Effects of human menopausal Gonadotrophin HMG on egg production in guinea hens

Alli, O.; Ayorinde, K.; Chimezie, V.; Sola-Ojo, F.; Adeyina, A.; Yusuf, A.

In a study to investigate the influence of Human Menopausal Gonadotropin (HMG) on egg production in guinea hens, five doses of HMG (0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 IU) were administered to the hens in two phases during the dry and rainy seasons and the effects monitored during the administration and post administration periods. Birds were individually housed in battery cages and feed (20%CP and 2850kcal/kg ME) and water were supplied ad libitum. Data collected included feed intake, body weight, egg number, hen day production and egg weight. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance appropriate for 2x2x5 factorial design and means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Results obtained showed that the season of administration had no influence (P>0.05) on feed intake and egg mass. Hen day production, egg number, and egg weight were influenced (P<0.05) by the season and HMG administration. The birds had better (P<0.05) production in the rainy season and during the post HMG administration period. Production was better (P<0.05) in the post HMG administration in either season while production during HMG administration or post administration was similar in both seasons. The study indicated possible implication of season and hormones in the complex seasonal egg production pattern of the local helmeted guinea fowl in Nigeria.