Qualitative Traits Characterization of Indigenous Cattle Breeds in Nasarawa South Agro-Ecological Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Morphological differentiation of Nigerian indigenous cattle
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46325/gabj.v8i2.396الكلمات المفتاحية:
Qualitative Traits، Characterization، Indigenous Cattle، Nigeriaالملخص
The study aimed at characterizing the qualitative traits of three indigenous cattle breeds in Nasarawa South Agro-Ecological Zone of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Sampling was carried out at Lafia, Doma, Obi, Keana and Awe Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A total of 179 adult cattle of both sexes (male; n= 88 and female; n= 91) of White Fulani (n=59), Sokoto Gudali (n= 62) and Red Bororo (n= 58) were sampled. Visual appraisal of the appearance (observation of qualitative traits) of the three cattle breeds was done and recorded, using a structured format for morphological description. The qualitative traits are vital for breed identification and selection, as they often correlate with genetic diversity and adaptability to environmental conditions. The following traits were considered: Coat colour pattern, muzzle pigmentation, eyelid pigmentation, coloured belly, hoof pigmentation, horn colour, cephalic profile, ear shape, dewlap size, hump position, backline, horn shape, udder size and testes size. All the fourteen qualitative morphological traits of White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali and Red Bororo were analyzed for descriptive statistics using frequency procedure and cross-tabulation. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test option of the non- parametric followed by the Mann–Whitney U test for post Hoc separation was employed to test the effects of breed and sex on the proportion of each qualitative trait. CHAID algorithm was employed to assign the cattle into their appropriate breed based on the qualitative variables. There were variations (P< 0.01) in the colour traits based on breed. White Fulani was whiter in colour (60.9%) than the Sokoto Gudali (39.1%). The Red Bororo had more of red (92.3%) and brown (85.7%) colourations while the Sokoto Gudali was more mixed in colour (54.5%). However, based on sex, coloured belly was the only trait affected, and was more common (P<0.05) in females. There were significant (P<0.01) variations in the cephalic profile, ear shape, hump position, backline, and horn shape based on breed. The sexes also varied (P<0.01; P<0.05) in cephalic profile, dewlap size, hump position and horn shape. However, the cattle can be assigned to their original breed based on ear shape, coat colour and horn shape. The current information may be a step to further characterization of the Nigerian indigenous cattle breeds using a large population.
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