (p < 0.05) better in terms of weekly body weight gain than the other two varieties (P> 0.05). There was a significant difference in the carcass yield of the three varieties with Pearl showing superior significance difference (P< 0.05) in slaughter live weight, weight after bleeding, weight after defeathering and empty carcass weight. Correlating the carcass trait of the guinea fowl with their body weight and feather traits for each of the varieties showed that there was a significant positive relationship between feather number and body weight in all the varieties which implies that the higher the feather number, the higher the body weight and vice versa. Also a significant positive relationship (P<0.05) existed between slaughter live weight and weight after bleeding, weight after bleeding and weight after de feathering in all the three varieties. The pearl had the best overall performance in all the parameters measured followed by Black and Lavander. From the result of this study, it is concluded that in improvement of guinea fowl, selection for varieties with more feather will increase body weight and Pearl variety should be selected for improvement for meat type among the three varieties for showing superiority in the parameters measured especially in body weight and carcass yield. > existed between slaughter live weight and weight after bleeding, weight after bleeding and weight after de feathering in all the three varieties. The pearl had the best overall performance in all the parameters measured followed by Black and Lavander. From the result of this study, it is concluded that in improvement of guinea fowl, selection for varieties with more feather will increase body weight and Pearl variety should be selected for improvement for meat type among the three varieties for showing superiority in the parameters measured especially in body weight and carcass yield.