Research Note: Effects of Beak Trimming at Different Ages on the Body Weight and Feed Conversion of Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)

The effect of beak trimming at different ages on feed consumption and growth of meat-type guineas (Numida meleagris) up to 12 wk of age was investigated. In the first experiment, beaks of birds were trimmed at 7, 28, 49, and 70 days, respectively. In the second experiment, beak trimming was done at 42, 49, 56, and 63 days, respectively. Body weight, feed consumption, and mortality were measured first at 4 wk and weekly thereafter in both experiments. Beak trimming of keets at 7 days, significantly (P less than .05) reduced body weights at 4, 8, and 12 wk whereas beak trimming at 70 days significantly (P less than .05) reduced body weights at 12 wk. Beak trimming at other ages did not produce significant differences in body weights or feed conversions. Mortality was low (2 to 4%) throughout.