Multivariate analysis of sexual size dimorphism in local turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Nigeria |
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| Authors: | Ajayi Oyeyemi O Yakubu Abdulmojeed Jayeola Oluwaseun O Imumorin Ikhide G Takeet Michael I Ozoje Michael O Ikeobi Christian O N Peters Sunday O |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria;(2) Department of Animal Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria;(3) Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA;(4) Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria; |
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| Abstract: | Sexual size dimorphism is a key evolutionary feature that can lead to important biological insights. To improve methods of
sexing live birds in the field, we assessed sexual size dimorphism in Nigerian local turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) using multivariate techniques. Measurements were taken on 125 twenty-week-old birds reared under the intensive management
system. The body parameters measured were body weight, body length, breast girth, thigh length, shank length, keel length,
wing length and wing span. Univariate analysis revealed that toms (males) had significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean values than hens (females) in all the measured traits. Positive phenotypic correlations between body
weight and body measurements ranged from 0.445 to 0.821 in toms and 0.053–0.660 in hens, respectively. Three principal components
(PC1, PC2 and PC3) were extracted in toms, each accounting for 63.70%, 19.42% and 5.72% of the total variance, respectively.
However, four principal components (PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4) were extracted in hens, which explained 54.03%, 15.29%, 11.68%
and 6.95%, respectively of the generalised variance. A stepwise discriminant function analysis of the eight morphological
traits indicated that body weight, body length, tail length and wing span were the most discriminating variables in separating
the sexes. The single discriminant function obtained was able to correctly classify 100% of the birds into their source population.
The results obtained from the present study could aid future management decisions, ecological studies and conservation of
local turkeys in a developing economy. |
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