Rate of yolk deposition: A physiological marker for egg laying potential in guinea fowl

A total of 113 adult guinea fowl layers were utilized to study the duration of rapid yolk deposition phase and its association with egg production traits in guinea fowl. Average duration of rapid phase of yolk deposition was 9.41 ± 0.082 d. With increase in duration of rapid phase from 8 to 11, the part period egg production decreased from 71 to 53 eggs, average clutch size decreased from 5.31 to 2.46. Age at sexual maturity did not show any trend, while the birds having largest duration of rapid phase, laid significantly heavier eggs.