Causes of young guinea fowl mortality in Burkina Faso

Abstract

To investigate the causes of young guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) mortality a survey involving 114 farmers in eight provinces was conducted in Burkina Faso, and a series of studies were carried out in 58 farms located in a more restricted area consisting of five provinces where 3017 guinea fowls 0-3 months of age were monitored daily. The survey showed on one hand a total mortality rate of 73% and on the other hand deficient rearing techniques concerning habitat, heating, nutrition, water and health. Daily monitoring of 3017 young fowls showed that mortality rates were estimated at 80% in improved and traditional farms, and the highest mortality rate was observed in August during the rainy season. In traditional or improved farms the microorganisms identified were Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp., Klebsiella sp., Enterobacter sp., Pseudomonas sp., Proteus sp. and Candida albicans. The parasites were trichomonads, coccidia, Ascaris, tapeworms, and spirurides of the genus Tetrameres. This study showed that there were many causes for young guinea fowl mortality in Burkina Faso. Moreover, farming conditions, as well as simultaneous infections, age and season have to be taken into account to improve guinea fowl farming.