Early Lay Characteristics and Haematology of Pearl Guinea Fowls as Influenced by Dietary Protein and Energy Levels

Abstract

An experiment involving 3 metabolizable energy and 3 crude protein levels was used to investigate the influence of dietary protein and energy levels on the early lay characteristics and haematological parameters in 270 sub–humid tropical Pearl guinea fowl hens. The results indicated significantly (P<0.05) earlier age at sexual maturity and higher hen-housed average for birds on the 2750 kcal/kg ME - 18% protein diet than the other diets. Evaluation of the diets based on the responses of guinea fowls suggests that the diet that contains 2750 kcal/kg ME and 18% crude protein excelled in egg number, cost/dozen eggs and survival of birds. However, of the five blood components evaluated, total protein, vitellogenin and serum calcium were optimized by the 2750kcal/kg ME - 16% protein up to 36 weeks of age. Packed cell volume (PCV), total protein, cholesterol, vitellogenin and serum calcium showed no significant variations (P>0.05) among diets as a result of differences in energy or protein content. However, of the blood components evaluated, total protein, vitellogenin and serum calcium in serum were optimized by the 2750kcal/kg ME - 18% protein diet.