International Journal of Poultry Science 8 (9): 882-889, 2009

ISSN 1682-8356
Asian Network for Scientific Information, 2009

The Effects of Raw and Processed Mucuna pruriens Seed Based Diets on the
Growth Parameters and Meat Characteristics of Benin Local
Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris, L)
M. Dahouda1, 2, S.S. Toleba2, A.K.I Youssao3, A.A. Mama Ali3, R.K. Dangou-Sapoho3,
S.G. Ahounou3, A. Hambuckers4 and J-L. Hornick1
1
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liege,
Boulevard de Colonster B43, 4000 Liege, Belgium
2
Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agronomic Science, University of Abomey-Calavi,
BP 526 Cotonou, Republic of Benin
3
Department of Animal Production, University of Abomey-Calavi, Polytechnic Institute of Abomey-Calavi,
BP 2009 Cotonou, Republic of Benin
4
Department of Science and Environment Management, Faculty of Science,
Boulevard du Rectorat B22, 4000 Liege, Belgium
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare the growth characteristics of guinea fowl fed on
Mucuna pruriens (pica-pica, cow-hitch plant, cowhage, velvet bean, devil bean) seed with a control group at
both starting and growing phases in extensive production in tropical Africa country (Benin). It was also
attempt at determining meat traits and ascertains meat eventual contamination by L-Dopa for safely human
consumption. To measure these effects, 20 % raw or processed (cooked or toasted) Mucuna seed were
incorporated in guinea fowl diets. Mucuna seed processing reveals changes in ash, NNE, CP, Crude fibre
and EE contents. Cooking markedly reduced L-Dopa level by 52 %. Roasting was also effective but at a lower
extent, i.e., 36%. Feed intake showed that raw Mucuna seed significantly impaired feed intake but processing
improved the condition. Mucuna depressing effect on growth parameters were less affective on adult birds
than on keets. Lowest eviscerated carcass weights, dressing percentage and cut parts were recorded in
group fed on raw Mucuna seed. The thigh-drumsticks, heads and legs of the male were found to be
significantly heavier than those of the female. Differences between sexes were also noticed in liver, heart and
gizzard. The liver and heart weights were significantly reduced in birds fed on raw seeds while the gizzard
weights were increased significantly in processed seeds diets. Mucuna seed intakes did not change meat
quality (pH24 and water holding capacity). Analyses of muscle, liver and kidney did not reveal the presence
of L-Dopa in meat. The conclusions are that processed Mucuna seed can replace soybeans up to 20% for
extensive guinea fowl production and contribute to diminish dependence to conventional protein for small
holders.
Key words: Mucuna pruriens, L-Dopa, growth, carcass, meat characteristics, guinea fowls
such as cereals and their by-products, or various
products ingested through scavenging, couldnt cover
nutrient requirements for minimal production. They
suggested that complement should be proteo-energetic
and contain calcium characteristics found in nonconventional protein sources such as tropical legumes
seeds. Among leguminous seeds, Mucuna pruriens is
identified as a potential source of protein and energy for
poultry production in developing countries (Vijayakumari
et al., 2002; Vadivel and Janardhanan, 2000). According
to Pugalenthi et al. (2005), Mucuna pruriens var. utilis
shows good nutritional qualities. The seeds of Mucuna
are found to contain, per kg dry matter, about 220-350 g
Crude Protein (CP), from 4600-5400 kcal Metabolizable
Energy (ME) and about 480 g carbohydrates (Iyayi et al.,
2005; Vijayakumari et al., 2002 and Adebowale et al.,

INTRODUCTION
The production of guinea fowl as alternative poultry
gains progressively throughout the world. However, its
profitability is hampered by poor production and
reproduction efficiencies due in part to lack of
management and feeding guidelines (Nahashon et al.,
2004). In developing countries, finding cheap and
available feedstuffs for guinea fowls constitutes a major
challenge, diet accounting for about 60-80% of the total
cost of poultry production (Pym, 1990) and being based
on the importation of conventional feed such as soybean
and fish meal (Emenalom and Udedibie, 1998).
At small holders level, there is a lack of protein sources
to complement the energetic feeds (Flores et al., 2002).
In Benin, Dahouda et al. (2007) observed that
supplements offered to guinea fowls in traditional farms,
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Int. J. Poult. Sci., 8 (9): 882-889, 2009

2005). Mucuna seed has also similar amino acids
profile as others legumes seed such as soya beans
(Carew and Gernat, 2006). However, despite its
nutritional advantages, Mucuna contains numerous
antinutritional factors such as tannins, lectins, phytic
acid, cyanogens, trypsin inhibitors and L-Dopa (3, 4dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine), which is the prominent
among these factors (Ravindran and Ravindran, 1988;
Siddhuraju et al., 2000. Previous experiments showed
however that heat-treatments could drastically reduce
the toxicity of Mucuna seeds (Ukachukwu and Szabo
2003; Nyirenda et al., 2003).
Several studies focused on monogastrics concerns
rabbits, broilers and hens (Dossa et al., 1998; Nyirenda
et al., 2003; Iyayi and Tawo, 2003; Iyayi et al., 2005). To
our knowledge, there is a sole study reporting the use of
Mucuna in guinea fowl (Farougou et al., 2006).
Thus, this study aims to investigate the effects of heattreated Mucuna pruriens seed on the performance and
on meat characteristics of guinea fowl.

randomized design. The heating of the keets lasted for

three weeks and animal were reared on a deep litter.
Individual live weights were recorded weekly and daily
feed intakes were recorded by group. Weight values
were presented at the end of starting period (12 weeks)
and at the end of growing period (28 weeks). Feed and
water were provided on an ad libitum basis throughout
both experiments. Animals were subjected to routine
vaccinations against Newcastle disease (Avi-new) and
infectious bursal disease (Bioral H120) and other
required
veterinary
care
against
coccidiosis
(Amprolium 1 g/l during 5 days) and helminthiasis
(Polystrongle 1 g/l for 1 day).
Carcass characteristics and meat quality: At the end of
the trial 2, fourteen birds-7 males and 7 females-from
each group were slaughtered for carcass characteristics
and meat quality determination. The birds were fasted
overnight and were weighted before slaughtering. They
were bled by section of the jugular veins, scalded in
warm water (about 60oC) and plucked manually. The
legs and head were cut at tibio-metatarsus and atlantooccipital joints, respectively. Weights of carcass, head,
legs, hearts, livers and gizzards were obtained.
Carcasses were preserved in fridge at 4oC during 24 h
and reweighed. Carcasses were then carved out and
weights of breasts, thigh-drumsticks, wings, necks and
back cut were determined. The pH was measured in
breast at 24 h after slaughter, using a HANNA pH-meter.
After carving out, breasts samples of about 50 g were
used for drip loss determination. Meat samples were
placed in plastics bags and freely hanged up to a hook
at 4oC during 48 h. Samples were then removed,
mopped up, weighed for drip loss determination and
replaced in plastics bags that were seal up. Samples
were placed in a hot water at 75oC during 30 min, cooled
during 40 min and mopped up. The difference in weight
before and after cooking gave the cooking loss,
expressed as a percentage of initial weight.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animal management and diets: Two 28 weeks lasting
trials were undertaken using unsexed local guinea fowl
day-old. Animals were identified individually by wing
pins. Mucuna pruriens seeds were obtained from the
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Benin.
They were roughly crushed and teguments were handremoved. A third of the seeds were preserved while the
remainder was heat-processed, i.e., cooked or toasted
according to farmer common practices. Cooked seeds
were obtained by pouring cracked seeds into boiling
water (100oC) for 30 min. They were strained at room
temperature for one day and dried in oven at 65oC for 72
h. Toasted seeds were obtained in a hot frying-pan
placed in an oven (100-120oC) and stirred from time to
time to maintain uniform heating. Toasting lasted about
20 min, until seeds were brown and crispy.
In the first trial, the animals received initially during 12
weeks a Control Diet (CoD) based on maize (575 g/kg),
wheat bran (120 g/kg), soybean meal (200 g/kg),
fishmeal (40 g/kg) and mineral and vitamins. Diets were
formulated in order to obtain theoretical iso-nutrient
concentrations according to guinea fowls requirements
as recommended by INRA (1984) Du Preez and Sales
(1997) and Larbier and Leclercq (1992). They were then
maintained on the CoD or fed with a diet in which either
raw, cooked or toasted Mucuna pruriens var. utilis seeds
was incorporated at level of 20% (RD, CD and TD
respectively) instead of soybean meal. In the second
trial, keets were fed from starting to the end of the
experiment with the control diet or one of the
experimental diets. In each trial, animals were raised in
a breeding house (10 mx5 m) with 90 cm height, walls
surmounted by a wire netting of 2 m. Birds were
allocated to four pens according to a completely

Diets and L-Dopa analysis: Experimental diets and

Mucuna meals samples were analyzed according to
AOAC procedures for Dry Matter (DM) (method no.
934.01), organic matter (OM, method no. 942.05), ether
extract (EE, method no. 920.39), crude fibre (CF, method
no. 978.10) and ash (method no. 942.05). Crude Protein
(CP) was determined by the Kjeldahl method, as
nitrogen (N) x 6.25. Nitrogen Non-extract (NNE) was
calculated as: (1,000 - CP - NDF - ash - ether extract,
fractions being expressed as g/kg) (NRC, 2001).
Experimental diets, Mucuna seed meals and meat
(breast, liver and kidney) samples were also analyzed
for L-Dopa. All the reagents used were of analytical
grade. Analysis were carried out with a HPLC equipped
with a binary pump, an autosampler, a thermostated
column compartment and a diode-array detector, all HP
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Int. J. Poult. Sci., 8 (9): 882-889, 2009

Table 1:

Chemical composition of raw, cooked and toasted

Mucuna pruriens seeds
Heat treatment
Raw
Cooking
Toasting
Chemical composition (% DM)
Dry matter
93.78
94.95
94.72
Ash
6.57
4.33
4.60
Crude Protein
23.17
32.97
34.33
Crude fibre
9.60
9.50
8.77
Ether extract
4.50
3.43
4.50
Non nitrogen extract
69.00
57.93
57.10
L-Dopa
3.45
1.65
2.19
ME (MJ/kg)
12.8
13.0
13.5

series 1100 from Hewlett-Packard. A LC Chemstation

(Hewlett-Packard) was used for instrument control, data
acquisition and data handling. The separation was
performed on an Alltima HP C18 Amide (250x3.0 mm,
i.d.; particle size: 5 m) column from Alltech. The mobile
phase consisted in 0.46 % m/v formic acid in water. Prior
to use, mobile phases were degassed for 15 min in an
ultrasonic bath. The chromatographic separation was
performed at 30oC using a constant flow rate of 0.5
ml/min. The injected volume was 10 l and the UV
detection was performed at 280 nm. A stock solution
Levodopa was prepared by dissolving the appropriate
amount of analytes in 100 mM hydrochloric acid solution
in order to obtain a concentration of 0.2 mg/ml. Diluted
solutions were prepared in the same media to reach
final concentrations of 1, 5, 10 and 20 g/ml. An
accurately weighted amount of 50 mg of seeds powder
was suspended in 10 ml of 100 mM hydrochloric acid
solution. For feed and seed meal, an accurately
weighted amount of 200 mg was mixed in 40 ml of 100
mM hydrochloric solution. The mixtures were then Vortex,
mechanically shaked for 30 min at room temperature,
sonicated for 5 min and finally centrifuged at 4500 rpm
and 4oC for 5 min. Five or 20 ml of extraction solution
issued from seeds powder or from feed, respectively
were placed in a 50 ml volumetric flask and filled to
volume with the 100 mM hydrochloric solution. Solutions
were conserved between 2 and 8oC.

Table 2:

Ingredients and chemical composition of control and

test diets
Ingredients (%)
CoD
RD
TD
CD
Maize
57.3
50.0
50.0
50.0
Wheat bran
12.0
14.3
14.3
14.3
Soybean meal
20.0
0.00
0.00
0.00
Fish meal
4.0
9.00
9.00
9.00
Mucuna meal
0.0
20.0
20.0
20.0
Premix
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
NaCl
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
Shell of mollusc
6.0
6.0
6.0
6.0
Lysine
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
Methionine
0,1
0,1
0,1
0,1
Chemical composition
Dry matter (%)
91.6
90.5
90.1
91.1
Ash (%)
12.2
14.3
11.3
12.5
Crude protein (%)
19.4
19.7
18.8
18.7
Crude fibre (%)
3.3
4.7
4.2
4.3
Ether extract (%)
5.8
4.0
3.8
3.9
Non nitrogen extract (%)
77.3
75.4
77.2
77.4
ME (MJ/kg)
14.5
13.2
13.9
13.6
L-Dopa (%)
0.00
0.427
0.499
0.294

Statistical analysis: Weights, daily weight gain, feed

intakes,
feed
conversion
ratio
and
carcass
characteristics were analyzed according to General
Linear Models using SAS package (SAS, 1999). Models
included the effect of the diet and sex. For carcass
characteristics, the model included the diet and sex
effects, but their interaction being not significant was
thus removed from model. For growth parameters, the
effect of diet was used. Monthly weights were
considered to establish growth curve. Mortality rates
were compared by a Chi-square test.

Afterwards, feed intake in CoD group was significantly

higher (p<0.05) than in other groups. In trial 2 (Table 4),
feed intake during the first 12-week period was similar
(p>0.05) between CoD and processed seed diets, while
the RD intake was lower than that of the control. In the
second period, there was a marked reduction of RD
intake (62 and 71% with regard to CoD and TD,
respectively, p<0.05). TD was significantly more
ingested than others diets (p<0.05). CoD and CD
intakes were not significantly different. Mucuna seed
processing restored or even improved feed intake when
compared to control.
During the first period of trial 1, mean weights remained
similar between groups. At the end of the trial at week
28, the weight of the control birds was significantly
higher (p<0.05) than that of animals fed Mucuna, the
lowest values being observed in RD group (p<0.05).
However, all groups reached mean weight close to 1 kg
at the end of the experiment. In trial 2, the birds fed on
the CoD were significantly (p<0.05) heavier at the end
the starting and finishing phases than those having
received the experimental diets. Drastic weight reduction
was observed in RD group (46.7 and 40.0% with regard
to CoD and CD, respectively). At starting as well at

RESULTS
Composition of diets: The chemical composition and LDopa content in seeds and in experimental diets are
reported in Tables 1 and 2. Heat processing affected
seed nutrients contents mainly by decreasing NNE
contents and enhancing CP. Cooking markedly reduced
L-Dopa level by 52%. Roasting was also effective but at
a lower extent, i.e., 36 %. The nutrient values of control
and experimental diets were fairly similar. As expected
from Mucuna seed analysis, the level of L-Dopa in
cooked seed diet was lower than in raw and toasted
seed diet.
Animal performance: In trial 1 (Table 3), feed intakes
were similar between groups during the first period.
884

Int. J. Poult. Sci., 8 (9): 882-889, 2009

finishing phase, daily weight gain and feed conversion
ratio were not significantly different (p>0.05) between
groups (trial 1). During the first phase in trial 2, daily
weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly
higher in CoD and, within experimental groups, in CD.
During the second phase, daily weight gain and feed
conversion ratio were also significantly different
(p<0.01). Weight gains were similar between CoD and
processed seeds. Value was significantly weaker in RD
(p<0.05). Feed conversion values were similar between
CoD and TD (p>0.05) and were significantly higher than
the 2 others groups (p<0.05).
The growth curves of the birds in trials 1 and 2 are
reported in Fig. 1 and 2, respectively. In CoD groups live
weight showed a sigmoid evolution, the growth rate
being low the first month, reaching regular value until 5
mo and decreasing afterward. As expected, the profile
was similar in the other groups until the 12th week in trial
1. Afterward, the growth was lower and remained linear
until the end of the experiment in experimental groups.
Mortality rates were high during starter phase in trial 2,
particularly RD and TD.

Fig. 1: Growth of guinea fowls fed a control diet from

0-3 mo before receiving diets containing raw,
toasted or cooked Mucuna pruriens seeds in
trial 1

Carcass characteristics and meat quality: The weights

(p<0.05) of carcass, breast, back cut, thigh-drumstick,
wings and necks were lower in group fed on raw
Mucuna seed (Table 5), but dressing percentages were
similar between groups. The gender did not affect
significantly the carcass, breast and back cut weights,
while the thigh-drumsticks, heads and legs of the male
were found to be significantly heavier (p<0.05) than
those of the female. The effect of gender was also
observed for heart, liver and gizzard weights. Males
heart (8.75 g) was heavier than that of females (4.88 g)
while the opposite was observed for liver and gizzard.
The liver and heart weights were significantly reduced
(p<0.05) in birds fed on RD while the gizzard weights
were increased significantly with processed seeds diets
when compared to CoD and RD groups. Mucuna seeds
inclusion did not modify meat traits such as pH, drip
loss and cooking loss. The ultimate pH varied between
5.7-5.76. Drip loss and cooking loss values were
comprised between 2.31-3.87 and 11.2-13.42. Moreover,
L-Dopa analysis in liver, kidney and breast muscle
samples did not reveal the presence of any residues of
this substance.

Fig. 2: Growth of guinea fowls fed a control diet or diets

containing raw, toasted or cooked Mucuna
pruriens seeds in trial 2
(2005). Similarly to our results, these authors observed
that the crude protein content was slightly increased
(6.5%) when toasting. The control and experimental
diets composition are in agreement with requirements
reported by INRA (1984) for guinea fowl meat production.
The comparison of nutrient values between control and
experimental diets showed that their contents in protein
were fairly similar. In diets containing Mucuna, crude
fibre levels were slightly higher and the calculated
energy value lowers. Mucuna coats probably contributed

DISCUSSION
Composition of diets: The proximate compositions in
Mucuna seed, mainly in protein, ether extract and
metabolizable energy are closed to the data found in
others studies (Emenalom and Udedibie, 2005). Heat
processing altered several nutrient concentrations in
Mucuna seeds. Changes were also observed in
proximate composition in Mucuna seed by Ukachukwu
and Obioha (1997) and Emenalom and Udedibie
885

Int. J. Poult. Sci., 8 (9): 882-889, 2009

Table 3:

Feed intake, growth performance and mortality rate of guinea fowls fed a CoD or diets containing raw, toasted or cooked
Mucuna pruriens seeds (trial 1)
Parameters
CoD
RD
TD
CD
P>F
RSD
Weight at 0 mo (g)
23.2
22.8
23.3
22.8
0.63
2.1
Weight at 3 mo (g)
487.9
465.8
464.8
485.3
0.69
96.1
Weight at 7 mo (g)
1164.8a
981.3b
1047.5b
1033.5b
0.00
121.1
Daily weight gain 0-3 mo (g/day)
5.5
5.3
5.2
5.5
0.65
1.1
Daily weight gain 3-7 mo (g/day)
5.6a
4.5b
5.2a
4.3b
0.00
0.88
Daily feed intake 0-3 mo (g)
23.4
21.1
18.2
20.7
0.59
10.9
Daily feed intake 3-7 mo (g)
47.5a
42.0b
41.3b
44.0b
0.00
4.4
Feed conversion ratio 0-3 mo
4.6
4.1
3.9
4.1
0.66
1.3
Feed conversion ratio 3-7 mo
10.2
9.9
9.4
10.8
0.85
4.4
Mortality rate 0-3 mo (%)
5.6
6.5
12.9
13.3
NS
Mortality rate 3-7 mo (%)
14.7
17.2
18.5
23.1
NS
In a line, values with the common letter are not significantly different
Table 4:

Feed intake, growth performance and mortality rate of guinea fowls fed a CoD or diets containing
Mucuna pruriens seeds (trial 2)
Parameters
CoD
RD
TD
CD
Weight at 0 mo (g)
23.6
24.0
23.6
24.6
Weight at 3 mo (g)
553.6a
215.8c
289.6b
392.4d
Weight at 7 mo (g)
1164.0a
620.0c
912.3b
1034.3d
a
c
b
Daily weight gain 0-3 mo (g/day)
6.3
2.3
3.2
4.4d
Daily weight gain 3-7 mo (g/day)
5.2a
3.7b
5.5a
5.7a
Daily feed intake 0-3 mo (g)
23.3a
13.1b
19.3ab
21.0ab
Daily feed intake 3-7 mo (g)
48.9a
18.5c
63.3b
49.3a
Feed conversion ratio 0-3 mo
4.0a
5.6ab
7.7b
5.2a
Feed conversion ratio 3-7 mo
11.1a
6.9b
13.6a
9.2b
Mortality rate 0-3 mo (%)
20.0a
66.2b
63.8b
50.0b
Mortality rate 3-7 mo (%)
00.0a
29.2b
16.0b
19.2b
In a line, values with the common letter are not significantly different

raw, toasted or cooked

P>F
0.12
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.14
0.00
0.01
0.01
**
**

RSD
2.5
116.1
170.5
1.4
1.2
10.8
6.3
2.7
5.3

Table 5:

Carcass characteristics and organs weights of guinea fowls fed a control diets or diets containing raw, toasted or coocked
Mucuna pruriens seeds in trial 2
Treatments
Sex
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------P>F
P>F
Variables
CoD
RD
TD
CD
M
F
Diet
Sex
RSD
Carcass weight (g)
876.5a
465.8c
706.5b
812.0a
723.6a
706.8a
0.00
0.52
98.6
Breast (g)
224.5a
124.4c
201.9a
200.5a
191.6a
184.1a
0.00
0.38
31.6
Back cut (g)
191.7a
113.1c
166,6b
175.4ab
160.1a
163.2a
0.00
0.67
26.9
Thigh-Dumstick (g)
249.7a
130.8c
207.1b
237.7a
225.3a
187.4b
0.00
0.00
35.5
Wings (g)
105.1a
60.1c
89.0b
97.3ab
90.7a
85.1a
0.00
0.14
14.2
Dressing (%)
72.1a
72.4a
70.0b
71.1ab
71.8a
70.8a
0.08
0.20
2.6
Head (g)
35.7a
31.6b
34.0ac
32.9bc
37.1a
30.0b
0.00
0.00
2.3
Neck (g)
63.2a
35.2c
53.7b
55.9ab
52.1a
51.8a
0.00
0.91
9.7
Leg (g)
28.8a
24.3c
26.2b
27.5ab
29.6a
23.8b
0.00
0.00
2.2
Heart (g)
7.4a
5.8b
7.5a
6.6ab
8.8a
4.9b
0.00
0.00
1.2
Liver (g)
19.6a
16.2a
22.6b
25.9c
18.2a
23.9b
0.00
0.00
3.1
Gizzard (g)
24.1a
24.4a
29.5b
28.7b
22.8a
30.6b
0.00
0.00
2.5
pH 24
5.73
5.76
5.73
5.70
5.74
5.72
0.11
0.14
0.1
Drip loss (%)
3.37
2.31
3.87
3.83
3.41
3.28
0.18
0.78
1.2
Cooking loss (%)
12.17
11.15
11.2
13.42
11.4
12.57
0.48
0.32
2.8
Values with the same letter are not significantly different

to increase crude fibre level in diets. Mucuna seeds are

effectively known to contain more crude fibre and lesser
fat than soybeans (Tuleun et al., 2008). The presence of
anti nutritional factors in seed is the main challenge in
countries where this legume is abundantly grown in
fallows. The level of L-Dopa in cooked seed diet was
lower than in raw and toasted seed based diet.
Generally, L-Dopa level is low in mixture diet.

Nevertheless, in spite of these low levels, crude Mucuna

decreased feed palatability. The effects of heat treatment
on feed intake have been yet discussed in a previous
paper (Dahouda et al., in press). It has been commonly
assumed that many of the negative impacts from
Mucuna consumption are caused by the presence of LDopa, but Mucuna is known to contain also a number of
other anti-nutritional compounds including polyphenols
886

Int. J. Poult. Sci., 8 (9): 882-889, 2009

or tannins, which can bind proteins and lower their
digestibility (Siddhuraju et al., 1996; Ravindran and
Ravindran, 1988). Phytic acid can reduce bioavailability
of certain minerals and reduces the digestibility of
proteins (Siddhuraju et al., 1996; Laurena et al., 1994).
Trypsin inhibitor activity also has been found in Mucuna
(Rajaram and Janardhanan, 1991; Del Carmen et al.,
1999). According to Flores et al. (2002) and Del Carmen
et al. (2002), L-Dopa is not a factor involved in the low
feed intake of Mucuna diets, but intake improvement in
processed Mucuna seed diets is due to the reduction of
anti-trypsic factors.

Mucuna seed meal reduced birds weight gain, but,

cooking Mucuna seeds restored growth rate. Thus, they
concluded that 20% of cooked seed inclusion in diet is
acceptable for growth performance. Farougou et al.
(2006) in a similar work aiming at using Mucuna meal in
growing guinea fowl diet in Benin, obtained higher body
weight (704.78g), better feed conversion ratio (3.39) and
daily weight gain (14.29 g/day) at week 12, than those
reported in the present study, but with lesser Mucuna
seed proportions (13.75%).
Carcass characteristics and meat quality: The thighdrumsticks, heads and legs of the male were found to
be heavier than those of the female. Guinea fowl cocks
were described to have bigger head and taller than hens
(Le Coz-Douin, 1992). The lowest weights of carcass
and cut-parts recorded in group fed on raw Mucuna seed
is due to the growth depressing reported above. Raw
Mucuna effects on carcass and organs weights were
earlier reported by several authors such as Tuleun and
Igba (2008) and Ferriera et al. (2003). Similarly, they
observed lower carcass weight and dressing
percentages of broilers fed 20% raw Mucuna seed meal
diets as a result of smaller live weight. Cut-parts weights
were improved by seed processed.
The effect of diets on the organs was also noticed. Thus,
the liver and heart weights were reduced in birds fed on
raw Mucuna seed while the gizzard weights were
increased in processed seeds diets. Similarly, Carew
and Gernat (2006) reported, in their review on Mucuna,
that weights of the gizzard increased in chicks fed raw
Mucuna seed, but these changes did not occurred in
chicks fed pure L-Dopa. In view of this result, the
increase of birds gizzard weights fed on processed
Mucuna seed based diets dont related to the effects of
L-Dopa, but, is probably the expression of the increase
muscular work imposed by the higher fibre content of
these diets. Moreover, processing rendered seeds hard,
which presumably contribute to gizzard muscular
development in processed seed diets. The effects of
Mucuna on liver size were probably partly live weight
dependant. But metabolic effects of Mucuna seeds can
not be excluded.
Mucuna seeds inclusion did not impair meat traits such
as pH and water-holding capacity. The ultimate pH (5.7
-5.76) were similar to values accepted in the meat of
guinea fowl (Dahouda et al., not published) and other
birds, e. g. broilers (Quentin et al., 2003; Karaoglu et al.,
2004; Musa et al., 2006) and turkey (Sant and
Fernandez, 2000). The ultimate pH values recorded in
breast muscles were close to those indicated (between
5.7 and 5.9) by Sant et al. (2001) in poultry meat. Drip
loss and cooking loss determined in breast muscles
were lower than values found in broilers meat (Musa et
al., 2006). Such difference might be due to factors as
rate and extent of pH decline, meat fat content,
proteolysis and even protein oxidation (Huff-Lonergan
and Lonergan, 2005).

Performance of guinea fowl fed with Mucuna: As a

rule, Mucuna decreased the weight of the birds but
thermal treatments lowered strongly the negative effects
on animals. In trial 1, all groups reached mean weights
close to 1 kg at the end of the experiment suggesting
that, when used in adult fowls, Mucuna allows reaching
commercial weight. In trial 2, mortality rates were
particularly high during the starting phase in animals
that received either Mucuna diets mortgaging thus the
use of Mucuna sources in keets. The evolution of live
weight in both CoD groups was a sigmoid, as reported
also by Nahashon et al. (2006) in guinea fowl. By
contrast, Mucuna intake did not allow the expression of
the different phases of birds growth owing probably to
Mucuna depressing effect on feed intakes. It must be
however noted that the feed conversion ratio was similar
between groups and even better in trial 1. At both starting
and growing phases, daily weight gain and feed
conversion obtained in CoD and with processed seeds
were similar to those obtained by Ayorinde and Ayeni
(1987) when studying the effect of management
systems on the fattening of indigenous guinea fowl. The
dramatically lower body weight obtained with raw
Mucuna diets in trial 2 probably resulted of cumulative
adverse effects of anti-nutritional factors from day-old
animals. The depressive effects of these factors on
poultry weight have been largely reported by Akinmutimi
and Okwu, 2006; Siddhuraju et al., 1996; Rajaram and
Janardhanan, 1991 and Del Carmen et al., 1999.
According to these authors, they reduce not only feed
palatability but also the digestibility of the diet,
particularly proteins utilisation. For example, tannin has
been reported to reduce palatability of the diet due to its
astringent property as a result of its ability to bind with
protein of saliva and mucosa membranes (DMello and
Devendra, 1995). In the literature, several results
concerning the effects of Mucuna processing on poultry
performance were largely commented (Farougou et al.,
2006; Akinmutimi and Okwu, 2006; Emenalom
Udedibie, 2005; Tuleun and Igba, 2008) and results are
consistent with our findings (Akinmutimi and Okwu,
2006; Tuleun and Igba, 2008). Akinmutimi and Okwu
(2006) and Tuleun and Igba (2008) found that at both
starting and finishing phases, the inclusion of 20% raw
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Int. J. Poult. Sci., 8 (9): 882-889, 2009

L-Dopa analyses in livers, kidneys and breast muscles
samples did not reveal any presence of tissue residues.
Hence, the risks of L-Dopa intake when eating meat
from guinea fowl fed on Mucuna may be considered as
null.

Del Carmen, J., A.G. Gernat, R. Myhrman and L.B.

Carew, 1999. Evaluation of raw and heated velvet
beans (Mucuna pruriens) as feed ingredients for
broilers. Poult. Sci., 78: 866-872.
Del Carmen, J., A.G. Gernat, R. Myhrman and L.B.
Carew, 2002. Evaluation of raw and heated Velvet
beans (Mucuna pruriens) as feed ingredients for
broilers. In: Flores, B.M., M. Eilitta, R. Myhrman,
L.B.Carew, R.J. Carsky (Ed.), Food and Feed from
Mucuna: Current Uses and the Way Forward.
Tegucigalpa, Honduras, 258-271.
D'Mello, J.P.F. and C. Devendra, 1995. Tropical legumes
in animal nutrition, CABI publishing, Oxfordshire,
Wallingford, United Kingdom, 352 p.
Dossa, C.S., G.A. Mensah, A.D. Dossaand and C.
Adoun, 1998. Influence de divers traitements
physico-chimiques de graines de Mucuna pruriens
sur leur composition chimique en nutriments.
Tropicultura, 16: 141-146.
Du Preez, J-J. and J. Sales, 1997. Protein and energy
requirements of the pearl Grey guinea fowl. World
Poult. Sci. J., 53: 381-385.
Emenalom, O.O. and A.B.I. Udedibie, 2005. Evaluation of
different heat processing methods on the nutritive
value of Mucuna pruriens (Velvet Bean) seed meals
for broilers. Int. J. Poult. Sci., 4: 543-548.
Emenalom, O.O. and A.B.I. Udedibie, 1998. Effect of
dietary raw cooked and toasted Mucuna pruriens
seeds (velvet bean) on the performance of finisher
broilers. Nig. J. Anim. Prod., 25: 115-119.
Farougou, S., M. Kpodekon, R. Tokannou, V.D. Djossou,
A. Akoutey and I.A.K. Youssao, 2006. Utilisation de
la farine de Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC dans laliment
de croissance des pintades (Numida meleagris).
Rev. Md. Vt., 157: 502-508.
Ferriera, H.A., B.K. Pea, A.G. Gernat, L.B. Carew and I.A.
Matamoros, 2003. Evaluation of different
processing methods of velvet bean (Mucuna
pruriens) for use as a feed ingredient for broilers.
Trop. Subtrop. Agroecosyst., 1: 277-286. http://www.
uady.mx/~veterina/publicaciones/journal/2002-23/Ferriera%20et%20al-b.pdf.
Flores, L., M.A. Esnaola and R. Myhrman, 2002. Growth
of Pigs fed diets with Mucuna bean flour (Mucuna
pruriens) compared to Soybean meal. In: Flores
B.M., M. Eilitta, R. Myhrman, L.B. Carew and R.J.
Carsky (Ed.), Food and Feed from Mucuna: Current
Uses and the Way Forward, CIDICCO: Tegucigalpa,
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Huff-Lonergan, E. and S.M. Lonergan, 2005.
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INRA,
1984.
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Cedex 07, 23: 282 p.

Conclusion: Mucuna seed processed in a very simple

way could contribute to improve feed of guinea fowl in
Benin and its could be a considerable opportunity for
smallholder farmers in villages where conventional
proteins are scarce. The study shown that at level of 20
% in diet, boiled or toasted Mucuna seed can suitably
replace soybeans in adults guinea fowl feeding but must
be avoided in keets. When comparing birds
performance in both trials, we can conclude that,
antinutritional impacts were higher in keets than in
adults guinea fowl. Finally, analysis did not reveal the
presence of L-Dopa in tissue. The consumers of guinea
fowl meat fed on Mucuna could be thus reassured from
L-Dopa intoxication.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Financial supports were provided from Belgian
Technical Cooperation (BTC) and the Agence
Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) to accomplish
this study. The authors would like to express to them
thanks and gratitude.

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