Study on the Effect of Day Length and Seasonal Variation on Haematological, Biochemical and Hormonal Traits of Indigenous Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) in Ghana

Authors

  • Korankye Okyere Department of Animal Science Education, Faculty of Agriculture Education, University of Education of Winneba, P.O.Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana.
  • Kagya-Agyemang James Kwame Department of Animal Science Education, Faculty of Agriculture Education, University of Education of Winneba, P.O.Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana.
  • Annor Serekye Yaw Department of Animal Science Education, Faculty of Agriculture Education, University of Education of Winneba, P.O.Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana.
  • Asabere-Ameyaw Akwasi Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Science Education, University of Education of Winneba, P.O.Box 25, Winneba, Ghana.
  • Kyere Gyeabour Clement Department of Animal Science Education, Faculty of Agriculture Education, University of Education of Winneba, P.O.Box 40, Mampong-Ashanti, Ghana.
  • Afua Sarpong Asamoa-Bonsu Department of Catering and Hospitality, Faculty of Vocational Education, University of Education, Winneba, Post Office Box 1277 Kumasi, Ghana.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/raavs/v1/10520D

Keywords:

Guinea fowl, season, day length, haematology, biochemistry, hormonal

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of day length and season on haematological characteristics, biochemical and hormonal profiles of laying Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris). Four hens and 1 male were each subjected to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness (12L: 12D), 14hours of light and 10 hours of darkness (14L: 10D), 16hours of light and 8 hours of darkness (16L: 8D) and 18hours of light and 6 hours of darkness (18L: 6D). 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. Significantly (p<0.05) higher Packed cell volume (PCV), lymphocytes and eosinophil, total serum protein and prolactin values were observed in 16L: 8D as 14L: 10D resulted in highest (p<0.05) neutrophil and albumin. PCV and Platelets were highest (p<0.05) in major rains whiles red blood cells and neutrophil were highest (p<0.05) in dry and minor rainy seasons, respectively. Total serum protein increased (p<0.05) from the dry season to minor rainy seasons. Oestrogen and luteinizing hormones were highest (p<0.05) in major rains and prolactin levels were higher (p<0.05) in minor rains and lowest in major rains. Interaction effect was not significant (p>0.05) in all parameters except prolactin. The findings of this study suggest that daylength of 14-16hrs and major rainy season in Ghana supports adequate haematological, biochemical and hormonal profiles of Guinea.

Published

2021-07-15

How to Cite

Korankye Okyere, Kagya-Agyemang James Kwame, Annor Serekye Yaw, Asabere-Ameyaw Akwasi, Kyere Gyeabour Clement, & Afua Sarpong Asamoa-Bonsu. (2021). Study on the Effect of Day Length and Seasonal Variation on Haematological, Biochemical and Hormonal Traits of Indigenous Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) in Ghana. Research Aspects in Agriculture and Veterinary Science Vol. 1, 42–53. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/raavs/v1/10520D

Issue

Research Aspects in Agriculture and Veterinary Science Vol. 1

Section

Chapters