Photoperiodic-dependent morpho-biometric changes in the excurrent duct system of sexually-matured helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

Photoperiod is considered to be one of the most effective environmental factor in controlling reproductive cycle and gonadal maturation some mammalian species, but very limited information are available on its effects biology guinea fowl. Therein, we investigated varying photoperiodic treatments morpho-biometry excurrent duct system helmeted fowl (Numida meleagris). A total twenty-one (21) apparently healthy sexually-matured fowls were randomly assigned into three (3) regimes; mainly [Group I: Short daylight (SD; 8 HL (Hour light, Group II: Moderate (MD; 12 HL) III: Long (LD; 16 HL)] seven birds per group (n=7). After weeks experimentation, ducts excised freed all adhering connective tissues for gross-morphological morphometric evaluations. The bio-morphometric data (weight diameter) significantly increased (p< 0.05) epididymis ductus deferens exposed HL, as compared other treatments. However, no significant (p> effect was observed body weight length regardless photoperiod. changes diameter thus a consequence stimulatory long photoperiod exposure activity. Thus, these findings would therefore useful breeders designing appropriate intervention programs necessary improve their reproduction efficacy preserve this species.