Ear Length Research Articles

Straw Mulching and Weather Conditions Affecting the Trade-Off Between Grain Yield and Agronomic Traits of Maize

Straw mulching (SM) plays an important role in promoting the grain yield (GY) of maize under no-tillage conditions. However, there is still a lack of deep understanding on the interactive impact of SM and weather conditions on agronomic traits and the contributions to GY. This study selected a cornfield in the North China Plain as the research object and set up a straw management experiment, including SM and no straw mulching (NSM). The GY and agronomic traits of maize from 2018 to 2020 were monitored, and the relationship of agronomic traits with GY and the weather conditions were analyzed. The results show that SM promoted maize GY by 20.44%. Straw mulching increased the plant height, ear diameter, and ear height by 8.43%, 1.99%, and 12.65%, respectively. A correlation analysis showed that the ear length and ear height were the main factors affecting maize yield. Ear length was significantly correlated with kernel numbers per ear in SM. Growing degree days, hot dry wind, and air temperature significantly affected kernel numbers per ear and plant growth. This study highlights the contributions of agronomic factors to maize GY under SM and variable weather conditions and is helpful to improve cropland management.

IDENTIFICATION OF CLIMATE RESILIENT GENOTYPES ON BASE OF PHYSIO-MORPHIC AND YIELD RELATED TRAITS IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

The impact of climate change on maize production is a growing concern. Changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and the increased frequency of extreme weather events can significantly affect maize yields. Recognizing the importance of developing climate-resilient maize varieties, an experiment was conducted in 2022 to identify such genotypes. Ten commercial maize varieties were planted with three different sowing dates in the spring season: January 15th, January 30th, and February 15th. The results indicated that Sahiwal Gold and Malka 2016 were climate-resilient and produced high grain yields compared to other varieties across the three sowing dates. The findings concluded that the January 15th sowing date was the most effective, with genotypes producing the highest yields. Physio-morphic traits such as relative water content, chlorophyll content, days to tasseling, days to silking, plant height, and yield related traits ear length, and 100-kernel weight supported the plants in producing grain yield per hectare under changing climatic conditions. The variety Pop-1 was found to be susceptible to climate change, resulting in the lowest grain yield. The selected genotypes will be valuable in breeding programs aimed at developing climate-resilient maize varieties.

Synergistic Effects of Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilisation on Maize Photosynthetic Performance and Yield of Rainfed Systems in Drought‐Prone Environments

ABSTRACTMaize, a cereal crop of global significance, encounters cultivation challenges in the subtropical regions of Guangxi, mainly due to variable rainfall and low soil fertility, exacerbating the effects of drought. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation and nitrogen fertilisation on overcoming these challenges and improving maize growth and yield. Between 2020 and 2021, a split‐plot experiment was conducted. The main plots were assigned to two irrigation treatments: irrigated and rainfed. Within each main plot, subplots were treated with different nitrogen levels (0, 150, 200, 250 and 300 kg ha−1). The results showed that nitrogen levels and water regime significantly impacted several key factors, including the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), intercellular carbon dioxide concentration (Ci), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), carbon‐metabolising enzymes and total carbon (TC) content accumulation. Under drought‐like rainfed conditions, the application of nitrogen, RN300 (rainfed application nitrogen 300 kg ha−1), IN250 (irrigated application nitrogen 250 kg ha−1) significantly enhanced the Pn (10.0%), Tr (3.17%), Ci (3.41%) and Gs (2.6%). Additionally, PAR was significantly influenced by the water regime and nitrogen levels. Under IN250, the capture ratio (Ca) increased (2.36%), while the penetration ratio (Pe) and reflectance ratio (Re) decreased by 13.12% and 46.36%, respectively, compared to RN300. The levels of carbon metabolism enzymes (sucrose phosphate synthase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase) and the TC content were higher under RN300 compared to IN250; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Path analysis revealed that thousand kernel weight had the most significant impact on yield under both water regimes. The effect was stronger under irrigated conditions, with a path coefficient of 0.647, compared to 0.459 under rainfed conditions. Correlation analysis indicated that plant height (0.938), stem diameter (0.906), ear diameter (0.928) and ear length (0.803) were positively correlated with nitrogen levels. In conclusion, maize under IN250 exhibited superior photosynthetic performance and carbon accumulation. This suggests that balanced irrigation and nitrogen management can effectively mitigate the adverse impacts of drought on maize, optimising growth and yield sustainably.

Using breeding indices for evaluating collection samples of spring barley Hordeum vulgare L.

The article presents experimental data on determination of adaptive properties and productivity of Hordeum vulgare L. ssp. distichon (L.) Körn. and H. vulgare L. ssp. vulgare samples of different ecological and geographical origin on the basis of breeding indices. Under contrasting conditions of the growing seasons, 2022 and 2023, 35 samples were studied for elements of grain productivity (ear length, number of grains in the ear and their weight, plant height). The field study was carried out at the experimental site of the biostation University of Tyumen “Lake Kuchak” (Nizhnetavdinsky District, Tyumen Province). The evaluation of productivity in the relationship “genotype — environment” showed that the following breeding indices are the most informative: Canadian, Mexican, linear ear density, plant productivity. On the basis of point ranking on the complex of indices, the best samples were: Zernogradsky 813, k-30453, Abalak, k-31201, Russia; Knezsa 65, k-22809, Hungary (var. erectum, nutans); Rokkaku-yabane, k-10986, Japan (var. brachyatherum). Higher yields were obtained under relatively favorable growing conditions in 2022, up to 439.8 g/m2 for double-row and up to 454.8 g/m2 for multi-row barley accessions; under stress conditions, up to 455.4 and 218.1 g/m2, respectively. Under stress conditions in 2023 compared to 2022, the multi-row barley samples showed an increase in the strength of correlation of yield with Canadian index (r = 0.73), plant productivity index (r = 0.66), linear ear density index (r = 0.58), Mexican index (r = 0.52). Two-row samples showed weaker correlation of yield with these indices. The exception was the Mexican index, characterized by a stable correlation coefficient over the years (r = 0.35).

Characterization of fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith) resistance in maize

Maize host resistance (HR) is critical to reduce fall armyworm (FAW, Spodoptera frugiperda J. E. Smith) damage threatening global food security. Fifteen hybrid maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes were field evaluated over in consecutive two years 2022 and 2023 to determine HR to natural FAW infestations. Cluster analysis classified genotypes into five resistance groups, with the most resistant and highest yielding group consisting of lines BHM-6, BHM-7, and BHM-9. Lines from this group are potential parents for breeding programs to improve FAW resistance. Principal component (PC) analysis determined PC1 accounted for 79.78% of the total variation among lines with positive loadings associated with FAW resistance traits, while yield/plant and ear number/plant contributed to positive loadings of PC2 explaining 9.49% of the total variation observed. Both ear length and 100 seed kernel weight declined by 0.05 cm and 0.14 g, respectively, per unit increase in area under the pest progress curve (AUPPC). When AUPPC reached a critical threshold >350, significant losses were observed in kernel weight and ear length impacting yields. Regression analysis determined there was a 0.007 MT grain yield reduction/ha per unit increase in AUPPC. Plants with heights ranging from 167–190 cm and ear lengths 16–20 cm yielded more than shorter plants (<158 cm) and ear lengths (<14 cm) under FAW pressure and are critical parameters to consider when breeding for resistance. Each unit increase in plant height (cm) and ear length (cm) increased yield/plant by 5.4 and 23.4 g, respectively, with 61% and 60% variability explained.

Genome-wide association analysis revealed genetic markers linked to grain yield and yield related traits in finger millet grown in acidic soils

Abstract Aim Soil acidity has a major impact on the finger millet yield and productivity as tolerant cultivars that perform well in acidic soils are limited. This study aimed at evaluating major finger millet phenotypic traits under acidic soils followed by identifying associated markers. Method A total of 288 finger millet genotypes were field evaluated for 8 major phenotypic traits including grain yield under acid soil conditions at two independent locations (Bako and Gute) in Ethiopia. In parallel, the same genotypes were subjected to genotyping-by-sequencing to generate single nucleotide polymorphism markers to be used in the association panel. Results Phenotypic data analysis revealed significant phenotypic variation in all the targeted traits among the studied genotypes. Genotypes Ec-100093, Ec-215803, and Ec-203322 were relatively high-yielding, whereas genotypes Ec-229721 and Ec-242110 had the lowest grain yield across the two locations. The broad-sense heritability of the traits ranged from 0.04 for the number of effective tillers (NET) to 0.78 for days to emergence (DE). The marker-trait association analysis revealed 23 SNP markers significantly associated with one or more traits. Among the 23 significant markers, one marker associated with DE, seven with days to heading (DH), four with days to maturity (DM), one with plant height (PH), two with number of fingers, two with ear length (EL), three with the number of effective tillers (NET) and three with grain yield (GY). Conclusions The identified novel markers associated with the targeted traits will potentially be useful for genomics-driven finger millet improvement in acidic soils.

Variation in the Growth and Popping Indicators of Argentina-derived Popcorns in Vietnam

The development of popcorn genotypes that are high-yielding and with high popping abilities is fundamental to the expansion of popcorn production. In this study, a total of 23 newly developed full-sib FS3 lines of popcorn were evaluated under upland field conditions in the spring cropping season in 2021. The plant genotypes were evaluated for growth duration, plant height, number of leaves, ears/plant, ear length, ear diameter; the number of kernels, seeds per row, 1000-seeds weight, seed yield, and the proportion of floury endosperm, and popping indicator. Our results showed that the growth duration of the popcorn lines ranged from 96 - 121 days, plants were between 103.7 - 200.6 cm in height, and the number of leaves ranged between 12.92-18.13. The number of ears/plant, ear length, ear diameter, and number of kernel rows and seeds per row were 0.3-1.3, 9.6 - 20 cm, 2.3 - 4.2 cm, 7.33 -13.6 and 6.2 - 31.9, respectively. The popcorn lines were diverse in grain color and classified into white, yellow, black, pink, white yellow, and white pink. The grain yield varied from 2.13 - 64.58 quintals/ha, in which NO-11 had the highest yield of 64.58 quintals/ha. Popping indicators varied among genotypes and were negatively and positively correlated with 1000-seed weight and proportion of floury endosperm, respectively. In this study, we identified some genetic resources, such as NO-2, NO-12, NO-14, NO-20, and NO-22, which had the best popping ability. These resources will provide insights into the mechanisms of popping ability and important materials for breeding programs. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 22(3): 285-294, 2024

Morphological adaptation to environmental stress in small ruminants from the sahelian zones of Niger and potential associations with carcass yield

This study analyses, in the Sahelian zone of Niger, the morphological traits of sheep and goats' responses to environmental stress and the contribution of adaptive traits to herd productivity. The study utilized 2490 adult small ruminants, including 653 red and Sahelian goats and 1837 Peulh (with three varieties: Balami, Oudah and Bali-Bali) and Tuareg (Ara-ara) sheep from 13 sites with a marked aridity gradient within the country's northern latitude. Carcass yield was assessed on a second sample of 1617 adult animals, comprising 876 sheep and 741 goats. Variations in thorax auricular index (ratio of ear length to thorax depth), gracility index (which reflects the subtraction of the animal's body from the ground) and hot carcass yield, according to climate zones and breed, were subjected to an analysis of variance at the 5% risk threshold. Principal Component Analysis was used to analyze correlations between biometric and heat indices. For most breeds, the auricular thorax index and the gracility index were higher for animals in arid zones than those in humid zones. The increase in the average values of the body indices had as a result an increase in the animals' carcass yield and live weight. In all sheep and goat breeds, gracility increases with heat index. Gracility differed (p < 0.05) between breeds, with Bali-Bali and Oudah subgenetics of the Peulh sheep breed being more gracile than the Ara-ara sheep. Also, the auricular thorax index was higher (p < 0.05) in Sahelian goat than in red goat. The importance of biometric indices in terms of animals' adaptability to their environment means that we need to define important heat stress indicators specific to sheep and goats in Sahelian farming systems.

Liquid bio-slurry enhances the productivity of N-fertilized maize under field conditions in Ethiopia

Enhancing maize production and productivity is critical for ensuring small-scale farmers' food security. Yet, declining soil fertility poses a substantial challenge to cereal production, including maize, in developing countries. Farmers are currently finding liquid bio-slurry to be a valuable organic amendment because it improves maize productivity and food security by altering the physicochemical properties of the soil. However, extensive research on liquid bio-slurry as an organic amendment in Ethiopia is still limited. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at two sites to identify the optimal combination of inorganic nitrogen (N) and liquid bio-slurry to improve maize productivity. The trial involved the application of two mineral N fertilizers and five different rates of liquid bio-slurry in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results revealed that the main effects of mineral N and liquid bio-slurry were significant (p&lt; 0.05) on most of the parameters examined. The interaction between mineral N x liquid bio-slurry had a significant (p&lt; 0.05) effect on plant height, ear length, number of rows ear-1, number of kernels ear-1, above-ground dry biomass yield, hundred-grain weight, grain yield, and straw yield. The highest grain yield (8,220 kg ha-1) was achieved by combining 46 kg N ha-1 with 18 t liquid bio-slurry ha-1. Therefore, 46 kg N ha-1 with 18 t liquid bio-slurry ha-1 is highly recommended for increasing maize yield in the study sites and other areas with similar agroecological zones.

Multivariate Analysis of Grain Yield and Main Agronomic Traits in Different Maize Hybrids Grown in Mountainous Areas

Inconsistent reports exist on the relationships between key agronomic traits and maize yield. We performed a multivariate analysis of yield and 10 agronomic traits in 59 hybrids to explore maize yields in mountainous areas. The yield per plant (YP) was significantly and positively correlated with kernel weight (KW), growth period (GP), and kernel row number (KRN). KW and KRN had positive effects on YP, whereas kernel rows per ear (KRE) had a negative effect. GP indirectly affected YP. GP, KW, KRN, and ear length (EL) showed the highest grey relational degree with YP. The first four principal components cumulatively accounted for 73.36% of variation. EL, KW, plant height (PH), ear height (EH), GP, KRN, and YP contributed positively to the variation, whereas KRE, shelling percentage (SP), bald-tip length (BTL), and ear girth (EG) contributed negatively. Based on trait similarity, the 59 maize hybrids were classified into two clusters, Clusters I and II. A total of 11 traits were grouped into four clusters, Clusters A–D. Cluster D included KW, GP, KRN, EL, EH, PH, and YP, and the 22 maize hybrids in Cluster I performed better in these traits. These results provide a theoretical basis for the breeding of high-yield maize varieties in mountainous areas.

Exploring body morphometry and weight prediction in Ganjam goats in India through principal component analysis.

The body conformations of 262 adult Ganjam goats were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) with 11 morphometric variables. The results were then used to predict the mature body weight of the goats. Most of the traits were positively correlated, and the correlations were statistically significant. The three main components that the PCA recovered explained 76.12% of the variation in body morphometry overall. The first component accounted for approximately 54.74% of the overall variation and described almost all the traits except ear length and tail length, as indicated by high component loadings. The second component accounted for approximately 11.48% of the variation, mostly accounting for the variation in tail length. The principal component accounted for 9.89% and mostly explained the variation in ear length. The communalities ranged between 0.557 (horn length) and 0.848 (chest circumference) for the first three extracted components. The highest percentage of variability in chest girth was explained by the first three principal components, whereas it was the lowest for the horn length. In the context of predicting body weight through stepwise regression analysis, nine primary variables accounted for 57.3% of the total variance in body weight. Conversely, utilizing the first principal component alongside six additional principal components as independent variables resulted in capturing 56.3% of the variation in the adult live weight of goats while maintaining model comparability with other pertinent parameters. PCA was used efficiently for body weight prediction from major morphometric traits of Ganjam goats addressing the multicollinearity issue.

The influence of flowering periods on productivity characteristics in breeding samples of soft winter wheat created with the involvement of western european ecotypes

Aim. To determine the nature of the influence of flowering periods on productivity traits in soft winter wheat lines, which were created with the involvement of late-ripening samples of the Western European ecotype. Methods. Research methods are field, laboratory, selection-genetic, statistical. Results. The nature of the manifestation of the "date of flowering" trait in hybrids F1-F3 and selection numbers selected from hybrid populations with the participation of Western European ecotypes of soft winter wheat, the correlation dependence of the date of flowering, grain yield, ear length and the duration of the "flowering-maturity" period were established. Optimums for the manifestation of indicators that determined high yield and ear length were established. Conclusions. For each hybrid population created with the participation of parental components contrasting in duration of vegetation, it is necessary to develop a specific selection plan taking into account intra-population correlations of yield, flowering dates and the duration of the "flowering-maturity" period.

Study of body measurements and components of variance for various body measurements of goats found in Southern Punjab

Variance components are estimated to further compute genetic parameters, and these components reflect variation of traits as well as their transferability to the next generation. This study was conducted to estimate variance components for different body measurements in Teddy goats in the southern Punjab. Data were subjected to mixed model analysis using ASReml software where restricted maximum likely hood procedure was adopted. These body measurements included diagonal body length, withers height, head length, neck length, ear length, ear width, tail length, distance between ears, and canon circumference. Body measurements were recorded using tailor tape and live weight will be measured by spring balance. The following form of animal model was applied; Yijklm= YOBi+ SOBj + Sexk + TOBl + A +Ԑijklm.. The estimates for variance components were used to compute genetic parameters.

Study of Relationships among head, neck and ear measurements in young lambs

The present research work was conducted in order to explore association among various head, neck and ear measurements of local sheep found in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Data on 97 lambs were recorded including identity of the animal where lambs have ages in the range of 1-6 months. Data on both sexes (males and females) were recorded. The body measurements included Head length, Head width, Ear length, Ear width, Neck length and Neck width. After collecting, data were edited and tested for normality. Data were analyzed to determine the association among them using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. From this study we can explain relationships among various body measurements and predict them from other measurements.

Selectivity of Herbicides in Controlling Weeds in Corn (Zea mays L) With A Tegel and Jajar Legowo Planting Pattern in West Aceh Regency

Maize (Zea mays L.) has a strategic role in meeting global food needs. How is the selectivity of herbicides in cultivation patterns 1 (single rows) and 2 (double rows) in Maize plants (Zea Mays L), how is the combination of herbs and plant pattern suitable for the management of weeds in corn crops (Zea mays L), how are the interactions of selectivities of herbicides and cultivation of maize (Zea mays L). This study uses Random Group Design (RGD) factorial patterns where factor 1 (herbicide) and factor 2 (planting pattern). The herbicide is composed of 4 types: H0 (control), H1 (Atrazine 180g/l + Mesotrione 40g/ l + Nicosulfuron 20 g/l, H2 (Atazine 500g/L, Mesotrione 50 g/L) and H3 (Topramezone 10 g/ L + Atrazine 300 g/ l). While the planting pattern consists of 2 types: P1: single row (70 x 20 cm) and P2: double rows (100x20x40 cm). Some conclusions were obtained, among others: The use of the herbicide atrazine in several formulas within the tile and legowo planting patterns does not cause poisoning in corn plants. The combination of herbicides (Topramezon 10 g/l and Atrazine 300 g/l / Tile) is most suitable for corn plants. There is an interaction between the herbicide and the planting pattern on the parameters of ear weight without husk and ear length without husk, which shows significant differences

Selection of Maize Hybrids Resulting from Line × Tester Crossing Tolerant to Drought Stress

Efforts to enhance maize productivity in regions like Madura Island, Indonesia, plagued by low yields due to drought stress, necessitate the development of resilient and high-yielding maize hybrids. Employing the line x tester method represents a promising approach to breed varieties tolerant to drought stress. This study aims to identify drought-tolerant maize hybrids derived from line x tester crosses. The research utilized a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 40 genotypes replicated three times, totaling 120 experimental units. Drought stress was imposed following the CIMMYT method, wherein irrigation was provided at field capacity from 0 to 40 days after planting (DAP) at 10-day intervals, while drought stress commenced from 50 DAP until harvest. Under optimal conditions, irrigation occurred every 10 days until 80 DAP. Key observation parameters included plant height, days to 50% tasselling, harvest age, ear height, ear length, ear diameter, kernel weight per plant, 1000-kernel weight, and production per hectare. Results indicated several adaptive hybrid maize genotypes for both normal and drought conditions, as discerned by the Stress Tolerance Index (STI), including G2, G12, G13, G14, and G15. Moreover, hybrids G2, G18, G19, G21, and G24 exhibited notable drought tolerance based on the Stress Susceptibility Index (SSI). These findings underscore the potential of employing the line x tester method in breeding resilient maize hybrids tailored to mitigate the adverse impacts of drought stress, thereby fostering agricultural sustainability in resource-constrained environments like Madura Island.

Principal Component Analysis of Morphometric Traits in Kashmir Merino Sheep

Aims: To study the principal component analysis (PCA) of morphometric traits in Kashmir Merino sheep Place and Duration of Study: Sheep Breeding Farm, Kralpathri, Kashmir, India and 2019. Methodology: This study was preformed to evaluate the morphometric traits of 518 Kashmir Merino sheep in Jammu &amp; Kashmir under a multivariate approach. The body measurements included in the study were face length (FL), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), body length (BL), body height (BH), chest girth (CG), paunch girth (PG), tail length (TL), horn length (HL) and body weight (BW). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to define body shape upon the correlation matrix of the ten body measurements. Results: Principal component analysis with varimax rotation method was applied and extracted four principal components with a total variation of 64.29 %. The first principal component accounted for 28.28% of the total variance and was interpreted as a measure of CG, PG, BL and BH. The second factor which explained 12.56 % of the generalized variance tended to describe TL and HL, while the third factor explained 11.88 % of total variance which showed high loadings for BW. The fourth factor was influenced by FL and EW which explained 11.56 % of total variance. Conclusion: Therefore, these findings suggest that incorporating PCA in breeding programs could significantly enhance the genetic improvement of Kashmir Merino sheep, leading to better growth performance, increased body size, and improved productivity.

The Effect of NASA Liquid Organic Fertilizer and Chicken Manure on the Growth of Sweet Corn Plants (Zea mays saccharata Sturt)

This research aims to determine the effect of a combination of NASA POC and chicken manure on the growth and production of sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt). The research used a Randomized Group Design (RAK) with two treatment factors. The first factor is the administration of NASA Liquid Organic Fertilizer (A) consisting of 4 treatment levels, namely: A0 = 0 ml/liter of water (control), A1 = 2 ml/liter of water, A2 = 4 ml/liter of water and A3 = 6 ml /liter of water. The second factor is the provision of chicken manure (B) consisting of 3 treatment levels, namely: B1 = 2.25 kg/plot (7.5 tons/ha), B2 = 4.50 kg/plot (15 tons/ha) and B3 = 6.75 kg/plot (22.5 tons/ha). The results showed that giving NASA POC up to 6 ml/l of water significantly increased plant height, ear length, ear weight per plot and total dissolved solids. Providing chicken manure up to 6.75 kg/plot significantly increased plant height, ear length, weight per plot and total soluble solids. The interaction between NASA POC and chicken manure did not significantly affect plant height, ear length, weight per plot, or total dissolved solids.

Experimental unbalance: reflections on genetic parameters and corn selection gain

Genetic progress depends on the components of variance and genetic parameters. In this context, the objective of this work was to identify the maximum allowed percentage of experimental imbalance in the estimation of variance components, genetic parameters and selection gain in intervarietal corn hybrids. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with 60 corn hybrids with three replications. Random subsets of data were created in order to express unbalance scenarios of the phenotypic matrix, we obtained 9 scenarios (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80% unbalance).Thus, the genetic variance of the paternal genitor, the genetic variance of the maternal genitor, additive variance, individual phenotypic variance, narrow-sense heritability of intervarietal additive effects for the paternal genitor were estimated, narrow-sense heritability of intervarietal additive effects for the maternal genitor, narrow-sense heritability, broad-sense heritability, genotypic variation coefficient between progenies and variation coefficient residual. Narrow sense heritability reveals high magnitude for the characters cob mass and hundred grain mass. Maternal effect is expressed through ear insertion height, ear grain mass, cob mass and diameter, number of rows, ear mass and length, and grain yield. The imbalance inflates the variance components and genetic parameters for the highlighted characters. It supports 10% imbalance in the data matrix without compromising the reliability of the estimates. Pronounceable selection gains are obtained for grain yield based on pressures of 1 and 5%. An unbalance of 10% is supported in the selection gain for cob mass, ear length and hundred grain mass.

Morphometric Characterization and Principal Component Analysis of Different Goats Breeds

Goats play a very vital role in the livestock industry and are the only livestock not forbidden by any religion. Morphometric characterization is very important for the improvement of goat breeds and the proper classification of these animals. A linear measurement was carried out on sixty goats consisting of 20 each Red Sokoto (RS), West African Long logged (WLL), and West African Dwarf WAD) goat. Parameters measures were Withers height (WH), Rump height (RH), Body length (BL), Sternum height (SH), Body depth (BD), Bicostal diameter (BC), Ear length (EL), Rump width (RW), Head width (HW), Rump length (RL), Head length (HL) Heart girth (HG), Cannon bone Circumference (CB), Muzzle diameter (MD). The data collected was subjected to statistical analysis using R. version 4.0.2. It was observed that WH, RH, BL, SH, BD, BC, EL, RW, HW, RL, HL, HG, CB, and MD, exhibit variations across different age groups. For example, WH increases from 36.89 cm (at 1.00 years) to 63.98 cm (at 4.00 years), indicating a growth in wither height as goats increase in age. A significant difference (p&amp;lt;0.05) in the morphometric parameters across different age groups was observed. The lowest mean weight (11.50±1.1) was recorded in WAD while the highest (24.40±1.24) was recorded in WLL). These variations in weight were significant (p&amp;lt;0.05) across the breeds. Principal Component Analysis shows that four components contributed to 74% of the variation in the goat. The estimation classified the goats as heavy meat type while the Dactyl thorax index classified the WAD and RS as brevigline and the WLL as medigline. This study therefore contributes to a better understanding of goat morphology which has practical implications for livestock breeding and management programs. Informed decisions can also be made about breeding strategies, selecting animals specifically, and improving the overall goat population using the information provided in this study.