Prevalence and influence of qualitative traits on morphometric traits in West African Dwarf Goat in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State

The study was conducted to assess the prevalence of qualitative traits and their influence on morphometric traits. A total of 499 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were used comprising of 113 and 386 males and females respectively. The qualitative and morphometric traits were identified and their associations were assessed. The distribution and frequencies of qualitative traits were investigated and scored for presence or absence of wattle (Waw or Wa+), beard (Brb or Br+), horn (Ho+ or Hop) were recorded. Four coat colours were observed, the white, white/black, black and mixed colour (white, black and brown). There was a high preponderance of white coat colour (56.51%) followed by white/black (31.06%), the frequencies of black and mixed colour were similar (6.21%). The frequency of wattle was low (0.4%), beard was present in both sexes although a higher frequency was observed in males (56.88%), horn was equally present in both sexes. The presence of wattle had no influence on morphometric traits, whereas goats with beard and horn were significantly (p < 0.05) superior in body length, heart girth and height at wither. Sex significantly (P<0.05) influenced the morphometric traits measured. The significant effect of beard and horn on morphometric traits in this study suggest that beard and horn may be important factors to consider in making selection and culling decisions in WAD goats.