BODY WEIGHTS OF DOMESTIC PIGEON SQUABS (COLUMBA LIVIA) BY SEX AND PARITY IN MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This research was carried out to determine body weights of domestic pigeon squabs by sex and parity at the Poultry and Livestock Teaching and Research farm, Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri Borno state. The data collected were weights at days 0-30 at three days interval. Data collected were analyzed using the statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and significant means were separated by the least significant difference. The results obtained revealed that the mean body weight of pigeon from day old to 30 days ranged between 15.51±0.09 to 363.64±1.88 g. Males squabs had significant (P<0.05) higher body weights than females at all age groups studied. Significant effect of parity was also observed and squabs of the forth parity had highest body weights at all ages. However, improvement in body weight of pigeon squabs can be achieved with selection with fourth parity