Open AccessRelationships between body weight and some linear morphometric traits in Nigerian Nsukka ecotype local hens
Author(s) -
Nnanna Ephraim Ikeh,
O.R. Okwesili
Publication year - 2021
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1119-7455
DOI - 10.4314/as.v20i3.15
Subject(s) - ecotype , linear regression , zoology , body weight , stepwise regression , circumference , linear relationship , mathematics , regression analysis , biology , statistics , geometry , ecology , endocrinology
Body weight (BW) and linear body measurements of 120 Nigerian Nsukka ecotype local hens in terms of body length (BL), chest girth (CG), thigh circumference (TC), thigh length (TL), and shank length (SL) were taken and subjected to Pearson correlation analysis to obtain the relationship between these growth traits. Multiple Linear Stepwise Regression procedure was used to find the best linear combination of the linear body measurements that can best predict BW. The findings showed that linear body measurement traits of Nigerian heavy ecotype local hens were strongly (p 0.5). The regression equations of linear body measurement traits with BW were positive with coefficient of determination ranging from 60.5-74.6%. The stepwise analyses showed shank length as best single measurement with R2 = 0.605, while inclusion of our five predictors in an equation resulted in R2 = 0.746. Thus, the following equation was generated: BW = – 1485.70 + 82.06 SL + 58.34 BL + 38.70 TC + 8.39 CG + 3.85 TL. This showed that they accounted for 74.6% of the variations in the BW of Nigerian heavy ecotype local hens. The prediction equations generated from linear body measurement traits are positive and strong, therefore can accurately be employed to predict the relative BW of Nigerian heavy ecotype local hens during selection programs as well as in the market with the use of measuring tape.