Fulani Ecotype Research Articles

Diversity of the Ghrelin Gene in Nigeria’s Fulani and Yoruba Ecotype Chickens

Ghrelin (GHRL) is a novel 28-amino acid gut-brain peptide linked to a gene associated with the regulation of growth hormones in birds. This study was carried out to investigate the polymorphism of the Ghrelin gene in Fulani and Yoruba ecotypes chickens in Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from seventy-eight (78) Nigerian indigenous chickens comprising of 41 Yoruba ecotype chickens and 37 Fulani ecotype chickens. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used and the MboII restriction enzyme cut site 71 of the ghrelin and genetic structure were determined. Population structure was analyzed using allele and genotype frequencies, heterozygosity and genetic variation metrics. Two alleles (C and T) and three genotypes (CC, CT and TT) were observed. In the Yoruba Ecotype, the allele frequencies were C (0.34) and T (0.66) respectively while C (0.45) and T (0.55) were observed in the Fulani ecotype and the overall population was C (0.39) and T (0.61). The genotype frequencies obtained were; in the Yoruba ecotype, CC (0.10), CT (0.48), and TT (0.41) were observed. In the Fulani ecotype, CC (0.22), CT (0.45), and TT (0.32) were also observed, and in the overall population CC (0.15). CT (0.47) and TT (0.37) were observed. FIS values for the Yoruba ecotype (-0.0847) and Fulani ecotype (0.00702) reflects random mating and inbreeding respectively. The effective number of alleles indicates that the Fulani ecotype has more effective alleles compared to the Yoruba ecotype. These results suggest that the Yoruba ecotype may be at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, while Fulani ecotype deviates for the ghrelin locus. In summary, our results may open opportunities for genetic improvement in Nigerian indigenous chicken due to the polymorphic nature of the ghrelin gene.

Testing of Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium in Population of Two Nigerian Local Chicken Ecotypes Base on Location

Test of deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectation base on location of the Tiv and Fulani local chicken ecotypes of Nigeria was undertaken using eighty (80) matured birds (40 birds each for Tiv and Fulani ecotypes). Blood samples were collected from five locations each of the ecotype to determine their blood protein. Blood protein loci namely: haemoglobin, albumen, transferrin and carbonic anhydrase were determine using electrophoresis. Data collected were analyzed using popgene version 1.31. The result revealed significant deviations (P<0.05) from Hardy-Weinberg expectations in the two ecotypes except in the Fulani ecotype were haemoglobin did not deviate significantly. Based on location, there were no significant (P>0.05) deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations in the Fulani ecotype except in location 4 were Hb, Al and Ca as well as location 5 where Al and Ca were significant. Allelic frequencies of albumin showed significant (P<0.05) deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations at locations 1 and 5 while allelic frequencies of transferrin deviated significantly (P<0.05) from the Hardy-Weinberg frequency at location 5. In the Tiv ecotype, albumin showed the highest significant (P<0.05) deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg expectations in all locations. The allelic frequencies of transferrin did not differ significantly (P>0.05) from the Hardy-Weinberg expectations. From the finding of this research, it was concluded that the deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations at the four blood proteins loci of the two ecotypes indicated that the Tiv and the Fulani chicken populations are variable in their genome and that there are chances of genetic improvement when crossed between themselves across location or with exotic breeds. Generally, these findings provide the fundamental step in the direction of judicious decision-making before the development of genetic enhancement and preservation programmes without interfering with the uniqueness of the Tiv............

Morphological variations in qualitative and quantitative traits of Fulani ecotype chickens in Nigeria

The study of Fulani ecotype (indigenous) chicken becomes necessary for proper understanding of its potentials for future breeding programmes in Nigeria. Sixty adult Fulani ecotype chickens comprising 22 males and 38 females were sourced from the Fulani kraal at Opeji in Odeda Local Government area of Ogun State and used to determine their qualitative and quantitative traits. Twenty (20) cocks out of the original 22 were selected randomly from the population for semen quality assessment. Results indicated that polydactyly was observed on 26.67% of the population. Brown and dark brown plumage colours were dominant and had an occurrence of 48.34% and 33.33%, respectively. Comb type was predominantly single (85%) while 46.67% of the population had Spur. Plumage colour influenced (p<0.05) comb length, comb width, earlobe width and tail length while shank colour had significant (p<0.05) effect on earlobe length, wattle length, wattle width, tail length. Plumage colour had significant (p<0.05-0.01) effect on sperm motility, semen pH, sperm concentration and semen volume but not (p>0.05) on livability and abnormality. Brown plumage had the highest (p<0.05) sperm motility (88.50?0.89%) and pH (7.01?0.01) which was similar to brown black. Fulani cock with light brown plumage colour had the highest (p<0.05) sperm concentration (1.90?0.11?109/ml) while dark brown had the least value 1.54?0.11? 109/ml. Light brown chicken recorded higher (p<0.05) semen volume (0.21?0.01/ml) when compared with the dark brown chicken (0.14?0.01/ml). Medium to high positive correlations were observed among all linear body measurements. The study concluded that there existed high phenotypic diversity in Fulani chickens and could be exploited for improved breeding and conservation programmes in Nigeria. The body weight and other linear body measurements of the chickens are highly and positively correlated. However, lighter plumage Fulani ecotype cocks could be adopted in multiplication program where semen motility and concentration are paramount.

Growth traits and performance of caged Fulani ecotype chickens fed commercial diets meant for broiler and pullet chicks

Two Hundred and six day old Fulani Ecotype chicks (FEC)were used to investigate the effect of feeding two types of diet (Chick starter diet and Broiler starter diet formulated to meet standard nutritional requirement of pullets and broiler chicks) on growth traits and performance from O to 8 weeks. The broiler starter diet contained 23% Crude Protein (CP) and 3000Kcal/kg Metabolizable Energy (ME), and the Chick starter diet contained 21% CP and 2800Kcal/Kg ME. The growth traits measured were body weight (BW), body length (BL), body girth (BG), wing length (WL), thigh length (TL), drumstick length (DL), keel length (KL), and shank length (SL), while chicks performance were estimated from feed intake. feed efficiency, growth rate and weight gain. Average body weight of chicks fed broiler starter diet were significantly (P<0.05) higher from week 1 to 8. Chicks fed broiler starter diet exhibited numerically higher BL, BG, WL, TL, DL and KL than those fed chick starter diet at all ages and differences were significant (P<0.05) at some ages. Chicks fed broiler starter diet significantly (P<0.05) consumed more feed at week 1 and 2, and they gained more weight than those fed chick starter diet from 0 to 4 weeks (120.51 vs. 97.89g), and 5-8 weeks (255.11 vs. 239.13g). Feed efficiency in chicks fed broiler starter diet was relatively higher by 13.21% than observed in those fed chick starter diet from day old to 4 weeks and this translated to faster growth rate during the period in the former group (34.30% Vs.32.67%). This Study shows that the broiler starter diet produced superior growth traits and better feed efficiency in Fulani Ecotype chicks.

Body weight and morphometric traits of fulani ecotype chickens in South Western Nigeria are closely related

The native chickens constitute about 80 percent of the 120 million poultry birds found in Nigeriabut have not been adequately characterized. Thus, the study was undertaken to establish the relationship among body weight and morphometric traits of thirty six Fulani Ecotype chickens raised for 25 weeks. Body weights were collected per bird and the morphometric traits (body length, drumstick length, drumstick circumference, breast girth, nose to shoulder, shoulder to tail and height at withers) were measured with tape rule on weekly basis. The measured parameters were subjected to correlation and regression analyses. Analysis showed that positive and high significant correlation existed between body weight and morphometric traits (p< 0.01). The result showed that accuracy of prediction was attained with linear and quadratic models but quadratic model had theoretical advantage over the linearmodelwith respect to its goodness of fit to the data. This means that an increase in growth rate of the body parts would correspondingly cause an increase in live weight gain of the bird. In conclusion, body weight and morphometric traits could be used to separate males and females Fulani Ecotype chicken at 17 weeks old. At this age, males appeared bigger than the females and their combs were well pronounced, this would help both sexes to grow uniformly, prevent indiscriminate mating before attaining the age of sexual maturity and help in selection of Fulani Ecotype chicken for improvement in meat and egg production.

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

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

Growth performance, correlation and regression estimates of seven-chicken strains in South-Western Nigeria

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance, correlation and regression estimates of seven-chicken strains in South-western Nigeria using a total of 300 day-old chicks. The birds were divided into seven groups based on their strain. The seven strains are Normal feather (NF), Fulani ecotype (FE), Frizzle feather (FF), naked neck (NN) and Transylvania indigenous strains while Hubbard and Marshal were meat-type exotic chickens. There were forty- five (45) unsexed day-old chicks in each strain except the Frizzle feather that were 30 in number. Completely randomized design (CRD) was used for the trial that lasted for 8 weeks. The birds were fed experimental diets ad libitum throughout the period of the study. Results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in the initial and final weights of the birds. It was observed that exotic strains weighed heavier (3569.73gHB) than their indigenous counterparts (1391.11gNF). However, the Fulani ecotype weighed heaviest (1840.99g) among Nigeria indigenous strains during the experimental period. This showed that FE strains are generally heavy breed chicken and could be incorporated into a meat producing indigenous chicken if improved upon. The result of the correlation coefficients showed that a very strong, positive and highly significant (P<0.001) relationship existed between body weights and linear body measurements as most of the values are (>0.40). All the body parameter examined had significant (p<0.01) and direct relationship with the body weight. Shoulder-to-tail length (STL) had the highest coefficient of 0.98.The high correlation estimates obtained in this study could be as a result of pleiotropy, heterozygosity or linkage of genes in the birds. The three functions were highly significant (p<0.05) for all the parameters studied. This shows that the functions well described the parameters. On the basis of coefficient of determination (R ), the body weight of poultry birds at any age can be predicted most accurately with BRG using cubic function.

Egg Hatchability and Early Growth Performance of Cross and Backcross Involving Nigeria Fulani Ecotype and Isa Brown Chickens

An experiment was carried out to study the egg hatchability and growth performance of crossbred chickens involving Fulani ecotype (E) and Isa brown (B) chickens and their backcross using artificial insemination method of mating. The F1 progeny, the crossbred (EB), was produced by crossing E (sire) with B (dam) while the first backcross (BEB) was achieved using the B (sire) and the EB (dam). The second backcross (EBB) was carried out by mating the EB (sire) and the B (dam). A total of 35 birds were used as foundation stock (five E males, five B males and 25 B female chickens) to produce 137 EB crossbred chickens and 187 backcross chickens (98 EEB chickens and 89 BEB chickens). Weekly body weight and daily feed intake were obtained on the progenies generated from the mating for a period of 20 weeks. Other parameters like weight gain, feed conversion ratio, percentage fertility, hatchability and percentage dead shell were calculated from the data. The results revealed that the growth performance was affected by genotype. The EB chickens obtained the highest body weight across the weeks (37.6 to 1169 g) and the backcross chickens had the highest fertility (76.2%) and hatchability (83.2%). Therefore, it could be concluded that crosses between the Fulani ecotype and Isa brown chickens had the best growth performance and improved fertility while the backcross sired by the F1 had better performance when hatchability is considered.

Nigerian Fulani Ecotype Chickens: Growth Performance under Two Production Systems

The study evaluated the growth performance of Nigerian Fulani ecotype chicken (NFEC) under intensive and pastured poultry production systems. Two hundred (200) day-old chicks of Nigerian Fulani ecotype chicken (NFEC) were obtained from established stocks of NFEC population at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The chickens were separated randomly to intensive and pastured poultry production systems at 12 weeks of age. Data on body weight were taken weekly from day-old to 20 weeks. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM of SAS® at statistical significance level of P<0.05. Results showed significant effect of sex of chicken from the 10th to the 20th week of age (P<0.05). Significant interaction effect was observed between sex and production system at weeks 16 and 18 (P<0.05) when the male chickens under the intensive production system outpaced their male counterparts in the pastured poultry. Average daily gain for the period of 20 weeks was 6.83g and 9.21g for female and male chickens respectively. Weight gain pattern across weeks was not uniform. Therewas no significant difference in the growth rate in the two production systems (P>0.05).

Nigerian Fulani ecotype chickens : Estimation of growth curve parameters

The study modelled growth curves of Nigerian Fulani ecotype chickens (NFEC) under two production systems with four non-linear growth functions with a view to establishing growth descriptors for NFEC. Two hundred (200) day-old chicks of NFEC were obtained from an established population of NFEC at the Teaching and Research Farm, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The chickens were separated randomly to intensive and pastured poultry production systems at 12 weeks of age. Data on body weight were taken weekly over a period of 20 weeks. Four non-linear growth functions including Gompertz, Logistic, Bertalanffy and Richard’s models were fitted using the NLIN procedure of SAS® while the best fit model was selected using the goodness-of-fit tests. For all the models, parameter (A), the asymptotic weight, ranged between 1800g and 2417g for male and 1208g and 1550g for female chickens respectively. Parameter (B), the scaling parameter ranged from 0.77 and 19.79. Parameter K, which is the maturity index, ranged between 0.16 and 3.97 for both sexes. The R2 values ranged between 0.9689 and 0.9987 for all the models fitted. Gompertz and Bertalanffy models emerged as the best fit functions. Growth curve parameters of NFEC in the pastured poultry system were not significantly different from those in the intensive system. The growth curve parameters estimated indicates that NFEC growth performance can be improved through effective breeding strategies and improved management practices.

Detection of Polymorphism of Pituitary Specific Transcription Factor 1 Gene and Its Association with Bodyweight of Fulani and Yoruba Ecotype Chickens

Pituitary Specific transcription factor 1 (PIT-1) gene is one of the POU gene family and play key roles in the regulation of muscle development which is important for body weight in chickens. This study was carried out to detect the polymorphism of PIT-1 gene and study its association with body weight in Fulani and Yoruba ecotype of Nigerian indigenous chickens. A total of 100 day-old chicks comprising of fifty chicks of Fulani and Yoruba ecotypes were used for this study. These chicks were genotyped using PCR-RFLP technique and their growth rate was also measured throughout the study. Our results showed two alleles A and B controlling genotypes AA and AB which were significantly associated with bodyweight of the chickens. Interestingly, we found out that AA genotype had the highest frequency of 0.64 and 0.76 compared with AB genotype which had a frequency of 0.36 and 0.24 in the Fulani and Yoruba ecotype respectively. Furthermore, the PIT-1 genotypes (AA and AB) were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with body weight at week 4 and week 12 in Fulani and Yoruba ecotype chicken respectively. PIT-1 gene was polymorphic in Fulani and Yoruba ecotypes of Nigeria Indigenous Chickens.

Nigerian Fulani ecotype chickens - II – Estimation of growth curve parameters

In the study, growth curves of Nigerian Fulani ecotype chickens (NFEC) were modelled under two production systems with four non-linear growth functions with a view to establishing growth descriptors for NFEC. Two hundred, day-old chicks of NFEC were obtained from an established population of NFEC. The chickens were separated randomly to intensive and pastured poultry production systems at 12 weeks of age. Data on body weight were taken weekly over a period of 20 weeks. Four non-linear growth functions including Gompertz, Logistic, Bertalanffy and Richard's models were fitted using the NLIN procedure of SAS while the best fit model was selected using the goodness-of-fit tests. For all the models, parameter (A), the asymptotic weight, ranged between 1800g and 2417g for male and 1208g and 1550g for female chickens respectively. Parameter (B), the scaling parameter ranged from 0.77 and 19.79. Parameter K, which is the maturity index, ranged between 0.16 and 3.97 for both sexes. The R values ranged between 0.9689 and 0.9987 for all the models fitted. Gompertz and Bertalanffy models emerged as the best fit functions. Age and body weight at inflection of NFEC were also predicted by the study. Growth curve parameters of NFEC in the pastured poultry system were not significantly different from those in the intensive system. The growth curve parameters estimated indicates that NFEC growth performance can be improved through effective breeding strategies and improved management practices.

Nigerian Fulani ecotype chickens - I – Growth performance under two production systems

The rearing of indigenous chickens is an integral part of the smallholder farming systems in developing countries, where they are kept by the rural poor to satisfy multiple functions Thus, the growth performance of Nigerian Fulani ecotype chicken (NFEC) under intensive and pastured poultry production systems was evaluated. Two hundred, day-old chicks of Nigerian Fulani ecotype chicken (NFEC) were obtained. The chickens were separated randomly to intensive and pastured poultry production systems at 12 weeks of age. Data on body weight ® were taken weekly from day-old to 20 weeks. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM of SAS at statistical significance level of P&lt;0.05. Results showed significant effect of sex of chicken th th from the 10 to the 20 week of age (P&lt;0.05). Significant interaction effect was observed between sex and production system at weeks 16 and 18 (P&lt;0.05) when the male chickens under the intensive production system outpaced their male counterparts in the pastured poultry. Average daily gain for the period of 20 weeks was 6.83g and 9.21g for female and male chickens, respectively. Weight gain pattern across weeks was not uniform. There was no significant difference in the growth rate in the two production systems (P&gt;0.05). The study revealed that little disparity exists in growth performance of NFEC under the pastured and deep-litter production systems.

Nigerian Fulani ecotype chickens - I – Growth performance under two production systems

The rearing of indigenous chickens is an integral part of the smallholder farming systems in developing countries, where they are kept by the rural poor to satisfy multiple functions Thus, the growth performance of Nigerian Fulani ecotype chicken (NFEC) under intensive and pastured poultry production systems was evaluated. Two hundred, day-old chicks of Nigerian Fulani ecotype chicken (NFEC) were obtained. The chickens were separated randomly to intensive and pastured poultry production systems at 12 weeks of age. Data on body weight were taken weekly from day-old to 20 weeks. Data were analyzed using PROC GLM of SAS at statistical significance level of P&lt;0.05. Results showed significant effect of sex of chicken th th from the 10 to the 20 week of age (P&lt;0.05). Significant interaction effect was observed between sex and production system at weeks 16 and 18 (P&lt;0.05) when the male chickens under the intensive production system outpaced their male counterparts in the pastured poultry. Average daily gain for the period of 20 weeks was 6.83g and 9.21g for female and male chickens, respectively. Weight gain pattern across weeks was not uniform. There was no significant difference in the growth rate in the two production systems (P&gt;0.05). The study revealed that little disparity exists in growth performance of NFEC under the pastured and deep-litter production systems.

Haematological Studies in Fulani Ecotype Chickens in South-western Nigeria

This study was conducted using thirty Fulani ecotype chickens selected at random from intensively raised (deep litter and caged) population of 90 birds from day old to 16 weeks. Blood was collected from the birds at week 11 and 16 and used for haematological analyses. Data generated were subjected to least squares means analysis using SAS 9.2 (Version 2008).Result revealed that the male Fulani ecotype chickens were significantly different (p<0.05) for packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb). Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH) was significantly affected by polydactyly and rearing systems (RS) at 11 weeks of age. Mean cell volume (MCV) was significantly affected by RS at week 11. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ES) and RBC were significantly affected by polydactyly RS respectively at 16 weeks of age. This study revealed that sex, polydactyly and rearing system had significant effects on some physiological parameters of Fulani ecotype chickens that could be used for future improvement purposes

On Farm Characterization of Fulani Ecotype Chickens in the Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria Based on Breeding and Husbandry System

The study was undertaken to characterize the breeding and husbandry system of Fulani Ecotype Chickens (FEC) in five local government of Ogbomoso, Oyo State Nigeria. A total of 200 structured questionnaire which captured information on breeding and husbandry system was administered. Data generated was analyzed using SAS to obtain descriptive statistics. Result indicated that Women participated in rearing of FEC than Men in all the five flocks sampled, such that about 66.5 % (female) of the total sample size were involved as against 33.5% male farmers, Forty one percent (41%) of the respondent were within the age of 20-30 years, 68 % were illiterate, this shows that majority of the farmers were youth who cannot read nor write. Fulani Ecotype Indigenous chickens are managed under extensive system of Animal husbandry, Extensive system of poultry management was adopted by 98.5% of the farmer while just 1% reared their chickens under intensive system. Respondents disclosed that chickens generally scavenge for feed throughout the day with about 91.5% of the respondent provided supplementary feed to chickens, 99% provided water to their chickens with well water as major source. Respondents cull chicken for three purposes: Consumption (52.5%), Sales for source of finance (44.5%) and sacrificial purpose (3%). Poor productivity (75%) accounted culled chicken, followed by old age (9%) and disease outbreak (16%). Sources of finance for replacement stock were sales of chicken (19%), Sales of egg from hen (4%), Sales of farm crops (18%), Livestock sales (57.5%) and loans from family and friends (1.5%). All the respondents relied on natural incubation provided by the Hens and their mothering ability to rear the hatched chicks. Number of chicks reared up to maturity was very low relative to number of hatched chicken, the survey revealed that 70% of the respondents reared 1-5 chicks to maturity. 88% of the respondent declared that disease outbreak was one of the major factors contributing to low production. Marketing of poultry products is generally affected by unstable price (29%), Poor sales (55.5%), Lack of Standard market place (4%), Available substitute (4%) and poor infrastructure (4%). Extension services was not accessible as only 10.5% of the respondents were reached by extension agents. Conclusively, study established that Indigenous chickens are sources of income, protein intake and that they subsist under traditional Animal husbandry with little input.  Corresponding author: Department of Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Ogbomoso, Oyo, State Nigeria. Received on: 18 Sep 2014 Revised on: 26 Sep 2014 Accepted on: 28 Sep 2014 Online Published on: 30 Sep 2014 Original Article ISSN: 2251-7219 ON FARM CHARACTERIZATION OF FULANI ECOTYPE CHICKENS ... 1025 J. Anim. Sci. Adv., 2014, 4(9): 1024-1032 Improvement in management practices could significantly improve their output in terms of egg and meat production.

Growth Traits Characteristics of the Progenies of Crosses between Hubbard Broiler Strain and Fulani Ecotype Chicken in the Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Growth Traits Characteristics of the Progenies of Crosses between Hubbard Broiler Strain and Fulani Ecotype Chicken in the Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria

Biochemical characterization of indigenous Fulani and Yoruba ecotypes chicken of Nigeria

The study was carried out to characterize two indigenous chickens of Nigeria using protein markers; haemolglobin (HB) and carbonic anhydrase (CA). Separation of the two proteins was achieved by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and direct gene counting method was employed to interpret the result. Palentological statistics was used to generate dendrogram that measured genetic similarity within and between each of the population studied. HB was interpreted into three phenotypes: AA, AB and BB which were genetically controlled two codominant alleles HBA and HBB. Allele frequencies of HBA and HBB in Yoruba ecotype chicken were 0.34 and 0.66, respectively, while those of Fulani ecotype were 0.28 and 0.72, respectively. CA was also interpreted into three phenotypes (FF, FS and SS) which are genetically controlled by two codominant alleles CAF and CAS; their respective allele frequencies were 0.33 and 0.67 in Yoruba ecotype chicken and 0.24 and 0.76 in Fulani ecotype chicken. Genetic similarity within ecotype indicated 60% in Fulani, 80% in Yoruba and 40% between Yoruba and Fulani at HB locus while at CA locus, genetic similarity was 69% in Fulani ecotype, 50% in Yoruba ecotype and 42% between Yoruba and Fulani ecotype. Cavalli-Sforza genetic distance between the two Ecotypes was 2.1x10-2. Conclusively, the two populations were genetically related and further studies should focus on other protein markers and at molecular level. Key words: Ecotype, protein marker, genetic distance and selection.

The comparative susceptibility of commercial and Nigerian indigenous chicken ecotypes to &lt;i&gt;Salmonella gallinarum&lt;/i&gt; infection

This study was to evaluate the possible genetic resistance of exotic and indigenous chicks to Salmonella gallinarum. A total of 72 nine weeks-old chicks were used for the study. The Fulani ecotype (Fulani smooth feathers - FSF), Yoruba ecotype (Yoruba smooth feathers - YSF), and the Exotic breed (Nera Black) chicks were infected with a dose of S. gallinarum (8.3 x 106 CFU) and were observed for 16 days. Evaluation of resistance was based on clinical signs, mortality, pathology, leukocyte count, bacterial count from liver and spleen of infected chicks. The highest peak for clinical signs in S. gallinarum infected chicks coincides with highest mortalities recorded on day 11-12 dpi and bacterial count of both liver and spleen on day 8. The lymphocytes count declined on day 8 for all the experimental chicks except for the exotic breed. There was no significant difference between the bacterial counts of the different groups on day 8. In S. gallinarum infected chicks, 94.4% of all the chicks showed clinical signs after infection, the exotic breed showed a prolonged clinical signs while the Yoruba ecotype showed the least. 87.5%, 80.0% and 37.5% mortality were recorded in the exotic breed, Fulani and Yoruba ecotypes respectively. The study showed that the exotic chicken (Nera Black) was more susceptible to Salmonella gallinarum infection. It also indicated that within the ecotypes in Nigeria, Fulani ecotype was more susceptible to Salmonella gallinarum infection than the Yoruba ecotype. The lower clinical signs and mortality observed in Yoruba ecotype indicated a resistance of the ecotype to S. gallinarum infection.Keywords: Ecotypes, Nigerian Indigenous chicken, Salmonella gallinarum infection.

Qualitative Traits Characterization of Yoruba and Fulani Ecotype Indigenous Chickens in Derived Savannah Zone of Nigeria

4 Abstract: Qualitative traits characteristics of indigenous Chickens in derived savannah Zone of Nigeria were studied. A total of two thousand and forty one (2,041) indigenous chickens comprising 1274 Yoruba Ecotype Chickens (YEC) and 767 Fulani Ecotype Chickens (FEC) were sampled for the study. Traits studied included Sex, Comb Size, Wattle Size, Comb Type, Ear lobe Colour, Feather Structure, Plumage and Comb Colour. The result indicated that female chickens dominated the two Ecotypes with 52.04% in YEC and 52.28% in FEC. Highest percentage of Large Comb Size was observed for male chicken in both ecotypes: 67.57% in YEC and 71.32% in FEC. Three types of wattle size were observed in the two populations (Small, Medium and Large). Proportion of Large Wattle size favoured male chickens (YEC: 51.13%, FEC: 49.38%) in both populations. Three different types of comb (Single, Rose and Pea) with Single Comb type dominant over others (94.29% in YEC and 80.44% in FEC). Three colour patterns of ear lobe were observed in YEC with White Ear Lobe (69.07%) dominated the population while five colour patterns were observed in FEC with Red Ear lobe (74.97%) dominated. Three feather structure (Normal, Frizzled and Naked Neck) pattern were observed in the two populations, Normal type had the highest percentage (YEC: 83.99%, FEC: 83.05%). Plumage colour varied widely, six different types were observed in YEC and mixed colour had the highest percentage (31.4%) followed by dominant black (25.69%) while Eight different types of plumage colour were observed in FEC in which black colour (31.55%) had the highest percentage. The study revealed a wide variation in some of the traits, therefore future study can be concentrated on selection for qualitative traits of interest.