Growth Performance, C arcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Pearl and Lavender Varieties of Guinea Fowl (Numida Meleagris) in Tropical Climate of Chhattisgarh

The present experiment was carried out to study the growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Pearl and Lavender varieties of guinea fowl ( Numida meleagris ) upto 14 th weeks of age in tropical climate of Chhattisgarh state in India. The study revealed that at one day average body weight of Lavender variety (25.18±0.46 g) was significantly (P< 0.05) higher than that of Pearl variety (23.30±0.36 g). However, no significan t difference in mean body weight and body weight gain was observed in both varieties. The mean body weights of Pearl and Lavender guinea fowls at 14 weeks of age were 1120.78±10.70 g and 1097.88±10.99 g, respectively. The overall Feed Conversion Ratio duri ng total experimental period of 14 week was observed to be significantly higher (P<0.05) in Lavender variety (4.94±0.24) than Pearl variety (5.18±0.26). No significant difference was observed in dressing percentage and other carcass traits between both var ieties. Similarly no significant difference was observed between different sensory characters of both the varieties.