Sperm cryopreservation is a practical reproductive technique, with variations in post-thaw sperm quality observed among different breeds. Discriminant functions can be used to distinguish breed-specific responses to cryotolerance. This study applied multivariate discriminant analysis to evaluate post-thaw sperm cryotolerance among three chicken breeds under hot, humid tropical conditions. Semen samples collected from Funaab Alpha, Arbor Acre, and Dominant Black chickens were cryopreserved and assessed for sperm viability parameters.The STEPDISC, CANDISC, and DISCRIM procedures were used to evaluate breed differentiation, canonical variables, and Mahalanobis distances among the breeds, respectively. Significant breed differences (p <0.01) were observed in seminal leukocyte count, acrosome integrity, sperm viability, and midpiece and tail abnormalities. Stepwise discriminant analysis identified sperm motility, sperm viability, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, leukocyte count, acrosome integrity, and midpiece and tail abnormalities as the most important variables distinguishing the three breeds. Canonical discriminant analysis revealed two canonical variables, with CAN1 accounting for 66.94% and CAN2 accounting for 33.06% of the total variation.Arbor Acre and Funaab Alpha chickens exhibited the greatest Mahalanobis distance. These findings indicate that the discriminant functions identified in this study can effectively differentiate post-thaw sperm cryotolerance among the three chicken breeds.

This study determined the stress and metabolic potentials of 63 goat bucks of different breeds - Kalahari Red (KR), West African dwarf (WAD) and Kalawad (KW) with 21 animals each. They were assigned to three age groups – 11 - 24, 25 - 36 and 37 - 48 months and evaluated across four seasons (early/late rainy and early/late dry) in a 3 × 3 × 4 factorial design. Animals were managed under same conditions for one year. Bimonthly blood samples were collected to analyze hormonal profile on stress and metabolic indices. Three-way ANOVA was used for data analysis using SAS (1999). All determined hormones were significantly (p <0.05) influenced by breed, age and season. The cortisol level was highest (13.91±0.04 ng/mL) in the animals at age 37 – 48 months (p <0.05) and during early dry season (14.43±0.03 ng/mL) while thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations had least values (5.79±0.05 ng/dL and 1.75±0.04 ng/mL) but peaked (7.45±0.04 ng/dL and 1.76±0.04 ng/mL) respectively during early rainy season. The least cortisol value (9.42±0.03 ng/mL) was recorded in WAD. Breed, age and season exert influences on hormones considered in goats bucks. This information provides reference values for selection of these breeds in heat-stressed environments.

Feed ingredients account for most broiler production costs in Africa, yet large volumes of agro-industrial residues remain underutilized. The practical question is not whether these by-products can replace maize or soybean meal, but the inclusion levels, processing conditions, and evidence quality required for safe, effective use. This systematic review synthesised the available controlled-feeding evidence and pooled it by random-effects meta-analysis. A structured search of Web of Science and PubMed identified 273 unique records published between 1976 and 2026, from which 13 primary controlled broiler feeding studies with quantitative performance data were selected. Mean differences in feed conversion ratio (FCR) between each by-product diet and its within-study control were pooled under a random-effects model with robust variance estimation clustered on study, and regressed on dietary inclusion level; a 33-treatment castor bean cake database was analyzed to identify minimum effective ricin-removal conditions; and study quality was appraised with a SYRCLE-adapted instrument before pooling. Thirty-two contrasts from seven studies entered the primary analysis. Each percentage point of by-product inclusion raised FCR by 0.0116 units (95% CI +0.0007 to +0.0224; P = 0.041). Feedstuff functional class accounted for a substantial part of the heterogeneity (Q between classes = 41.1, df = 4, P < 0.001). Pooled across the fruit and oil processing residues the effect on FCR was -0.006 units (95% CI -0.096 to +0.085); the 11-12% FCR reduction reported for orange peel meal. For the bulk energy substitutes the pooled mean difference in FCR was +0.200 units at inclusions of 20% of the diet or less (95% CI -0.025 to +0.425) and +0.453 above 20% (+0.306 to +0.600), locating the provisional threshold at 20%. Processing pigeon pea seed meal at 26% inclusion improved average daily gain by 33–38% and FCR by 34–36% relative to raw inclusion, exceeding any inclusion-level effect. Only autoclaving at 15 psi for 60 min and calcium hydroxide at 40 g/kg achieved complete ricin destruction. Within a small, geographically concentrated evidence base with no eligible East African trials, these findings tentatively support provisional inclusion thresholds, indicate functional roles for fruit residues at low doses, and establish minimum processing standards, but require independent replication. Priority needs are standardized multi-site trials with full variance reporting, East African trials, and simultaneous cost-performance analysis.

Abstract This study assesses the impacts of oral administration of Azanza garckeana ( Goron Tula ) syrup on semen quality, reproductive hormone profile, sperm production and storage efficiency in rabbit bucks during heat stress scenarios. Ripe Azanza garkeana fruits were procured, air-dried, weighed and processed into syrup by aqueous extraction 30%w/v for 12 hours. The gelatinous fluid obtained was referred to as Goron Tula syrup (GTS). Sixty mixed-breed rabbit bucks divided into four treatment groups receiving 0mL, 1mL, 2mL, and 3mL/kg BW GTS daily for 16 weeks. Semen samples were collected and analyzed using computer-assisted sperm analysis. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected and all animals slaughtered, and reproductive organs excised, weights and sperm reserves assessed. Results obtained showed that bucks administered 1mL/kg BW GTS exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher semen volume, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity, and semen concentration compared to other groups. Epidydimal sperm reserves of bucks on control and 3mL/kg BW GTS were significantly (p<0.05) higher than other groups. The daily sperm production and sperm production efficiency were highest in bucks receiving 1mL/kg BW GTS, and these bucks had higher testicular sperm reserves than the others. In conclusion, a dose of 1mL/kg BW Azanza garkeana enhance reproductive performance of bucks under heat stress conditions.

Local guinea fowl plays an important role in rural livelihoods and food security in West Africa; however, their phenotypic and morphometric diversity remains poorly documented. This study aimed to describe the phenotypes and body measurements of local guinea fowl in the Bankui region of Burkina Faso. Qualitative and morphometric traits were recorded between November 2024 and February 2025 on 316 adult local guinea fowl (112 males and 204 females) aged at least 7 months. Each guinea fowl was subjected to direct phenotypic description and biometric measurements. The results revealed marked polymorphism in plumage colouration, with pearl grey (40.5%), pearl grey pied (29.1%) and buff (15.5%) being the most dominant colours. The erect helmet was widely represented (82%). Eye colouration was mainly brown (55%) and grey (41%). Shank colouration was predominantly black-orange (26%) and black (22%), while wattle colouration was mainly white-red (49%) and bluish-red (27%). Sex and plumage colour had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the biometric traits. Pearl grey guinea fowl (1.22 ± 0.13 kg), particularly pearl grey males (1.24 ± 0.12 kg), were heavier than guinea fowl of other plumage colours. Regardless of sex and plumage colour, correlations between biometric traits ranged from 0.05 to 0.6. Strong positive correlations were found between body weight and breast circumference (r = 0.60), and body weight and body length (r = 0.53). These significant morphological and biometric differences demonstrate phenotypic diversity in local guinea fowl and provide baseline information to support future conservation and breeding programs. However, molecular studies are required to confirm the genetic basis of the observed phenotypic variation.

Growing concerns over health risks and microbial resistance associated with synthetic growth promoters have increased interest in natural alternatives in poultry production. This study evaluated the effects of Lagenaria breviflora (spotted pumpkin) fruit aqueous extract on growth performance, behaviour, haematology, and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old Ross 308 chicks were assigned to six treatment groups in a 2 (300 and 500 g/L) × 3 (0, 3, and 4 times/week) factorial arrangement and administered the extract via drinking water from day 7 to 42. Growth performance indices included weight gain, feed intake, water intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Behaviour was monitored using closed-circuit television, and blood parameters were determined using standard laboratory procedures. While the extract did not improve growth performance, it influenced behavioural activity and selected physiological indices. Birds receiving 300 g/L showed higher feed and water intake than those on 500 g/L. Administration frequency significantly (P < 0.05) affected growth, with the control group (0 time/week) recording the highest final weight and weight gain. Behaviour did not differ at the starter phase, but at the finisher phase, birds on 300 g/L exhibited greater feeding, drinking, walking, dust bathing, and wing-flapping activities than those on 500 g/L. Frequency of administration also influenced behavioural expression, with control and 3 times/week groups generally more active than birds treated 4 times/week. Haematological indices were not affected by treatment. Serum biochemical parameters indicated improved antioxidant status at higher concentration (500 g/L), as evidenced by reduced (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Birds receiving 500 g/L had higher serum protein and albumin and lower MDA levels, indicating improved antioxidant status. These findings suggest that Lagenaria breviflora extract may support behavioural expression and antioxidant status without improving growth performance. Therefore, its application should be considered cautiously, and further studies are required before definitive recommendations can be made.

BACKGROUND:Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) supplementation is being investigated in the poultry industry for its nutritional and medicinal properties. However, its effects on birds' performance, particularly egg production, are scarce. OBJECTIVES:This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of MOLM on biochemical parameters and egg production of egg-type chickens from day-old to 55 weeks of age. METHODS:A total of 450 day-old chicks were assigned to three dietary treatments of basal diet supplemented with 0%, 1% and 3% MOLM, with 5 replicates of 30 birds each. Data on egg production were collected up to 55 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected from 15 birds per treatment via the jugular vein at 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 weeks of age for biochemical parameter analysis. RESULTS:The results showed that feed intake was reduced in birds fed 1% and 3% of M. oleifera. Higher (p < 0.05) egg weights and lower triglyceride were recorded in the birds fed 3% of MOLM during the rearing period. However, plasma calcium, triglyceride level, and egg production were higher (p < 0.05) in birds fed 1% M. oleifera in the diet. Birds in the control group had lower (p < 0.05) average total cholesterol and higher (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio than those of the other treatments. CONCLUSIONS:To conclude, the incorporation of 1% M. oleifera leaves in layer-type diet for a long period resulted in an increase in blood calcium, triglyceride, and egg production, whereas 3% inclusion significantly increased egg weight but decreased triglyceride level.

The perinatal experiences in broiler chickens can have a significant impact on the phenotypes of offspring and can affect how they interact with their environment, affecting their health, productivity and welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effect of early-age feed restriction and thermal conditioning on the physiological responses of broiler chickens in hot tropical environments. Two hundred forty male Marshall broiler chicks were assigned to four treatments with four replicates of fifteen birds each. The treatments comprised: broiler chicks raised conventionally (CO), broiler chicks exposed to 60% feed restriction at days 4, 5 and 6 (FR), chicks thermally-conditioned (38 °C) at day 5(TC) for 24 h and broiler chicks subjected to thermal conditioning at (38 °C) at day five and exposed to 60% feed restriction at 4,5 and 6 (TCFR). A completely randomized design was used for the experiment. The results obtained revealed that the final body weights of TCFR chickens were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than TC, which were higher (P < 0.05) than FR and CO chickens. The feed conversion ratio of CO chickens was higher (P < 0.05) than those of TC, FR and TCFR. A higher (P < 0.05)concentration of serum malondialdehyde was recorded in CO chickens than the other treatment groups. Overall, this study has demonstrated that the combination of early feed restriction and thermal conditioning positively affected broiler chickens’ growth performance and antioxidant status in hot tropical environments. The findings of this study suggest that the use of early-age feed restriction and thermal conditioning could be beneficial in alleviating heat stress in broiler chickens.

Livestock are frequently exposed to environmental stressors that adversely affect their welfare and productivity. This review examines the behavioural adaptations of livestock to these stressors and their implications for animal welfare and performance. Environmental stressors are classified into three categories: abiotic (e.g. temperature, light), biotic (e.g. parasitism, social competition), and management-related (e.g. housing, stocking density, transportation). These are further grouped into thermal, nutritional, social, and managerial categories, each with physiological and behavioural consequences. For instance, thermal stress impairs thermoregulation and reduces feed intake; nutritional stress arises from feed scarcity or imbalance; social stress triggers aggression; and management stress results from confinement or handling. These stressors compromise immune function, disrupt endocrine balance, and provoke maladaptive behaviours. Behavioural indicators, such as panting, shivering, aggression and vocalization reflect how animals cope with stress. The review explains how behavioural adaptations influence productivity indicators and highlights assessment tools ranging from visual observation to sensor technologies and artificial intelligence. It also outlines welfare-enhancing strategies, including environmental enrichment, behavioural management, and precision livestock farming. Understanding these adaptive responses can inform context-specific welfare strategies. It also highlights the need for integrative frameworks that link behavioural insights with practical interventions, particularly in under-researched systems vulnerable to climate variability and resource constraints.

Thermoregulatory response and growth performance of FUNAAB-Alpha chickens administered sweet citrus peel powder (SCPP) were investigated in a twelve weeks experiment. A total of 360 1-day-old FUNAAB Alpha chicks were used for the study, comprising 120 birds per genotype: Normal feather (NF), Naked neck (NN) and Frizzle feather (FF). Birds were randomly allotted into 12 treatment groups: NF: 0 g, 3 g, 6 g and 9 g of SCPP, NN: 0 g, 3 g, 6 g and 9 g of SCPP, FF: 0 g, 3 g, 6 g and 9 g of SCPP. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 10 birds per replicate. No (p > 0.05) interactive and main effect of genotype and dosage of SCPP was observed on the Rectal temperature, Skin temperatures under wing and of the breast among the treatments. Similar (p > 0.05) interactive effect was observed on the respiratory rate (RR), however, higher (p < 0.001) RR was recorded in NN and FF compared with NF. Birds in the control group had the highest (p < 0.005) RR compared with birds administered 3 g and 9 g of SCPP/L of water. Interaction and main effect of SCPP dosage on heterophil (H), lymphocyte (L) and heterophil lymphocyte ratio (H/L) were not significant (p > 0.05) across the treatment groups. However, genotype significantly (p < 0.000) influenced H, L and H/L. The FF and NN had significantly (p < 0.000) lower H/L compared with the NF. Higher (p < 0.000) weight gain (WG) was observed in FF and NN compared to NF chickens. Significantly (p < 0.020) lower FCR was observed in 6 g/L (2.26), 3 g/L (2.65) and 9 g/L (2.66) of FF compared with NF on 9 g/L (4.03). Dosage of SCPP significantly (p < 0.001) influenced the relative weights of the intestine. In conclusion, lower H/L, higher WG and better FCR were observed in the NN and FF genotypes with the best FCR recorded at 6 g SCPP/L of water.

Climate change is disrupting the semi-arid agricultural systems in Southern Africa, where livestock is crucial to food security and livelihoods. This review evaluates the bioenergetic and agroecological scope for climate-adaptive livestock nutrition in the region. An analysis of the literature on climate change implications on livestock nutrition and thermal welfare in the regional agroecological context was conducted. The information gathered was systematically synthesized into tabular summaries of the fundamentals of climate-smart bioenergetics, thermoregulation, livestock heat stress defence mechanisms, the thermo-bioactive feed components, and potentially climate-smart feed resources in the region. The analysis supports the adoption of climate-smart livestock nutrition when conceptualized as precision feeding combined with dietary strategies that enhance thermal resilience in livestock, and the adaptation of production systems to the decline in availability of conventional feedstuffs by incorporating climate-smart alternatives. The keystone potential climate-smart alternative feedstuffs are identified to be the small cereal grains, such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) as dietary energy sources, the native legumes, such as the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and the marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) as protein sources, wild browse Fabaceae trees such as Vachellia spp. and Colophospermum mopane, which provide dry season and drought supplementary protein, minerals, and antioxidants, the non-fabaceous tree species such as the marula tree (Sclerocarya birrea), from which animals consume the energy and electrolyte-rich fresh fruit or processed pulp. Feedstuffs for potential circular feeding systems include the oilseed cakes from the macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) nut, the castor (Ricinus communis), and Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) beans, which are rich in protein and energy, insect feed protein and energy, primarily the black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens), and microbial protein from phototrophic algae (Spirulina, Chlorella), and yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Additives for thermo-functionally enhanced diets include synthetic and natural anti-oxidants, phytogenics, biotic agents (prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics), and electrolytes. The review presents a conceptual framework for climate-smart feeding strategies that enhance system resilience across the livestock-energy-water-food nexus, to inform broader, in-depth research, promote climate-smart farm practices and support governmental policies which are tailored to the agroecology of the region.

The potential of phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) to modulate gut health has drawn much attention as natural alternatives to antibiotics in poultry production. These plant-derived compounds, such as polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and essential oils exhibit various bioactive properties that improve gut microbiota composition, support immune function, and improve nutrient absorption by influencing gut morphology and digestive enzyme activity. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties help maintain and improve overall poultry performance and lower the prevalence of diseases related to gut and intestinal integrity. By promoting a balanced gut microbiota, phytogenics help reduce enteric infections, promote beneficial bacteria, and suppress pathogenic microbes, reducing the need for antibiotic growth promoters. PFAs are valuable tools for sustainable poultry production since they have been connected to enhanced feed conversion efficiency, growth performance, and meat quality in addition to their health benefits. However, further research and standardization are needed to address issues, including regulatory compliance, appropriate dosage determination, and variability in the composition of bioactive compounds. To improve their stability and effectiveness, future research should improve PFA formulations, examine their synergistic interactions with other feed additives, and create innovative delivery systems such as microencapsulation. A promising strategy for enhancing animal welfare, lessening the impact on the environment, and guaranteeing antibiotic-free poultry production is the incorporation of phytogenics into poultry feed. Phytogenics can play a significant role in the future of sustainable poultry farming by tackling the current issues and maximizing their uses.

Despite the plethora of studies on the impacts of access to runs on chickens, there is a paucity of information on the welfare and behavioural repertoire of hens raised in the deep litter houses with or without access to legume- or grass-based pasture. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of access to grass or legume pastures by laying hens on behaviour, physiological responses and bacterial load. The study was conducted to evaluate the influence of exposure of egg-type chickens to runs on grass or legume pastures on their welfare and behaviours. The study involved the use of 240 ISA brown pullets from 12 weeks of age and and lasted for 48 weeks. The treatments were deep litter housing with grass-based pasture run (PG), deep litter housing with legume-based pasture run (PL) and deep litter housing without runs (LD) having 80 pullets with four replicates of twenty birds each. Behavioural observations of the hens in each pen were made at 52 weeks of age and tonic immobility was assessed by making the birds lie on their back with their head resting in a U-shaped wooden cradle. The measurements of the respiratory rate and rectal temperature of the hens were assessed at 1:00 p.m. at different laying phases. The gastrointestinal and egg bacterial counts were conducted at 60 weeks of age. Results revealed that the proportion of time spent eating was highest (p < 0.05) in the deep litter housing system, while the legume and grass pasture were similar. The hens spent most of their time standing and eating in the three treatments. However, the time spent standing in PL and PG was similar but significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in LD. Results on tonic immobility duration showed that the time spent by the hens in LD during the reaction was significantly longer than those of the PL and PG in the first, second and third phases of the experiments. However, the time spent by the hens in PL and PG was similar. The rectal temperatures of PL and PG birds were comparable and higher than those of LD during the second phase. On the other hand, there was no difference in the respiratory rate. Plasma triiodothyronine (T3) of the hens did not follow a consistent pattern. The bacterial count in the large intestine in LD and PL was similar but significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the PG. It was concluded that access to pasture influenced the behaviours of hens and that tonic immobility duration was shorter in the hens on the pasture, suggesting that access to pasture favoured hens' welfare.

Context: The presence of lysine in the feed ration of pigs optimizes their growth rate and feed efficiency. Objective: This study evaluated the effect of lysine supplementation on the production performance of weaned piglets. Methods: A total of 120 Large White weanlings were subjected to four treatments (L0.95, L1, L1.15, and L1.3) with four replicates. Animals in batches L0.95, L1, L1.15 and L1.3 were fed a base ration supplemented with 0.95%, 1%, 1.15% and 1.3% lysine, respectively. Data were collected on feed intake, body weights and body measurements, such as back length, thoracic perimeter and height at the withers. The data collected were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: This study showed that live weight and feed intake were statistically similar for all batches; however, batch L1 gave the best feed intake index and average daily gain compared to the other batches. The strongest correlation was observed between weight and chest circumference. Economic evaluation revealed that the best production costs were found in batches L1 and L1.15. Conclusion: Lysine supplementation at 1% in the diet resulted in better production and economic performance in large white piglets. Implications: Lysine is a limiting factor in the growth of weaned pigs and strongly recommended to breeders.

Chickens are sensitive to environmental challenges caused by temperature. The current study aimed to determine the effects of heat manipulation during embryonic development on the physiological responses of Goliath chickens. A total of 2000 hatching eggs from 48-week-old breeders were weighed, numbered, and randomly distributed equally into 4 incubators. Each incubator received 500 eggs (4 replicates of 125 eggs each). Eggs in two of the incubators were rotated hourly at a 45° angle and maintained at 37.8°C and 60% relative humidity (T0 groups). Between embryonic days (ED) 10 and 18 of incubation, the eggs from the other two incubators were heated to 38.5°C for 6 hours per day (T1 groups). The eggs were reweighed and candled, and viable eggs were moved to the hatching baskets at ED 18 of incubation. Hatching eggs were examined individually for hatching events every three hours during the final three days of incubation. On day 21, blood samples were collected from 12 chicks per group for hormonal and biochemical analyses. The evaluated blood parameters included Triiodothyronine (T3), T4 (thyroxine), cortisol, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, and total protein. At hatch, chicks were weighed and their quality (survival after hatching and performance standards) was evaluated. Data were collected on embryonic development, hatching window, hatching events, biochemical parameters, and hormonal concentrations. Results indicated that hatchability, chick’s weight, Tri-iodothyronine, and corticosterone were higher in the T1 group, compared to the control group. At hatch on day 21, the pipping muscle of chicks in the treated group (T1) was significantly heavier than that of the control group, while the embryonic mortality rate was significantly higher in the T0 group. In conclusion, applying heat treatment for 6 hours at 38.5°C from ED10-ED18 of embryogenesis increased significantly the hatching rate, the pipping muscle, and the chick’s weight in this study. Keywords: Embryonic development, Physiology, Slow-growing broiler, Thermal manipulation, Tropical climate

The effect of semen extender supplemented with pyridoxine on motility, in vitro capacitation and in vitro acrosome reaction of buck spermatozoa were studied. Tris-based extenders supplemented with 0, 4, 6 and 8mM of pyridoxine were diluted with pooled semen samples obtained from West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks. Sperm motility was assessed following cryopreservation, and capacitation and in vitro acrosome reaction were induced in vitro. The results showed higher (P<0.05) spermatozoa motility, capacitation and acrosome reaction in extenders supplemented with pyridoxine compared to the control. The improvement in motility was best (P< 0.05) at 6mM of alone or combined with vitamin C, E and melatonin respectively supplementation. Extender supplemented with 4mM had higher spermatozoa that underwent induced acrosome reaction and more spermatozoa cryopreserved with 4mM and 6mM underwent induced capacitation (P< 0.05). The findings revealed that spermatozoa motility, in vitro capacitation and in vitro acrosome reaction improved with pyridoxine supplementation.

Understanding the effect of crossbreeding on egg quality and incubation is essential for the selection of superior genetic combinations in breeding programs. This study evaluated the effect of crossbreeding on egg quality and incubation activities of the Sasso and Wassache chickens in a pure (Sasso X Sasso [SS]; Wassache X Wassache [WW]) and reciprocal cross (Wassache X Sasso [WS]; Sasso X Wassache [SW]) design. A total of 1431 eggs were incubated while 400 eggs were selected for egg quality. Fertility, hatchability, and hatching activities were expressed in percentage, while egg quality traits were determined. The crosses with Sasso hens laid similar (P>0.05) but heavier (P<0.05) eggs with higher (P<0.05) egg components compared to the crosses with Wassache hens. The SS, SW, and WW genotypes recorded similar (P>0.05) early embryonic mortality (EEM) and were lower (P<0.05) compared to the WS genotype. Late embryonic mortality (LEM) between the reciprocal crosses and SS was similar (P>0.05) and lower (P<0.05) compared to the WW. The hatchability and hatchability of fertile eggs between the purebreds and the SW cross were comparable (P>0.05), while those of the WS genotype was lower compared to the SS cross. Hatch duration in the crossbreds was shorter (P<0.05) compared to the pure Sasso. Mortality between the SW and WW was similar (P>0.05) while the WS cross recorded a higher (P<0.05) mortality compared to the purebreds. Crossbreeding improved egg quality, reduced LEM, and accelerated crossbred hatching events. The SW cross is recommended for better performance.

The study investigated the effect of housing system and laying phases on the internal and external qualities of guinea fowl eggs laid in three different housing systems. The trial involved the use of 117, 34-wk-old guinea fowl hens which were assigned to three housing types, which were battery cages, deep litter, and deep litter housing systems with free runs, which had the same dimensions as deep litter houses but with free run and open-air space to allow the birds to have free access to soil and exhibit natural behavior. The laying phases of the birds were partitioned into three (36 to 40, 41 to 45, and 46 to 50 wk of age). The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using a 2 x 3 factorial design. The findings demonstrated that both housing type and laying period significantly influenced egg quality parameters, with deep litter housing exhibiting higher egg weight, egg breadth, and shell surface area. Battery cage housing had thicker shells and a higher percentage of shell weight than total egg weight. As the birds aged, most parameters increased, while shell thickness decreased. The interaction between housing type and laying period played a crucial role, with egg weight, breadth, and egg shape index increasing as the birds aged. The shell thickness decreased as the laying period progressed across all housing systems. During the 40 to 45 wk period of lay, they exhibited the highest albumen height, haugh unit, and % yolk weight. The study's findings highlight how the interaction between the housing system and the laying period impacted the internal quality of guinea fowl eggs.