Morphometric Characterization of Donkeys (Equus asinus) in D/Kudu Kano State For Selective Breeding and Genetic Conservation

Aliyu Garba Khaleel; Lawal Abdullahi  Lawal; Mudassir Nasir; Alhassan Musa Hassan; Muhammad Ibrahim  Abdu; Nasiru Salisu; Ahmad Syazni Kamarudin

doi:10.37231/jab.2020.11.2.216

Aliyu Garba Khaleel Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, P.M.B. 3244 Kano State, Nigeria
Lawal Abdullahi Lawal Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, P.M.B. 3244 Kano State, NIGERIA.
Mudassir Nasir Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, P.M.B. 3244 Kano State, NIGERIA.
Alhassan Musa Hassan
Muhammad Ibrahim Abdu Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, P.M.B. 3244 Kano State, NIGERIA.
Nasiru Salisu Department of Animal Health and Production, Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic Hadeja, P.M.B. 13 Jigawa State, NIGERIA
Ahmad Syazni Kamarudin School of Animal Science, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, 22200 Besut, Terengganu, MALAYSIA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37231/jab.2020.11.2.216

Abstract

Donkeys (Equus asinus) is a domestic livestock popular in helping farming activities and providing food for some societies. Population of donkeys were drastically decreasing due to the overexploitation for its hides and industrialization. Little is known regarding the morphometric measurements of this species which provide a useful information for selective breeding and genetic conservation. One hundred and forty-four male donkeys from D/Kudu Kano state where enrolled in this study for morphometric characterisation. Seven morphological parameters were analysed in association with age and coat colour of donkeys observed. Descriptive statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) as well as correlation coefficient among parameters were evaluated. Result revealed that donkeys in the studied area were categorised into 7 different coat colour with light grey (30.6%) being the dominant colour. High Frequency distribution of donkeys between the ages of 5-7 years (41%) were recorded. Also, both age and coat colour showed a significant (P <0.01) difference on face length, ear length, chest circumference and body length. Significant and positive correlation (r = 0.43–0.91) is observed in all morphological traits except relationship for tail length which is negatively correlated. In conclusion, the morphological features analysed in this study can be regarded as a preliminary for further studies on the Kano donkey breed.

Author Biographies

Lawal Abdullahi Lawal, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, P.M.B. 3244 Kano State, NIGERIA.

Final yearproject student

Mudassir Nasir, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, P.M.B. 3244 Kano State, NIGERIA.

Lecturer and Farm Coordinator

Alhassan Musa Hassan

Associate Professor Animal Physiology

Muhammad Ibrahim Abdu, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, P.M.B. 3244 Kano State, NIGERIA.

Senior lecturer in Animal Physiology

Nasiru Salisu, Department of Animal Health and Production, Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic Hadeja, P.M.B. 13 Jigawa State, NIGERIA

Lecturer

Ahmad Syazni Kamarudin, School of Animal Science, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, 22200 Besut, Terengganu, MALAYSIA

Senior Lecturer and Former Dean of Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry