MORPHOMETRIC DESCRIPTION OF LOCAL PIGEONS IN BAUCHI METROPOLIS

Abstract

The study was conducted in Bauchi Metropolis to characterize local pigeons using the morphometric traits. A total of one hundred mature pigeons of mixed sexes were used for the research. The experimental animals (local pigeons) were randomly selected at poultry unit of Muda-lawal Market of Bauchi among the pigeon sellers. Live weight and some morphometric traits such as body length (BL), girth circumference (GC), wing length (WL) and shank length (SL) were measured. Data generated for these traits were subjected to descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and Pearson’s product moment correlation (PPMC) of SPSS version 23 (2016). The result of the finding showed that the coefficients of variation of morphometric traits varied widely among the local pigeons, male were significantly (P<0.01) higher on most of the traits recorded and the correlation coefficients among the variables observed (morphometric trait or morphometric measurements) were mostly low and non-significant (P>0.01). It can be concluded from the study that male had higher value for morphometric traits than female and the relationship among the traits showed that they can indicate each other. The study recommends selective improvement of local Pigeon should be encouraged because the major driving force in selection (variation) is large and farmer should be encouraged to used body girth and length during selection since they indicate body weight and they are very easy to measure.