EFFECT OF AGE AND BODY WEIGHT ON CONFORMATION TRAITS IN KANO BROWN DOES AT SMALL HOLDER SYSTEM

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the effect of age and body weight on conformation traits in Kano brown does as well as to determine the relationship between the conformation traits and body weight using 110 Kano Brown Does at three age groups (9-12, 13-24 and 25-36 months). The body weight was taken and recorded in kilogram. The conformation traits used for the study were heart girth (HG), body depth (BD), withers height (WH), body length (BL), stature (ST), rump width (RW) and chest width (CW). These conformation traits were measured with flexible tape in centimeters. The experimental result showed that age significantly (P<0.01) influenced heart girth, body depth, stature and height at withers. However body length rump width and chest width had no significant influenced on age. All the body conformation traits except body length, rump width and chest width increased with increase in age. Body weight significantly (P<0.01) influenced all the conformation traits evaluated except that chest width had no significant (P>001; P>0.05) influenced on the body weight. The correlation coefficient obtained for the measured traits were positive and significant. Based on the result obtained from this study it's recommended that age and body weight should be taken in to consideration for selection and breeding in Kano Brown does.