EFFECT OF SEX ON BODY WEIGHT AND BODY MEASUREMENTS OF MUSCOVY DUCKS IN  MAIDUGURI, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

M. J.  Yusuf; M. J.  Yusuf; J.  Aliyu; A. O.  Raji; B. B,  Zannah; J.  Mukaddas

doi:10.51791/njap.vi.4645

Authors

M. J. Yusuf University of Maiduguri
M. J. Yusuf University of Maiduguri
J. Aliyu University of Maiduguri
A. O. Raji University of Maiduguri
B. B, Zannah University of Maiduguri
J. Mukaddas University of Maiduguri

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.4645

Keywords:

Sex, Body Weight, Muscovy Duck, Shank Length, Chest Girth

Abstract

This research was carried out to determine the effects of sex on body weights and body measurement of Muscovy ducks, within Maiduguri metropolis. The information collected were sex, body weight and body measurements from 0-20 weeks at weekly interval. Data collected were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) and significant means were separated by the Duncan’s multiple range tests. The results showed that the Muscovy ducks did not exhibit sexual dimorphism at the early (0 to 4 weeks) stage of growth. However, the drakes had significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight and most body measurements at later ages (5 to 20 weeks) except for shank circumference, the linear body measurements were not significant (P>0.05) until at 9th weeks of age. The results obtained also revealed that drake ducklings were superior (p<0.05) to the duck ducklings for body weight at all ages studied. However, improvement in body weight and body measurement of Muscovy ducks up to twenty weeks of age can be achieved with sexual dimorphism at the later age.