International Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics Vol. 6 (1), pp. 001-008, January, 2017. © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

A study to determine the genetic and phenotypic profiles of WAD and Yankasa indigenous sheep in Nigeria

Arebu Solomon Aigbedji

Animal Breeding and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Animal science, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

E-mail: arebu.solomon@gmail.com

Accepted 14 November, 2016

Abstract

One thousand two hundred and seventeen (1217) traditionally managed sheep comprising 491 West African dwarf (WAD) (154 males and 337 females) and 97 Yankasa (29 males and 68 females) sampled over the Southwest Nigeria were used to assess allelic frequencies of qualitative trait loci based on defined genetic determinations in sheep. Traits investigated include wattles, ear size and attitude, eumelanin, coat spot, supernumerary nipples, head profile and horns. Results showed that WAD and Yankasa sheep were similar respectively with regards to erect ear attitude (0, 0%), small ear size (0, 0%), horn (78.5, 84.7%), coat pigment (93.67, 93.45%) and supernumerary nipples (0.00, 0.00%), absence of coat spot (0.00, 0.00%). Head profile was monomorphic (100%) but different in both breeds: straight in WAD and convex in Yankasa. WAD was standard for wattle, Wa*+, ear attitude EC*+, ear size EL*R and head profile, Te*cx (frequency=99.02). WAD exhibited higher degree of polymorphism than Yankasa especially for eumelanin type, and pigmentary pattern. However, the locus controlling head profile and ear attitude were monotypic; the frequency for a single class was higher than 75%.

Key words: Polymorphism, allelic frequency, genetic determination, WAD and Yankasa sheep.