Morphological features of chicken genetic resources must be carefully identified and considered in developing breeding strategies. The study was carried out to determine the frequencies of morphological features in indigenous chickens of South-Western Nigeria, using Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Oyo States as case study. Five major chicken markets (Mushin in Lagos State, Itoku and Ipokia in Ogun State, Olu-ode in Osun State and Molete in Oyo State) were used as study locations and three thousand, three hundred and thirteen chickens were observed in the five locations. Ipokia had the highest number (1,549) of chickens and Molete had the least (307) number of chickens. The traits observed included: feather structure, feather distribution, feather morphology, plumage colour, ear lobe colour, skin colour and shank colour. The data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and inferential statistical analysis was also done for the results using chi-square test. It was observed that for those traits that recorded significant variation, there had been selection for these traits due to the high market value attached to them by attaching preference to some of its variants which were observed. Knowledge and well documentation of the potentials of indigenous chickens can help provide crucial information for a comprehensive breeding policy and full utilization of the animal.
This study focused on changes in doe live weight during lactation in West African dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats intensively managed within the humid zone of South-western Nigeria. The data analysed was based on 202 weekly records. from 17 lactations of 8 WAD and 9 RS goats from year 2000-2002. Mean live weight for RS does (21.16+0.34 kg) was higher (P<0.001) than the estimate (18.15+0.34 kg) for WAD does. Live weight decreased (P>0.05) from parturition up to fourth week and increased (P> 0.05) thereafter till the 12th week of lactation. There was no significant interaction between breed and week of lactation. Cumulative mean weight changes of 0.16+4119 kg for WAD and 0.38+0.22 kg for RS were not significantly different, Does had higher (P<0.001) body weights during the late- wet and early-dry seasons than during late-thy and early-wet seasons.. Live weight increased .significantly (P<0.001) with parity of doe, the trend being maintained with regards to cumulative weight change. Does that suckled male kids were less superior in body weights. This was reflected by a negative cumulative weight change. Live weight was positively con-elated with milk yield (rp = 0.24; P<0.05,4 estimated at 270.61+13.48 ml and 281.98+ 13. 17 ml respectively for RS and WAD goats (P>0.05). Corresponding values for milk off-take were (.14.09+3.64 and 16,45+3.56 ml; P>0.05), Milk off-take was lowly correlated with live weight (rp= 0_06; P>0.05) while its relationship with milk yield was positive and significant (rp= 0.40: P<0.001).
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