Correlation and path coefficient analysis of body weight and morphometric traits of two exotic genetic groups of ducks in Nigeria

Authors

  • A Yakubu Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, PMB 135 Lafia, Nasarawa State
  • MM Muhammed Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Lafia, Nasarawa State
  • MM Ari Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia Campus, PMB 135 Lafia, Nasarawa State
  • IS Musa-Azara Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture, Lafia, Nasarawa State
  • JN Omeje Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Abuja

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v44i1.23112

Keywords:

Exotic ducks, morphometric traits, multivariate analysis, phenotypic correlation

Abstract

The study aimed at describing objectively the interdependence between body weight (BWT) and morphometric traits in Khaki Campbell and Pekin ducks using multivariate path analysis technique. Measurements were taken on one hundred and ninety seven (197) randomly selected 10-week old Khaki Campbell and Pekin ducks, respectively in Plateau State, Nigeria. The birds were reared on deep litter in a semi-intensive system where they were kept in a fenced area provided with water ponds and locked up in the poultry house during the night. The body parts measured were, body length (BDL); thigh length (THL); thigh circumference (THC); breast circumference (BTC); bill length (BLL); neck length (NKL); neck circumference (NKC); shank length (SHL); shank width (SHW); total leg length (TLL) and wing length (WL). General linear model was used to study genotype and sex effects. Pekin ducks had a superior advantage (p<0.05) over their Khaki Campbell counterparts in all the body parameters estimated. Sexual dimorphism (p<0.05) was in favour of male ducks.  Pairwise phenotypic correlations between BWT and morphometric traits were positive and significant (p<0.01), ranging from 0.38-0.95 and 0.35-0.92 for Khaki Campbell and Pekin ducks, respectively. Path analysis revealed that BDL was the variable of utmost importance directly influencing BWT in male Khaki Campbell and Pekin ducks (path coefficient=0.535 and 0.508, respectively; p<0.01) while BTC and SHL were the most responsible parameters affecting BWT in female Khaki Campbell and Pekin ducks [path coefficient=0.594 (P<0.01) and 1.197 (p<0.05), respectively]. The optimum regression models for the prediction of BWT in Khaki Campbell ducks included BDL, SHL, BTC and NKC (male)  and BDL, WNL and BTC (female); while in their Pekin counterparts, BDL, BLL and BTC (male) and BDL and SHL (female) were incorporated.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v44i1.23112           

Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 44 (1): 1-9

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Published

2015-04-29

How to Cite

Yakubu, A., Muhammed, M., Ari, M., Musa-Azara, I., & Omeje, J. (2015). Correlation and path coefficient analysis of body weight and morphometric traits of two exotic genetic groups of ducks in Nigeria. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 44(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v44i1.23112

Issue

Vol. 44 No. 1 (2015)

Section

Articles

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© Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science.

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