Relationship between bodyweight and morphological traits in Sahelian goats of Nigeria using path analysis

Authors : Emmanuel Abayomi ROTIMI, Ojoh Michael MOMOH, Joseph Ochoche EGAHI

Pages : 455-460

Doi:10.37908/mkutbd.737231

View : 17 | Download : 10

Publication Date : 2020-12-18

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Aims: A total of 163 Sahelian goats of both sexes insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(64 males and 99 females); were randomly sampled and used in this study to assess the relationship between bodyweight and morphological traits using multivariate path analysis method. Methods: Data were obtained on bodyweight insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(kg);, height at withers insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(HW);, body length insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(BL);, paunch girth insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(PG); and heart girth insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(HG);. Means insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(+SD and CV); and correlation coefficients between bodyweight and morphological parameters were also evaluated using the statistical procedures of SPSS 20.0 package. Results: Higher significant insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(P<0.05); values were obtained for female goats in all the variables than males. The phenotypic correlation values between bodyweights and linear measurements were positive and highly significant insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(r = 0.707 – 0.803; P< 0.01 and r = 0.520 – 0.752; P< 0.01); in male and female goats respectively. Results also revealed that the direct effect of paunch girth on bodyweight was strongest insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(path coefficient = 0.413; P<0.05); for males while body length was strongest insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(path coefficient = 0.373; P<0.01); for female goats. Conclusions: The forecast indices recorded in this work could be employed to predict bodyweight in Sahelian goats with accuracy. Significance and impact of study: The prediction model obtained in this study would be useful in weight estimation and in the process help in making management decision and breeding programs for genetic improvement in goats.
Keywords : Bodyweight, goats, morphological traits, path analysis sahel