Effect of light on Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) production: A review

Abstract

Artificial light is highly recognized and used in Guinea fowl production. In Guinea fowl production, access to light is an important factor for both growth and egg production. The eye is a vital sense organ under neuro-endocrine regulation in order to allow sight in animals. Guinea fowls perceive light through photoreceptors that transform the energy contained in photons in biological signals. In the eye, the energy of the photons is transformed by photosensitive pigments in the cones and rods of the retina, and transmitted through neurons to the brain where signals are integrated in an image. Photoreceptors in the hypothalamus are biological transformers that convert photon energy into neural impulses. These impulses affect the endocrine system that control ovarian activity in females and therefore, their reproductive behavior. Many physiological and behavioural aspects of Guinea fowl is affected by lightening. Certain essential function of Guinea fowl like body temperature, feeding, metabolism and digestion is directly or indirectly affected by light. Light also controls the activities of different hormones and affects growth maturation and development of organism. The physical activity of Guinea fowls can be affected by daylength, light intensity, colour and wavelength. The increase in physical activity leads to overall development of Guinea fowl. Hence, Guinea fowl producers and breeders must consider light management activities for higher productivity.

Photoperiodic-dependent morpho-biometric changes in the excurrent duct system of sexually-matured helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

“…This might account for the nonsignificant change in body weight observed. Detrimental effect on weight gain from exposure to continuous light was also reported by Kyere et al (2021) in guinea fowl.…”

“…Though, guinea cock under 8 HL appeared to display a nonsignificant increase in body weight relative to other photostimulated (exposed) groups. These findings are at variance with the report of substantial weight gain observed with increased photoperiod as earlier documented by Assia andBoulakoud (2014) in pigeons,Tolvaro et al (2015) in laboratory rats and Kyere et al (2021) in guinea fowls. Interestingly, longer photoperiod is related to both higher energy intake and energy expenditure level, resulting in larger weight gain (Kyere et al, 2021).…”

“…These findings are at variance with the report of substantial weight gain observed with increased photoperiod as earlier documented by Assia andBoulakoud (2014) in pigeons,Tolvaro et al (2015) in laboratory rats and Kyere et al (2021) in guinea fowls. Interestingly, longer photoperiod is related to both higher energy intake and energy expenditure level, resulting in larger weight gain (Kyere et al, 2021). However, in guinea fowl, flightiness, fits of panic and extreme noise increased with increasing light intensity resulting in more energy expended than conserved.…”

Impacts of Various Lighting Programs on Chicken Production and Behavior – A Review

“…Because insufficient light intensity impacts egg production, a lux meter should be used in layer homes to determine light intensity properly. The lowest light intensity required for maximum egg production in a dark housing for layers is 5.38 lux (Jácome et al, 2014;Nasr et al, 2019;Kyere et al, 2021). According to Cotta (2002), 10 lux is required at the cage or bird's head height in open-sided houses.…”