Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Helmeted Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) FED Varying Levels of Phane Meal (Imbrasia belina) as Replacement of Fishmeal Under Intensive System

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding varying levels of Phane meal (Imbrasia belina) as a protein source on growth performance and carcass characteristics of guinea fowl reared under intensive system up to 13 weeks of age. A total of 96 day old keets were randomly allocated to 4 treatment diets, which were replicated 4 times (n=6/replicate). The inclusion levels of Phane meal in the diets were 4.5%, 9% and 13.5%. Control diet contained 3% fishmeal. Keets were fed 24% CP guinea fowl starter diet from day 1 to 6 weeks and 17% CP guinea fowl finisher from 7 to 13 weeks of age. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Birds were vent sexed at 8 weeks of age. Parameters measured were FI, average daily gain (ADG), body weight (BW), carcass dressed weight, dressing percentage and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Keets were slaughtered at 13 weeks of age and carcass dressed weight and dressing percentage determined. The present results showed that FI and BW increased significantly (p<0.05) with age. Dietary treatment had no influence on FI. Although ADG and FCR did not differ among treatments, guinea fowl on control diet tended to have higher ADG (0.0138±0.0003 kg) and lower FCR (3.98). Dressing percentage was not affected by dietary treatment; however, birds on control and 4.5% Phane diets tended have higher values compared to other treatments. Also, final live weight and dressing percentage of females and males were not significantly (P>0.05) different. These results suggested that Phane meal can be included in guinea fowl diets up to 4.5% without affecting growth.

Mopane Worm (Gonimbrasia belina Westwood) Meal as a Potential Protein Source for Sustainable Quail Production: A Review

“…A lower FCR points to high feed efficiency [65], which could be attributed to better ingredient combination, digestibility, and absorption of nutrients [66]. Contrary to these results, the feed consumption, ADG, FCR, and dressing percentage of guinea fowls fed with 4.5% MWM did not differ from those fed the control diet [51]. These variations in performance could be attributed to the involvement of different species as well as the age and sex of the birds, which are known to produce different results even when birds are offered the same feed [66].…”

“…Thus, the supplementation of quail diets with MWM may offer an opportunity to balance and/or enhance the level of essential AA. Some essential AA such as lysine and methionine found in MWM are comparable to those found in fish meal [51]. Table 3 shows that MWM contains all the essential AA needed by quail, which demonstrates that MWM has the potential to replace soybean and fish meals in quail diets.…”

The potential of <i>Imbrasia belina</i> worm as a poultry and fish feed. A review

“…Thus its inclusion into the diet may balance the indispensable amino acids level. In addition, Nobo et al (2012a) confirmed that levels of some essential amino acids like lysine and methionine in I. belina worm are comparable to fish meal. Whereas, according to Rapatsa and Moyo (2017) the levels of methionine in I. belina exceeded the catfish requirements.…”

“…Madibela et al (2006) reported that I. belina worm meal is superior in essential amino acids content compared to soybean and fish meal. Furthermore, Nobo et al (2012a) reported no significant differences in feed intake, ADG, FCR and dressing percentage between guinea fowl fed fish meal (control diet) and 4.5% I. belina worm meal. The differences in Manyeula et al (2013) and Nobo et al (2012a) studies could be ascribed to the used Tswana birds and guinea fowls and their sex differences.…”

“…Furthermore, Nobo et al (2012a) reported no significant differences in feed intake, ADG, FCR and dressing percentage between guinea fowl fed fish meal (control diet) and 4.5% I. belina worm meal. The differences in Manyeula et al (2013) and Nobo et al (2012a) studies could be ascribed to the used Tswana birds and guinea fowls and their sex differences. Layers fed I. belina worm and control diet produced 11 and 14 eggs/clutch/year, respectively.…”