Studies on the response of guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) to antibiotics

Abstract

1. The response of growing male guinea fowls to dietary supplements of oxytetracycline, Roxarsone and zinc bacitracin were investigated. 2. The antibiotics produced significant increases in body weight, efficiency of food utilisation and nitrogen retention in guinea fowls at 12 weeks of age. 3. Carcase protein was not affected by antibiotic supplementation but carcase dry matter and fat were significantly higher in guinea fowls receiving medicated food than in controls. 4. The results show that the growth rate of guinea fowls is significantly increased by similar inclusion rates of oxytetracycline, Roxarsone and zinc bacitracin as those generally recommended for broiler chickens.