Livestock experts in Rajshahi on Wednesday urged the farmers for rearing guinea fowl birds to meet protein deficiency of the people in the country.
They said guinea fowls are promising because of their high performance in egg and meat production and fitness to protect the common poultry diseases.
The speakers made these observations while distributing guinea fowls among some female farmers free of cost with financial support from BARC-NATP (Phase-2) in Meherchandi area in the city.
Department of Poultry Science of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh organized the distribution ceremony in association with Bangladesh Livestock Society (BLS).
Pro-VC of Rajshahi University Professor Ananda Kumar Shaha addressed the function as the chief guest with Project Director Professor Shubash Chandra Das in the chair.
Professor Dr Syed Shah Alam from Malaysian Kebansang University, BLS President Professor Jalal Uddin Sarder and its General Secretary Dr Hemayetul Islam, Assistant Director of Department of Livestock Services Dr Mosharraf Hossain and Lecturer of Ganoshasto University Dr. Riazul Islam also spoke. More than 45 female farmers joined the meeting.
During his concept paper presentation, Professor Das termed guinea fowls farming as more profitable and cost-effective suggesting the farmers to use modern technologies during farming of those commercially.
Sustainable farming of the birds can be the vital means of poverty reduction with ensuring the supply of safe and quality poultry meat and eggs, he added.
Referring to various research findings, he also said the meat of guinea birds contain very low-fat, so it is good for health.
In his remarks, Professor Shaha urged the farmers to make their village as a model of guinea fowl farming with sincere efforts.
