Morphobiometric assessment of the phenotypic diversity of local guinea fowl (Numida Meleagris) in Bankui region, Burkina Faso

Abstract

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.