Coats colour characterizations of the Muturu and Bunaji cattle breeds in Ebonyi and Kogi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Coat colour in cattle is a complex trait that is influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. This study was carried out in Ebonyi and Kogi States of Nigeria. Ranched animals were used for the study. A total of one hundred and fifty-two (152) consisting of 76 each of Muturu and Bunaji cattle breeds were used for the study. Data collected from the study were subjected to descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The frequency and distribution of different coat colours in the cattle breeds indicated that the Bunaji breed has a higher frequency of PWT coat colour (88.20%) than the Muturu breed (0.00%). The frequency of other coat colours such as WSB, SBK and BWP is also different between the two breeds. The frequency of WSB coat colour in the Muturu breed is 5.30%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 9.20%. The frequency of SBK coat colour in the Muturu breed is 63.20%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 0.00%. The frequency of BSW coat colour in the Muturu breed is 7.90%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 1.30%. The frequency of BWP coat colour in the Muturu breed is 0.00%, while in the Bunaji breed, is 1.30%.