Morphometric predictors of market value in indigenous sheep breeds in Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the relationship between some morphometric traits (live weight, girth circumference, body length, wither height, rump length, loin girth and horn length) and price in indigenous breeds of sheep. A total of 150 (135 males and 15 females) matured sheep were randomly sampled from Local markets in the study area, of which 117, 19 and 14 were Yankasa, Uda and Balami, respectively. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation and linear regression analysis. Breed and sex had a significant (P<0.05) effect on some of the morphometric traits observed. Balami sheep recorded the highest values for all traits significantly (P<0.05) affected traits and price, while the lowest values were observed among the Yankasa breed. However, a non-significant (P>0.05) effect of sex on back length, wither height, rump length and loin girth was realized. The correlation coefficient (r) between morphometric traits and price was positive and strong. The coefficient of determination (R²) of price from live weight was 0.783, subsequent inclusion of wither, height and girth circumstances into prediction equations yielded higher R² values of 0.785, 0.796 and 0.799, respectively. The higher relationship observed between morphometric measurements and price implies that it is easy to use the former individually to indicate the latter. The price of sheep can best be predicted more precisely when live weight, wither height, body length and chest girth are included in the prediction model. It is recommended that farmers should price sheep based on morphometric specifically those that are highly correlated with body weight and price.