Correlation between bodyweight and morphometric traits in early and late feathering Fulani and Yoruba ecotype chickens

Abstract

Knowledge of the relationship between body weight and morphometric traits is important in planning practical breeding programme for maximum economic returns. The present study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between bodyweight and morphometric traits in Fulani and Yoruba ecotype chickens segregating at the sex-linked feathering locus.  Data was collected on the live body weight and 8 morphometric traits of early and late feathering Fulani and Yoruba ecotype chicks. Weekly data on body weight and morphometric traits (Tail Length, TL; Wing Length, WL; Shank Length, SL; Body Length, BL; Drumstick Length, DL; Keel Length, KL; Body Girth, BG; and Shank Diameter, SD) were tested for significance between genotypes. Data were further subjected to correlation analysis. Chicks belonging to Fulani-ecotype were significantly higher (p<0.05) than Yoruba ecotype in live body weight and most morphometric trait. Generally, the differences between weekly live weight and morphometric traits of early and late feathering chicks of the same ecotype were not significant (p>0.05).  The Coefficients of phenotypic correlation between body weight and morphometric traits varied with feather segregating type, age of chicks and the traits being correlated. Generally, TL, BG and KL were significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01) correlated with body weight in 1 to 7 weeks old fast and slow feathering Fulani ecotype chicks. Further investigation was suggested to unravel the basis for the poor correlation between morphometric traits and body weight of fast feathering Yoruba ecotype chicks.