Variability of Post Hatch Weight of Pigeons (<em>Columba Livia</em>) In Bauchi, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted in 40 households in Bauchi metropolis, Nigeria, from September 2004 to August 2007 to assess the variation in body weight of pigeon squabs taken within the first twelve hours post hatch, using the coefficient of variation (CV). The weights ranged between 10 and 15 g among males and from 7 and 12 g in females. The means and standard deviations for males and females were 13.74 and 1.03 g, and 10.31 and 1.22 g, respectively. The corresponding CVs were 7.49 and 11.83%. The study revealed that some hours after hatch, BW of squabs differed significantly (p<0.05) between the sexes, males being heavier, but less variable than their female siblings.

Keywords:  Body weight, coefficient of variation, pigeon, post hatch weight, squab