Comparative Blood Lipid Profile and Breast Muscle Fatty Acid Composition of Indigenous and Exotic Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Reared under Intensive Management in Nigeria

Abstract

Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) are recognised for their hardiness and adaptability to the extensive, often challenging, management systems prevalent in the region. These birds represent a vital and expanding sector of the Nigerian poultry industry, prized for their distinctly flavoured, lean meat, which is high in protein and low in fat. This study conducted a comparative analysis of blood lipid profiles and breast muscle fatty acid composition in indigenous (Nigerian Helmeted) and exotic (Lavender) guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) reared under standardised intensive conditions in Jos, Nigeria, using a 2 × 2 factorial design (breed × sex; n = 84 birds selected from 134). Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were quantified enzymatically, while fatty acid methyl esters from breast muscle were analysed via gas chromatography. No significant breed differences were observed in TC, HDL-C, or LDL-C (P > 0.05), but TG tended to be higher in exotic birds (P = 0.08). Sex significantly influenced TG (higher in males; P = 0.04) and LDL-C (higher in males; P = 0.042), with interactions showing male exotic birds with the highest TG (0.87 ± 0.05 mmol/L). Breast muscle revealed breed-specific patterns: indigenous birds had higher short/medium-chain saturated fatty acids (SFAs; C10:0, C12:0, C16:0; P < 0.001), while exotic birds exhibited elevated stearic (C18:0) and oleic (C18:1) acids (P < 0.001), particularly in females (oleic: 58.71 ± 4.24%). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were similar across groups (P > 0.05). Results indicate genetically driven metabolic differences, with exotic breeds favouring monounsaturated fatty acids for superior meat quality and indigenous breeds emphasising SFA synthesis for environmental adaptation. These findings support targeted crossbreeding to enhance productivity and nutritional value in tropical guinea fowl production. These insights underscore the potential for targeted crossbreeding to optimise productivity, nutritional security, and cardiovascular health benefits, advancing sustainable guinea fowl production in tropical environments.