Prediction equations and inter-relationships among selected growth traits of an indigenous turkey birds in derived savanna zone of Nigeria

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to predict the growth pattern of a local stain of turkey three regression models at different ages. A total of 150 poults were used for the study which lasted for 12 weeks. Measurements of body length (Shank length) and thigh length (Thigh Length) were regressed against body weight using linear, quadratic and cubic functions. The coefficient of determination (R²) noted ranged from 50.32% to 78.24% for the three functions. Cubic function had the highest R² values for the body measurements, followed by quadratic function while linear function had the least R² value across the four age groups. The highest (78.24%) was observed at the 12^th week. Best accuracy of prediction was noticed with breast girth, keel length and shank length in all the age groups. From the results observed in this study, body weight of turkeys can be predicted from any of the body length, breast girth, keel length  and shank length with best accuracy of prediction obtained with cubic function and breast girth, keel length and shank length as the regressor.

Keywords: Prediction equation, turkey birds, linear, quadratic, cubic equation, growth traits