Comparative effect and frequencies of major genes on egg and body weight of Nigeria local chickens under free range in selected chicken populations in the guinea savannah region

Abstract

Gwaza D.Sand Nachi E. D

The study was conducted in four districts of Kastsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. Data were collected on four major genes, frizzling, normal feathered, naked neck and the dwarf chickens on body and egg weight of each flock component. A total of 1,988 and 420 records for body and egg weight were collected respectively. The predominant major gene was the normal feathered (84.10 percent), followed by the naked neck (9.46 percent).The dwarf gene had a frequency of 4.22 percent while the frizzle was least with a frequency of 2.16 percent. Body weight of the flock components varied in an irregular pattern across the major gene types. Body weight of growers varied significantly across the major genes except that between the naked neck and the frizzle. The same trend was observed on body weight of chicks. Egg weight varied significantly between the naked neck, normal feathering and the dwarf gene types. The frizzle and the dwarf genes are threatened and there is need to improve their management and conservation. The variation in weight of eggs of the naked neck and normal feathering was not consistent with their body weight indicating higher non- genetic influence on this trait. The inconsistency in the superiority of the major genes over one another in body weight is an indication of environmental influence. Under stressful condition, the frizzle and the naked neck genes were superior to the normal feathering. These genes can be incorporated to exploit their advantage over these non- genetic influences.