Effect of season and different dietary protein level on production and reproductive performance and egg characteristics of indigenous Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in the middle belt of Ghana

This study was undertaken to determine the impact of seasonal variations and different dietary protein levels on production traits, reproductive performance and egg characteristics of Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) in the Middle belt of Ghana. Twelve (12) males and forty-eight (48) females Pearl Guinea fowls of 12 weeks of age were subjected to isocaloric diet containing 16%, 18%, 20% and 22% crude protein levels.Each group was replicated three times and reared in three seasons (Dry-December-March, Major rains-April-July and Minor rains-August-November) in a 3x4 factorial experiment. Data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedure of SAS.Hen day egg production (HDEP) and egg mass increased (p<0.05), but feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, fertility and hatchability of incubated eggs were not significantly different (p>0.05) with increasing dietary protein. Egg quality traits did not differ significantly (p>0.05) except egg yolk (p<0.05). Season showed positive (p<0.05) relationship with all production traits as well as fertility of incubated eggs, but not hatchability (p>0.05). Egg internal and external traits were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by season except yolk weight and shell weight (p>0.05).Results demonstrates that increasing dietary protein promoted egg production and reproductive traits in Guinea fowl, nevertheless, 16% crude protein diet is sufficient to support optimum egg production, fertility and hatchability, and egg characteristics. Rainy seasons countenance production traits, fertility and hatchability as well as egg characteristics, thus, breeding should be planned to take advantage of the major rainy season.