In a study to determine the effect of production systems on performance of guinea fowls, birds were raised either on the deep litter or in battery cages. Each group comprised of 200 unsexed keets kept at a stocking density of 0.06m 2 /bird and were observed from 4 weeks up to 20 weeks of age. The birds were fed ad libitum and necessary vaccinations were given. Data obtained on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality were compared using the unpaired t-test. Production system had significant influence (P<0.05) on body weight at week 20, total feed intake, total weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Birds raised in cages had better weight gain (773.5 and 651.0g for cage and deep litter respectively). While feed intake was higher for birds raised on the deep litter (5602.33 and 5118.60g for litter and cage, respectively), feed conversion ratio was better with birds raised in cages (6.62 and 8.61). Mortality was similar for birds raised under both systems. It was concluded that better body weight can be achieved by raising guinea fowls in cages.

Blood protein polymorphism has been extensively used for characterization and estimation of genetic diversity in farm animals. A study on biochemical characterization and estimation of genetic diversity of Nigerian indigenous guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) was conducted using four blood proteins {Haemoglobin (Hb), Carbonic anhydrase (CA), Transferrin (Tf) and Albumin (Alb)}. Cellulose acetate electrophoresis indicated that all the protein markers were polymorphic; expressing two co-dominant genes and two genotypes at their respective locus. Heterozygouse genotypes were prevalent at Hb, Tf and Alb loci while homozygoutes were more frequent for CA. Allelic constitution was similar (A and B) for Hb, Tf and Alb while F and S were typed at CA locus. Gene A had higher frequency of occurrence at Tf and Alb loci while gene F and B was prevalent at CA and Hb locus, respectively. Average estimated genetic diversity (heterozygosity) across the genetic systems was 0.40 and moderate. Prevalence of genes F, A and B at their respective locus is suggestive of their relevancies to the survival and adaptability of the studied population to its natural habitat.