Comparative Blood Lipid Profile and Breast Muscle Fatty Acid Composition of Indigenous and Exotic Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Reared under Intensive Management in Nigeria
OLUDAYO MICHEAL AKINSOLA *
Department of Theriogenology and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
OKPANACHI UCHELE
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
MARY FOLUKE OLADIPO
Department of Theriogenology and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
OLUSEGUN OSHIBANJO
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
OPALUWA-KUZAYED IMABEN GRACE
Department of Theriogenology and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
OMOJO ALFA
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
ENUPE GIDEON OGBA
Department of Theriogenology and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
IDRIS ABDULLAHI
National Animal Production Research Institute, Shika, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
JAYAPAL PERUMAL
Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Veterinary College and Research Institute, TANUVAS, Namakkal, India.
BELLO MUIZZAT ONOZASI
Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) are recognised for their hardiness and adaptability to the extensive, often challenging, management systems prevalent in the region. These birds represent a vital and expanding sector of the Nigerian poultry industry, prized for their distinctly flavoured, lean meat, which is high in protein and low in fat. This study conducted a comparative analysis of blood lipid profiles and breast muscle fatty acid composition in indigenous (Nigerian Helmeted) and exotic (Lavender) guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) reared under standardised intensive conditions in Jos, Nigeria, using a 2 × 2 factorial design (breed × sex; n = 84 birds selected from 134). Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were quantified enzymatically, while fatty acid methyl esters from breast muscle were analysed via gas chromatography. No significant breed differences were observed in TC, HDL-C, or LDL-C (P > 0.05), but TG tended to be higher in exotic birds (P = 0.08). Sex significantly influenced TG (higher in males; P = 0.04) and LDL-C (higher in males; P = 0.042), with interactions showing male exotic birds with the highest TG (0.87 ± 0.05 mmol/L). Breast muscle revealed breed-specific patterns: indigenous birds had higher short/medium-chain saturated fatty acids (SFAs; C10:0, C12:0, C16:0; P < 0.001), while exotic birds exhibited elevated stearic (C18:0) and oleic (C18:1) acids (P < 0.001), particularly in females (oleic: 58.71 ± 4.24%). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were similar across groups (P > 0.05). Results indicate genetically driven metabolic differences, with exotic breeds favouring monounsaturated fatty acids for superior meat quality and indigenous breeds emphasising SFA synthesis for environmental adaptation. These findings support targeted crossbreeding to enhance productivity and nutritional value in tropical guinea fowl production. These insights underscore the potential for targeted crossbreeding to optimise productivity, nutritional security, and cardiovascular health benefits, advancing sustainable guinea fowl production in tropical environments.
Keywords: Blood lipids, exotic breeds, fatty acid composition, guinea fowl, indigenous breeds, lipid metabolism