Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Biochemical Traits of Guinea Fowls Fed Varied Levels of Dietary Crude Protein

Kyere, Clement Gyeabour; Korankye, Okyere; Kagya-Agyemang, James Kwame; Asabere-Ameyaw, Akwasi

doi:10.21608/ejvs.2025.379526.2813

Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Biochemical Traits of Guinea Fowls Fed Varied Levels of Dietary Crude Protein

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ S.D.A College

² St. Monica's College of Education

³ Department of Animal Science, Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development, P.O. Box 40, Mampong Ashanti- Ghana

⁴ Department of Biology Education, University of Education of Winneba, P.O. Box 25, Winneba- Ghana.

10.21608/ejvs.2025.379526.2813

Abstract

This study examines the effect of varied dietary crude protein levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and biochemical traits of Guinea fowls in hot humid environment. This investigation used eighty (80) day-old kits. The birds were grouped into four treatments and each treatment had thirty birds. The birds were fed with diets containing 16, 18, 20 and 22 % crude protein (CP) in a completely randomized design. The results on body weight, weight gain, daily weight and feed conversion ratio were better among birds on 22 % crude protein diet followed by 20 and 18 % crude protein diets and poorer among birds on 16 % crude protein diet. Total and daily feed consumption decreased with increasing crude protein levels in the diet. Nutrient digestibility values of CP, dry matter and gross energy increased significantly with increasing dietary CP levels. However, ether extract levels decreased with increasing dietary CP levels. Albumin and serum protein values increased significantly with increasing dietary CP levels. However, cholesterol and globulin levels decreased with increasing dietary CP levels. This study concludes that, increasing CP levels in the diet of Guinea fowls reduces feed consumption, increases feed utilization and nutrient digestibility, increases immune capacity and promote rapid growth.

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