Morphometric Characterization of Local Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Populations in Northern Ivory Coast

Guinea fowl production plays a key role in rural poultry systems in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to food security and adaptation to harsh environmental conditions. The present study aimed to evaluate the morphometric variability of 479 local guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) reared under traditional free-range systems in six Northern regions of the Ivory Coast. Guinea fowl were aged at least six months, with an estimated mean age of approximately 7-8 months. Eight quantitative traits, including body weight, breast angle, breast circumference, wingspan, body length, drumstick length, tarsus length, and tarsus diameter, were measured according to FAO guidelines. Body weight (22%) and breast angle (20%) showed the highest variability, whereas morphometric traits such as breast circumference, wingspan, body length, drumstick length, tarsus length, and tarsus diameter generally exhibited low dispersion. Region significantly influenced all traits. Guinea fowl from Kabadougou and Poro exhibited superior morphometric performance, while those from Bounkani and Tchologo recorded lower measurements. Sexual dimorphism favoring females was observed for most traits, particularly body weight. Multivariate analyses identified three distinct morphological clusters. The greatest Mahalanobis distance (24.15) separated clusters with the highest and lowest growth potential. Wingspan, breast circumference, body weight, and tarsus length were the most discriminating traits. In conclusion, wingspan, breast circumference, body weight, and tarsus length were the most significant discriminating morphometric characteristics. The most notable production potential was observed in the cluster characterized by higher values of these traits, indicating superior growth and body conformation, which is favorable for breeding and conservation programs.