Association Between Heamoglobin-types and Morphometric Traits in Three Nigerian Goat Populations

Abstract

A total of 100 Nigerian native goats (Borno white, Sokoto red and West African Dwarf, WAD) reared in Maiduguri were examined for five morphometric traits and relationship with heamoglobin-types. Heamoglobin types were screened using Cellulose Acetate Electrophoresis procedure and estimated using Hardy-Weinberg Equation. Morphometric data (heighta t wither, back length, paunch circumference, heart girth and canon circumference) were analyzed using General Linear Model and significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. The result revealed three Heamoglobin variants with two codominant alleles (HIbA, HbB) in Borno white and WAD while Sokoto red goat had only two, A4 and AB Hb types. Generally, goats with Hb BB had significant (P<0.05) paunch circumference (79.34 cm). Heamoglobin types for Borno white and WAD had no significant (P>0.05) effects on morphometric traits while Sokoto red goat with Hb AB had significantly (P<0.05) higher height at wither (64.52cm). Hb AB could be regarded as candidate genotype with higher values for most morphometric traits in the goat populations. Sokoto red goat should be conserved to prevent extinction and could be improved for body weight.