Studies on Some Phenotypic Traits of West African Dwarf Goats in Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Abstract

In the Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, a Nigerian derived savanna zone, a study was carried out to examine certain phenotypic characteristics of West African dwarf goats. Three hundred ninety-nine (399) West African dwarf goats were sampled in order to determine their live weight and body measurements. Analysis was done on data pertaining to 194 bucks and 205 does. These were categorised into six age groups (milk teeth, 2-teeth, 4-teeth, 6-teeth, 8-teeth, and worn teeth) and recorded by sex. In order to characterise the goat breeds in the trial region, the goal was to give comprehensive information on linear body measurements. For both sexes, body measurement values rose significantly (P<0.05) with age. For bucks, the mean body weight was 5.32 ± 0.15 to 29.63 ± 1.88 kg, while for does, it was 5.75 ± 0.13 to 30.29 ± 1.22 kg physical weight and other physical characteristics were discovered to differ by sex. In animal genetic resources, body weight and linear body measurements are economically significant features, particularly for small ruminants like goats during selection and to give precise weight determination in remote locations without a scale. Linear measurements and body weight are important traits in meat animals. Quantitative measurements of the ideal body size and form are obtained from the analysis of body measuring data, which enables the computation of genetic parameters for these features and their incorporation into breeding plans. Given the high correlation and regression coefficients of linear body measurements in West African dwarf goats, the results of this study suggest that live weight can be predicted using certain body measurements. Lastly, there was a significant and favourable correlation between body weight and body measurements. Given this, it might be applied as a criterion for selection.