Growth, morphology and haematology of Double-spurred Francolin (Francolinus bicalcaratus): A prelude to its captive breeding and domestication

Abstract

It has been documented that broadening the genetic diversity of the livestock population through captive breeding and eventual domestication of  game animals could be one of the palliatives for reducing animal protein malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. One of the game birds with wide culinary appeal in West Africa that can easily be captive-bred is the Doublespurred Francolin (Francolinus bicalcaratus). This study was therefore conducted to determine the growth, morphology and haematological indices of Double-spurred Francolin reared under intensive management condition. Eighteen eggs of Double-spurred Francolin collected from the wild were artificially incubated and hatched into chicks. These chicks were subsequently reared intensively for 24 weeks while taking data on their feed intake, growth, plumage development, vocalization and haematological indices. The growth curve of F. bicalcaratus was modelled from which the peri-pubertal period of this bird was determined. Also the number of rectrices and remiges from day old to the 24th week of age were determined while the first adult vocalization was observed in the fifth month.  Francolinus bicalcaratus displays sexual dimorphism in terms of body size, vocalization and tarsal spur number and development. Double-spurred Francolin has growth and morphometric parameters that are similar to its other phasianid relatives and can therefore fit into the food security  equation geared towards solving the perennial animal protein malnutrition problem especially in the West African sub-region. It is concluded that the bird is a good candidate for domestication and conservation, a two-in-one effort that could re-write its current global signature as an endangered bird species of West Africa.

Keywords: Double-spurred francolin, growth, haematology, plumage, vocalization.