VARIATION IN BODY WEIGHT, BODY CONDITION SCORE AND LINEAR BODY MEASUREMENTS AS AFFECTED BY LOCATIONS IN KANO STATE

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the variation in body weight, body condition score (BCS) and linear body measurements in Yankasa sheep in some selected local government areas of Kano State, namely, Bebeji (BBJ), Dawakin Kudu (DKD), Wudil (WDL), Shanono (SNN) and Dambatta (DBT). The animals were weighed using a scale, the body condition score were assessed based on the scale of 0-5 and linear body measurements were taken using measuring tape. Variation in the traits were analyzed using analysis of variance as contain in SAS 2002, The study revealed significant (p<0.05) variations across the locations; BBJ recorded the highest average sheep weight of 26.27±0.80 kg while the lowest (22.80±0.84 kg) was observed in DBT. The highest BCS was also recorded in BBJ (2.37±0.10) while the least (1.60±0.11) was observed in DKD. It is concluded that, variations exist in body weights, BCS and linear body measurements among Yankasa sheep within Kano state due to selection criteria, feed supplementation and forage availability. Emphasis should be given to linear body measurements during selection for increased body weight in sheep breeding.