Phenotypic differentiation of Koroji sheep in Maiduguri

Abstract

A total of 250 (70 males and 180 females) were used for characterization. This study evaluated phenotypic and morphometric characteristics of Koroji sheep. Effect of age, sex, correlation and overall summary statistics were analyzed. Some of the morphometric characteristics taken were; body weight (BW), body length (BL), height at wither (HW), chest circumference (CC), head length (HDL), head wide (HDW), ear length (EL), horn length (HNL), horn circumference (HNC), tail length (TL), rump wide (RW), rump length (RL), height at rump (HR), foreleg (FLG), hind leg (HLG), height at rump (HTR) and neck length (NL).Body weight was measured with measuring tape while the morphometric characteristic was measured with measuring tape. The data was analyzed using general Linear Model Procedure of SAS. The result revealed that age and sex had significant (p<0.005) effect on morphometric characteristics of Koroji sheep with males and older animals showing superiority over females and younger ones. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) ranged from 8.56- 33.63) with Horn Length having the highest (33.63) while HL had the lowest (8.56). Pearson correlation obtained between parameters varied in magnitude and direction (p<0.05-0.01: r = -0.31 to 0.97). It was concluded that sex and age should be considered when designing a selection and breeding programs for Koroji sheep.

Keywords: Koroji, Phenotypic, Age, Sheep, Sex