Guinea Fowl Farming and its Egg Production in the Western Tandjile Department, Chad

Abstract

Background and Objective: Guinea fowl originates from Africa where it has a cultural significance and its raising is considered as an important traditional activity and food source. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the production of guinea fowls and guinea fowl eggs in the Western Tandjilé Department. Materials and Methods: Four sub-prefectures were chosen for the potential production of guinea fowl. A total of 320 guinea fowl farmers were the subject of this cross-sectional and retrospective survey. Results: The average number of laying females was 18 heads per backyard. Guinea fowl with dark gray plumage were dominant. Puberty occurs at 7 months (28 weeks) in males and at 8 months (32 weeks) in females. The hen was the most solicited (93%) for the brooding of 17 eggs on average. The hatching rate was 90% and the survival rate of guinea fowl at weaning at 2 months was 81.1%. Almost all farms (98%) were individual. Cereals alone or mixed with oilseeds have been the main feeds of guinea fowl, produced or purchased by producers. An average of 110 eggs laid per female during the five months of laying was observed. Diseases, losses due to predation, theft and lack of supervision were the constraints mentioned. Conclusion: The production of guinea fowl and guinea fowl eggs in the Western Tandjile Department requires special attention and adequate supervision to get rid of the constraints related to this breed and improve its productivity.