Herd Structure and Incidence of Supernumerary Teats and Wattles in Smallholder Goat Production in Plateau State
Reuben Tom Danjuma *
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Nigeria.
Adejoh-Ubani Elizabeth Ojoma
National Animal Production Research Institute, Poultry Unit, Shika Zaria, Nigeria.
Helen Daniel Nanbol
Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Plateau State College of Health Technology Pankshin, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Stanley David Oziegbe
Department of Theriogenology and Production, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Nigeria.
Akuchi Chidiadi Nwamo
Poultry Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria.
Bello Muizzat Onozasi
Department of Animal Production, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A study was conducted to determine the incidences of supernumerary teat and wattles in goat and the relationship between the two traits. The survey was conducted with 104 farmers having 948 goats. Attributes measured were herd, herd size, male, female, coat colour, long hair back, long hair at the thigh, long hair back and thigh region, udder pigmentation, beard, dam, tassel, farmer’s experiences on supernumerary teat, and tassel. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation in J.M.P genomics software. There was presence of more female goats in the herds than males in Plateau State. The incidence of supernumerary teat was 31.6% in does while incidence of wattle tassel was 37.4 %. The colour of white, tan, brown and black were low in frequency (1.88, 2.64 and 9.28%). Normal hair was significantly and positively correlated with long hairs at the back was significantly and positively correlated with beard and tassel in the does (P˂ 0.01; r= 0.42- 0.43). Beardness in the does was only (12.48 %) with majority being non-beard (87.52 %). In conclusion, this has emphasized the need for breeding soundness examination including mammary gland to identify and eliminate supernumenary teat during during community based genetic improvement of goats. A programmed should be organised for farmers on supernumerary teat and wattle in goats and their managerial approach.
Keywords: Teats, wattle, herd, goats, supernumerary