Phenotypic Variances in ‘Djallonke’ Sheep reared under Extensive Management System in Tolon District of Ghana

Abstract

Abstract The study of the phenotypic body traits of the West African Dwarf (Djallonke’) sheep in the Tolon District of Ghana is necessary for the attainment of detailed description of this breed. A total of 124 sheep were randomly selected from flocks reared under extensive system by farmers. Biometric traits including live body weight (LW), rump height (RH), height at withers (HW), body length (BL), neck length (NL), ear length (EL) and tail length (TL) were measured, while qualitative traits including coat colour, fur texture and sex were observed. Chi-square and Cramer’s V tests revealed that sex was associated with fur texture but not coat colour pattern. Fixed effects of sex and fur texture on biometric traits were tested using GLM, while Principal Component Factor Analysis was used to identify latent factors in body composition. Seven different colour patterns were identified of which white dominated as solid or pairing with brown or black. Male and female sheep were generally similar (P > 0.05) in biometric traits except for LW and NL (P < 0.05), while animals with smooth fur texture had significantly (P < 0.05) higher LW, BL, NL and TL. The overall mean values of 20.73 ± 0.44 kg, 53.26 ± 0.48, 52.79 ± 0.48, 46.95 ± 0.47, 24.29 ± 0.30, 10.61 ± 0.15, and 25.66 ± 0.35 cm were obtained for LW, RH, HW, BL, NL, EL and TL, respectively. Two latent factors (PC’s) were extracted to explain a maximum variation of 71.55% with the first PC comprising of RH, HW, BL and TL, which accounted for 52.21% variation to indicate the general body size of the Djallonke’ sheep. The second PC seemed to indicate the length of the anterior region. The two PC’s could be exploited by researchers and breeders in selection and improvement of the breed. Keywords: Body measurements, breed, coat colour, principal component, qualitative traits, WAD Cite this Article Peter T. Birteeb, Dickson Donkor. Phenotypic Variances in ‘Djallonke’ Sheep reared under Extensive Management System in Tolon District of Ghana. Research & Reviews: Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology. 2016; 5(1): 23–29p.