Observations on some morphometric parameters and body weight of Fulani ecotype chicken sampled in Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate morphometric traits (body length, body girth, wing length, Shank length, thigh length) and their association with body weight in Fulani Ecotype Chicken (FEC). Seventy-eight Fulani ecotype chickens were used for the experiment.They were fed compounded diet of 24% CP and 3213kcal/kg of metabolize energy for the first eight weeks, and 20% CP and 2948 kcal/kg from 9-12 weeks. The birds were kept on deep litter throughout the experiment. Feed and water were offered ad libitum.Measurements were taken on body weight and five morphometric parameters at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of the experiment for analysis. The results showed that body weight had the highest coefficient of variation (34.90%) at the end of the 4 week, thigh length at the end of the 8 week (5.08%), and body girth at the end of the 12 week (33.00%). Correlation between body weight and the morphometric parameters evaluated were observed to be positive and significant (p<0.05) except for correlation between body weight and thigh length at 4 week. The direct effects of the parameters measured at 4, 8 and 12 weeks were all significant (p<0.05) except for thigh length at week 4. Conclusively, the study revealed the existence of a positive relationship between the measured morphometric traits and body weight of Fulani ecotype chicken at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of the experiment and that shank length could be used to predict body weight at 4,8 and 12 weeks based on the high coefficient of determination(R ). Observations on some morphometric parameters and body weight of Fulani ecotype chicken sampled in Niger State, Nigeria