The study was conducted to examine the influence of strain and non-genetic factors on growth and reproduction of indigenous Guinea fowl. Four strains of indigenous Guinea fowls: Pearl, Lavender, White and Black were used. Three non-genetic factors were considered: season of hatch, generation and sex of bird. Data were collected on 600 indigenous Guinea fowls. Data were analysed with the General Linear Procedure (GLM) of SAS. Results showed that parental generation was higher (p<0.05) than the first filial generation in 6 month body weight, daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Sex influenced (p<0.05) growth of birds: the female birds performed better than the male birds. Strain of birds significantly (p<0.05) influenced the growth indicators. Lavender strain had the highest total weight gain. Egg weight was significantly (p<0.05) affected by generation. Parental generation had higher value than the first filial generation. Reproductive traits were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by Strain of birds. Pearl had the highest fertility than black, lavender and white. The highest hatchability was recorded by pearl. In nutshell, the strains and non-genetics factors influence the growth and reproductive characteristics of indigenous Guinea fowl, hence the effects of these factors must be considered in genetic selection of the birds.

Keywords: First Filial and Parental Generations, Hatchability, Fertility, Haugh Unit