CHARACTERIZATION OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOAT IN THREE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN ANAMBRA STATE

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the pictorial evaluation of the colour differences and the extent of variation in the body characteristics and body weight of the West African Dwarf (WAD) goat in three Local Government Area (LGA) in Anambra State that aid faster growth of the animals. This study was carried out in Awka North, Awka South and Dunukofia local government Areas of Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 98 matured WAD goats, comprising of 42 males and 56 females, were selected for
the study. A total of 42 goats were recorded in Awka North LGA, 29 were recorded for Awka South LGA and 27 were recorded for Dunukofia LGA. Sick and pregnant animals were not included in the study. Animals were selected based on the phenotypic appraisal only. The Heart Girth (HG), Height at Withers (HW), Body Length (BL), Head Length (HL), Neck Length (NL), Ear Length (EL), Horn Length (HnL), Tail Length (TL) Abdominal circumference (AC) Rump length (RL) and Rump width (RW) were measured. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis after calculating the body weight using Shaffeur‟s formular (BL*HG*HG)/300 and calculating the compact index 1, 2, and 3. Pictorial evaluation of variations in the coat colour was considered to check for possibilities of development of ecotypes in the various locations. Results of pictorial evaluation did not show any significant development of ecotypes as various coat colours were found in the three local governments. Results obtained showed that, age, sex and location had a significant effect (p˂ 0.05) on almost all of the body parameters considered. From the result obtained in this study, it can be concluded that there was no specific rise in ecotypes but there were notable variations in the coat colour, body weight and size of the animals in the local government areas.