Open AccessESTIMATES OF PHENOTYPIC AND GENETIC CORRELATIONS IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS
Author(s) -
I. K. Odubute,
J. O. Akinokun
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
nigerian journal of animal production
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0331-2062
DOI - 10.51791/njap.v21i1.1096
Subject(s) - parity (physics) , litter , body weight , zoology , biology , birth weight , demography , genetics , ecology , endocrinology , pregnancy , physics , particle physics , sociology
Records on 848 West African dwarf goat kids and 220 kiddings over a period of eight year's (1982-1989) were analyzed. The records were used to provide estimates of phenotypic and venetic correlations among parity, kidding interval, litter size at birth and body weight at various ages. Plenotypic correlation coefficients of +0.33 (P 0.05). Litter size was, however, negatively correlated (P<0.01) with body weight at the various ages except at 1 year (P<0.05). The genetic correlations among body weights at variuus ages were positive and significant (P<0.01). Selection for body weight at in earlier age especially at 3 months is likely to result in improvement of yearling body weight.