DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
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Item Multivariate characterisation of morpho biometric traits of indigenous helmeted Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in Nigeria(2022) Yakubu, A.; Jegede, P.; Wheto, M.; Shoyombo, A.J.; Adebambo, A.O.; Popoola, M.A.; Osaiyuwu, O.H.; Olafadehan, O.A.; Alabi, O.O.; Ukim, C.I.; Vincent, S.T.; Mundi, H.L.; Olayanju, A.; Adebambo, O.A.This study was conducted to characterise phenotypically helmeted Guinea fowls in threeagro-ecologies in Nigeria using multivariate approach. Eighteen biometric characters, fou rmorphological indices and eleven qualitative physical traits were investigated in a total of 569 adult birds (158 males and 411 females). Descriptive statistics, non-parametric Krus kal–Wallis H test followed by the Mann–Whitney and Dunn-Bonferroni tests for post hoc, Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), Univariate Analysis, Canonical Discriminant Analysis, Categorical Principal Component Analysis and Decision Trees were employed to discern the effects of agro-ecological zone and sex on the morphostructural parameters. Agro-ecology had significant effect (P<0.05; P<0.01) on all the colour traits. In general, the most frequently observed colour phenotype of Guinea fowl had pearl plumage colour (54.0%), pale red skin colour (94.2%), black shank colour (68.7%), brown eye colour (49.7%), white earlobe colour (54.8%) and brown helmet colour (72.6%). The frequencies of helmet shape and wattle size were significantly influenced (P<0.01) by agro-ecology and sex. Overall, birds from the Southern Guinea Savanna zone had significantly higher values (P<0.05) for most biometric traits compared to their Sudano-Sahelian and Tropical Rainfor est counterparts. They were also more compact (120.00 vs. 110.00 vs. 107.69) but had lesser condition index (7.66 vs. 9.45 vs. 9.30) and lower long-leggedness (19.71 vs. 19.23 vs. 9.51) than their counterparts from the two other zones. Sexual dimorphism (P<0.05) was in favour of male birds especially those in Southern Guinea Savanna and Sudano-Sahelian zones. However, the MCA and discriminant analysis revealed considerable intermingling of the qualitative physical traits, biometric traits and body indices especially between the Sudano-Sahelian and Tropical Rainforest birds. In spite of the high level of genetic admixture, the Guinea fowl populations could to a relative extent be distinguished using wing length, body length and eye colour. Generally, the birds from the three zones appeared to be more homogeneous than heterogeneous in nature. However, further complementary work on genomics will guide future selection and breeding programs geared towards improving the productivity, survival and environmental adaptation of indigenous helmeted Guinea fowls in the tropics.Item Characterisation of indigenous helmeted guinea fowls in Nigeria for meat and egg production(2021) Shoyombo, A.J.; Yakubu, A.; Adebambo, A. O.N.; Popoola, M. A.; Olafadehan, O. A.; Wheto, M.; Alabi, O. O.; Osaiyuwu, H. O; Ukim, C. I.; Olayanju, A.; Adebambo, O. A.There is increasing interest in sustainable poultry production in developing economies. This review provides an insight into guinea fowl production in Nigeria as a means of additional high-quality poultry meat and egg production. Under the smallholder scavenging system, flock size of the four investigated plumages (Pearl, Lavender, Black and White) of indigenous helmeted guinea fowl in Nigeria typically ranges from 6 to 9 birds per household, 14-week mean live weight from 917 to 975 g, dressed weight at this age from 700 to 737 g and dressing percentage from 74 to 76%. Under the back yard system of production, mean egg number is typically about 80 eggs per hen/annum while under intensive management it can be up to 147 eggs per hen/annum and egg weight from 29 to 38 g. Under smallholder conditions, hatchability of fertile eggs can range from 70 to 86% while under improved housing and rearing conditions it can be as high as 89%. The present information could be exploited in formulating appropriate management strategies and breeding decisions for sustainable production of hybrid improved guinea fowls,thereby contributing to food security in Nigeria.