OCCURRING PATTERNS AND FREQUENCIES OF COLOUR GENES IN SOME INDIGENOUS POULTRY SPECIES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Variation in the colors observed on the shank, plumage, beak and ear lobe of four local poultry species surveyed in South Western Nigeria were studied. In the guinea fowl, four color types were identified on the plumage (pearl, black, white and ash /gray), three on the shank (yellow, white and black) and three on the beak black white and black and white combination). On the plumage, three color genes were identified each responsible for black, white and pearl color production. The gene frequencies of each of these alleles were also calculated. Plumage colors in local ducks were assumed to be controlled by two segregating allele’s co-dominant in relationship. Their observed gene frequencies were 0.5 respectively. On the shank, two segregating alleles were identified, each producing either black or white/ yellow colors. The alleles producing black were found to be completely dominant to that producing white. Similar colors observed in the beak were co-dominant in action. In pigeon, gray, black, white and white mixed black and white plumage colors were observed. Black and white colors were produced by two segregating allele’s co-dominant in action. On the shank, red color was completely dominant to black, each having a gene frequency of 0.62 and 038 respectively. Three alleles segregating on the beak producing black, white and spotted black colors respectively. In turkeys, black plumage color was more frequent followed by white and brown. The gene frequencies of black, white and brown colors were 033,021 and 036 respectively, while the gene frequencies of black and white and yellow shank colors were 0.53 and 0.47 respectively. Black was completely dominant to white. On the beak, similar results were observed. Ear lobe colors observed were red and white. Red appeared dominant to white occurring at a measurable ratio of 2.21. The gene frequency of red ear lobe allele was estimated as 0.44 and 0.56 for white ear lobe allele. Gene frequencies and inheritance pattern are useful in selection, especially in the development of trade mark or breed identity.