GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF MUSCLES, BONES AND FAT OF GUINEA FOWL (NUMIDA MELIAGRIS GALEATA)

This study was conducted to evaluate the growth pattern of muscles, bones and fat of guinea fowl. Eighteen day old chicks were reared for 22 weeks and serial slaughters were done every four weeks for evaluation. Results showed that the feed conversion ratio was 1:5, highest feed intake at 13-14 weeks of age and highest weight gain at 8-10 weeks. Carcass yield was 69%. The great mass of muscle was found in the thorax, highest bone percentage was found in the pelvis and the flank had high percentage of fat. Thorax and hind limb had high growth rate when compared with pelvis, wing, neck and flank.