Phenotypic Characterization of West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to phenotypically characterize goats in Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria, based on some measured traits. Records were taken on a total of 372 goats (151 males and 221 females) kept by traditional farmers, covering six out of thirteen Local Government Areas (LGAs), two from each of the three senatorial districts of the State. In each LGA, 15 farmers were randomly selected, and measurements were taken of a random sample of 2-5 goats depending on the flock size. Categorical traits scored were coat type and texture, coat colour, presence or absence of horn, horn type and orientation, presence or absence of wattle, presence or absence of supernumerary teat, sex and age of each animal were also recorded. Body weight and linear body measurements were recorded for each animal. Categorical traits were analyzed using simple percentages. Linear body measurements were correlated with body weight and with each other. Regression equations for prediction of body weight from linear body measurements were estimated for sex and age of the goats. The categorical traits of goats studied conform to the breed characteristics of the WAD goats. The predominant coat colour of the goats was all black/predominantly black (43.55%). The coat type was stiff, short, and straight. There were no incidences of polledness among the goat population. Only 5.9% of goats in Ebonyi State had wattles. The body measurements of the goat population in the study area were within the reported ranges for WAD goats by several authors.