ABSTRACT

Six different poultry species (Indigenous chicken, Broiler, Turkey, Geese, Duck and

Guinea fowl) were studied under extensive system of management to investigate the effect

of rearing system on egg quality, cholesterol level and the blood biochemical profile.

Birds used for the study were obtained from four different locations (Zangon Shanu,

Bomo, Samaru and Kurmin Bomo) in Sabon Gari Local Government Area of Kaduna

State. Eighteen (18) birds were randomly selected from the flock with three birds (3) per

strain as replicates. Three eggs were collected daily per replicate for the determination of

external and internal egg quality parameters (egg weight, egg length, egg breadth, egg

shape index, shell thickness, yolk width, yolk height and yolk index). Blood samples (2ml)

were collected from the same birds at the end of the laying phase for the determination of

blood biochemical profile, heamatological parameters and cholesterol levels. Data

collected was analyzed using the General Linear Model of the SAS (2002) Software.

Statistically significant means were separated using the Duncan Multiple Range Test

(DMRT). Results obtained from the study showed that the geese had significant (P<0.05)

better external and internal egg parameters for most of the parameters while indigenous

chicken and guinea fowl had the least results for external and internal egg parameters.

Biochemical indices, showed significant (P<0.05) differences in most of the parameters

except high density lipoprotein (HDL) which was not significant (P>0.05) among the

treatments. The calcium (Ca2+) and phosphorus (PO42-) contents of the blood were all

within a similar range (P<0.05) for the species except for duck which had a lower value of

2.06mg/dl. Also, duck had lowest values for blood total cholesterol (3.33mg/dl), low

density lipoprotein (2.20mg/dl) and triglycerides (0.43mg/dl). However, lowest values of

ix