Haematological variation in broiler chicken and different strains of Guinea fowl

Thirty birds each of Guinea fowl viz., Pearl (P, group 1), Lavender (L, group 2), Pearl male x Lavender female (P x L, group 3), Lavender male x Pearl female (L x P, group 4) and broiler chicken, i.e. Red Cornish (R.C., group 5) selected at 20 weeks of age on weight basis were fed identical ration. The mean value of haemoglobin was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in group 4 followed by groups 2, 3, 1 and the least in group 5. The mean value of PCV was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in group 3 followed by groups 5, 2, 4 and the least in group 1. The mean value of TEC was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in group 5 followed by groups 4, 2, 1 and the least in group 3. The mean value of TLC was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in group 4 followed by groups 5, 2, 1 and the least in group 3. The mean value of lymphocyte was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in group 3 followed by group 2, 5, 1 and the least in 4. The mean value of eosinophils did not differ significantly (P < 0.05). The mean value of basophils was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in group 1 followed by groups 5,4,2 and the least in group 3. The mean value of monocyte was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in group 1 followed by groups 4, 2, 3 and the least in group 5. The mean value of neutrophil was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in group 2 followed by groups 4,1,3 and the least in group 5. It was concluded that haematological traits in Guinea fowl and their crosses were higher than Red Cornish chicken. Therefore, the Guinea fdwl may be recommended for rearing in range condition.