Morphological variations in qualitative and quantitative traits of Fulani ecotype chickens in Nigeria

The study of Fulani ecotype (indigenous) chicken becomes necessary for proper understanding of its potentials for future breeding programmes in Nigeria. Sixty adult Fulani ecotype chickens comprising 22 males and 38 females were sourced from the Fulani kraal at Opeji in Odeda Local Government area of Ogun State and used to determine their qualitative and quantitative traits. Twenty (20) cocks out of the original 22 were selected randomly from the population for semen quality assessment. Results indicated that polydactyly was observed on 26.67% of the population. Brown and dark brown plumage colours were dominant and had an occurrence of 48.34% and 33.33%, respectively. Comb type was predominantly single (85%) while 46.67% of the population had Spur. Plumage colour influenced (p<0.05) comb length, comb width, earlobe width and tail length while shank colour had significant (p<0.05) effect on earlobe length, wattle length, wattle width, tail length. Plumage colour had significant (p<0.05-0.01) effect on sperm motility, semen pH, sperm concentration and semen volume but not (p>0.05) on livability and abnormality. Brown plumage had the highest (p<0.05) sperm motility (88.50?0.89%) and pH (7.01?0.01) which was similar to brown black. Fulani cock with light brown plumage colour had the highest (p<0.05) sperm concentration (1.90?0.11?109/ml) while dark brown had the least value 1.54?0.11? 109/ml. Light brown chicken recorded higher (p<0.05) semen volume (0.21?0.01/ml) when compared with the dark brown chicken (0.14?0.01/ml). Medium to high positive correlations were observed among all linear body measurements. The study concluded that there existed high phenotypic diversity in Fulani chickens and could be exploited for improved breeding and conservation programmes in Nigeria. The body weight and other linear body measurements of the chickens are highly and positively correlated. However, lighter plumage Fulani ecotype cocks could be adopted in multiplication program where semen motility and concentration are paramount.