Linear Body Measurement Relationship in White Fulani Cattle in Derived Savannah zone of Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate genetic relationship between linear body measurements of white Fulani cattle in the derived savannah zone of Nigeria. Data was collected on 45 white Fulani cattle (19 female and 26 male). Linear body measurement (LBM) traits measured were Body length (BDL), Hip height (HPH), Heart girth (HG), Horn length (HL), Tail length (TL), Ear length (EL) and Thoracic length (THL). Data generated were analyzed using SAS procedure. The mean of BDL, HPH, HG, HL, TL, EL, and THL of both female and male were 39.65-33.07, 57.28-48.55, 8.10-7.69, 18.92-9.73, 36.73-32.15, 49.10-46.06, and 28.73-20.73 respectively. Result indicated that Body length was significantly (p<0.05) different in favor of female cattle. Similar result was obtained for other LBM. HG gave highest coefficient of determination in both sexes (0.92; female and 0.89; male) followed by HL (0.82; female and 0.64; male). Relationships between the variables were positive and significant, highest values were obtained between body length and hearth girth (0.823) while lowest value was obtained between ear length and tail length. Relationships between the variables were positive and significant, highest values were obtained body length and hearth girth while lowest value was obtained between ear length and tail length. Conclusively, relationship that existed between body measurement can be exploited for selection and breeding programme in white Fulani cattle.

Keywords: Genetic, Variables, coefficient and selection