Phenotypic correlations of zoometrical traits of Nigeria local turkeys at early and late growth phases (starter, grower and finisher)
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Chemistry and Pharmacy, 2026, 08(02), 031-040.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjcp.2026.8.2.0016
Publication history:
Received on 22 March 2026; revised on 06 May 2026; accepted on 08 May 2026
Abstract:
A 24 weeks study was carried out with 150 Poults of Nigerian indigenous turkey (Meleagris galopavo) at the Teaching and Research farm, Animal Science Department, University of Uyo, Uyo to determine Correlations of body weight and the Linear body traits of Nigerian Local Turkeys. Poults were brooded and reared intensively. Water and feed were given ad libitum. Parameters measured were: Body weight (BW), Thigh (TL), Shank (SL), wing (WL), keel (KL), body (BL) lengths, breast girth (BG). Data collected were analyzed using SPSS software based on the purpose of the study. The results showed a strongest relationship recorded for BW (WL, BG, KL TL) for all the weeks studied. Growth phases results showed that early and late starter phases of growth, a strong significant and positive correlation range of 0.814 and 0.866; p < 0.01 and 0.778 – 0.916; p < 0.01, were recorded, respectively. For early and late grower phases a significant strong and positive correlation range (0.783 – 0.922 and 0.856 – 0.954 p<0.01) were recorded, respectively. For finisher phases of growth all linear body parameters measured were found to exhibit very strong relationship with BW in both the early (0.828 – 0.967) and late phase (0.831 – 0.990). Strongest relationship observed at early phase was BW/BL (0.943) and at late phase BW (BL (0.990), BG (0.987), KL (0.954) and TL (0.946). Conclusively, for all the phases of growth a significant strongest positive correlation was observed in BW (B/L). It is recommended that BL should be given priority in selections due to its high tendency of influencing body weight.
Keywords:
Body Weight; Growth Phases; Relationship; Traits; Zoometrical
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