Relationships Between Physical Body Traits Of The Grasscutter (Rodentia: Thryonomyidae) In Akpaka Forest Reserve, Onitsha

Abstract

Physical body traits of nine grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus Temminck) were characterized using body weights (BW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), and height-at-withers (H). Simple linear correlation matrix showed high, positive and significant values among the parameters studied (P < 0.01). The highest coefficent was obtained for body weight and body length (r = 0.9956). The very high associations for body length and heart girth (r = 0.9821) and between body length and height (r = 0.9905) indicate that frame size and absolute height were complementary. Selection for increased measurement in any of the parameter would mean positive significant influence on the other and would lead to increased skeletal stature with concomitant increases in other absolute body measurements. Regression equations from this study could beused to estimate live body weights o grasscutters aged between 2 -10 months.

Keywords: Grasscutter, Physical Body Traits, Estimation, Correlation and Regression Models

Animal Research International Vol. 1 (3) 2004 pp. 160-163