Effect of genotype, sex and rearing temperature on carcase and meat quality of guinea fowl

1. The aim of our study was to analyse the effect of genotype ( label and s tandard), sex and rearing temperature (simulating daily outdoor in the summ er or winter) on the carcase and meat quality of guinea fowl. Using 20 anim als per treatment, slaughtered at 96 d of age we measured the breast angle and the thickness of the skin on the wing membrane. Carcases were weighed a nd cut into parts according to a standardised procedure to determine the pe rcentages of abdominal fat, breasts, wings and thighs with shanks. 2. At slaughter, standard guinea fowl were heavier than label guinea fowl a nd for both genotypes, the females were heavier than the males (+5.6%). The mean value of breast angle was 85 degrees. This value was significantly hi gher for the standard guinea fowls and for the females of both genotypes co mpared with males. Thus, female carcases, particularly standard females, we re more compact. The skin was thicker for the standard guinea fowls (0.84 m m vs 0.77 mm) which could be due to more subcutaneous fat. 3. Carcase yield was higher for the males (68.7% vs 68.2%). The percentage of abdominal fat was higher for the standard guinea fowls (2.8% vs 2.4%) an d for the females of both genotypes compared with males. The label guinea f owls had higher yields of breasts and thighs with shanks. For both lines, t he breast and thigh meat of females was judged more tender and less stringy . 4. Low rearing temperature decreased growth performance but had no signific ant effect on carcase quality.