Haematological, Biochemical and Hormonal Profile of Guinea Fowl (Numidameleagris) Layers Fed Different Crude Protein Diet in the Seasons in Ghana

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of varying dietary protein level and season on haematological characteristics, biochemical and hormonal profiles of Indigenous Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). Sixty Pearl Guinea fowls of 12 weeks of age were subjected to four treatment groups of diets containing 16%, 18%, 20% and 22% crude protein 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. Dietary crude protein had no significant effect (p>0.05) on all haematological parameters. Total serum protein and albumin increased (p<0.05) with increasing dietary protein, but not globulin and cholesterol. Progesterone and oestrogen were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by dietary protein level. Haemoglobin and MCHC were highest (p<0.05) in the major rainy season whereas PCV and platelets increased (p<0.05) in the dry season. WBC and monocytes increased (p<0.05) in the rainy seasons and lymphocytes levels were lowest (p<0.05) in the major rainy season. Albumen was highest (p<0.05) in the hot dry season and lowest in the minor rainy season. Globulin increased (p<0.05) from the dry season to the highest in the minor rainy season. Oestrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone and prolactin were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by season. Results indicate that 16% crude protein is adequate and that seasonal variations influence haematological, biochemical and hormonal profiles of Guinea fowl during laying period.