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Turkey and Guinea fowl : Role in Indian poultry production With Thanks from http://www.poulvet.com/poultry/articles/turkey_guinea.php Remarkable growth of poultry sector in the Indian sub-continent has been essentially chicken dominated; dependent on intensive system of production involving high technology with high external inputs. This is not necessarily appropriate and sustainable to the socio-economy of a densely populated country facing routine shortage of conventional poultry feed resources. The prevailing socio-agro-economic scenario of this sub-continent calls for some kind of cafeteria approach for poultry production; scientists should develop and offer a broad spectrum of poultry alternatives to meet the different local requirements. The availability of such diversification possibilities would maximize the returns from a given level of inputs and also minimize the risks and hazards to the environment. In this context, importance of alternate poultry species is being rediscovered. Production of alternate poultry may never rise enough to compete with commercial chicken, but these birds could become a significant source of food for the masses and also a source for substantial supplement income.Guinea fowl and turkeys are interesting gallinaceous birds being farmed for centuries to meet poultry production requirements of diversified eco-agriculture mellieu. The traditionally raised guinea fowl and turkey ensure reasonable returns at insignificant cash inputs, while quail production is a distinct diversification offer. Intimate understanding of the basics of domestication; disease control, nutrition and genetics has helped farm production of these avian species. Present paper covers the present and future importance of these alternate poultry germplasm resources available in the country.Guinea fowl (Numeda meleagris galeata) Guinea fowl were introduced into the Indian sub-continent during the slavery era of mediaeval centuries. Preliminary survey of guinea fowl showed its distinct popularity with marginal farmers and other vulnerable groups as small-scale poultry enterprise. The indigenous germplasm seems well adapted to the diversified agro-climatic conditions prevailing in semi-arid regions. Guinea fowl population rank third after chickens and ducks. It is referred to by different regional names in this sub-continent ‘Titari in northern plains; and ‘Chittra’ in the Majority of guinea fowl are raised in\ semi-arid pockets of Punjab,Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Saurashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and Tamil Nadu. Present production status in this country is best summed up as widely spread and highly fragmented. The descriptions of guinea fowl breeds/ varieties are essentially based on the plumage colour variations. Pearl, Lavender and White are the three main varieties recognized world over. In India, Pearl guinea fowl are most common among village stocks and usually referred as the 'local' breed. Pearl individuals are characterized by dark-gray feathers with uniformly distributed white spots that present a pearl like appearance. Pearl plumage, colour is also regarded as the ‘wild’ mutant. Levender birds are identified by their light gray distinctly spotted feathers. White variety possesses completely white plumage. Guncari guinea fowl stocks developed at the Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar are selected for high early body weight and breed true to their plumage characteristics. Some minor plumage mutant varieties, viz. Violet, Lilac, White breasted pearl and White breasted lavender also available.Guinea fowl may be raised in the modern intensive system characterized by high input, good husbandry and hygiene and supply of balanced feed, however this system is confined largely to Government / public sector farms. The traditional extensive system of rearing is most popular in rural areas. A limited survey showed that birds are maintained in complete harmony to the village environment; housing and management is completely traditional and birds are raised on free range. Average flock size varies widely (15-200) in guinea fowl producing pockets. Droving is the most popular form of husbandry. Birds offer no management problems, primarily due to their flocking instincts. In semi-extensive system, birds are maintained in pens communicating with spacious well-fenced enclosures. Management is entirely through incorporation of family labour; two persons can easily manage even large flocks. In the traditional rearing system, the nutritional requirements of voraciously omnivorous guinea fowl are met through its catholic feeding habits; birds accept fallen grains, leaves, weeds, root-bulbs, fruits, diversified insect fauna and flora and even carrion. Supplementary feeding, if any, usually consist of waste grains, household waste and crop residues.