Phenotypic Differentiation of Koroji Sheep in Maiduguri

Abstract

A total of 250 (70 males and 180 females) were used for characterization. This study evaluated phenotypic and
morphometric characteristics of Koroji sheep. Effect of age, sex, correlation and overall summary statistics were
analyzed. Some of the morphometric characteristics taken were; body weight (BW), body length (BL), height at
wither (HW), chest circumference (CC), head length (HDL), head wide (HDW), ear length (EL), horn length
(HNL), horn circumference (HNC), tail length (TL), rump wide (RW), rump length (RL), height at rump (HR),
foreleg (FLG), hind leg (HLG), height at rump (HTR) and neck length (NL).Body weight was measured with
measuring tape while the morphometric characteristic was measured with measuring tape. The data was
analyzed using general Linear Model Procedure of SAS. The result revealed that age and sex had significant
(p<0.005) effect on morphometric characteristics of Koroji sheep with males and older animals showing
superiority over females and younger ones. The Coefficient of Variation (CV) ranged from 8.56- 33.63) with
Horn Length having the highest (33.63) while HL had the lowest (8.56). Pearson correlation obtained between
parameters varied in magnitude and direction (p<0.05-0.01: r = -0.31 to 0.97). It was concluded that sex and
age should be considered when designing a selection and breeding programs for Koroji sheep