A BIOMETRIC STUDY OF THE CONFORMATION OF NATIVE GUINEA FOWL (NUMIDA MELEAGRIS) IN NORTH EAST NIGERIA

Abstract

Twenty adult guinea fowls, ten each of both sexes, were obtained from local markets in Maiduguri, Potiskum and Jama'are to establish average body measurements at selling point. Average body weight for males was 1.24±O.02kg and 1.7±O.02kg for females. Back length, neck length and shank length measured lS.31±O.Olcm, 9.S3±O.16cm and 6.2±O.4cm, respectively for males and 14.83±O.Olcm, 9.02±O.16cm and 6.02±O.4cm respectively, for females. Generally, a sexual dimorphism in favour of the males is significant (p<O.OS) for most body measurements, especially body size and breast muscle. Guinea fowls in this region usually range openly to find their own food. Being essentially a low input husbandry, birds are generally poorly fed, exposed to disease, theft and predators. Attention on research and development activities to improve the rural poultry sub-sector in Nigeria is essential, particularly in the study area.