Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Pigs Populations of Nigeria

• Author(s): Ubu, I. ; Ukwu, O. H. ; Gambo, D.
• Paper ID: 1709680
• Page: 856-865
• Published Date: 22-07-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 1 July-2025

Abstract

Indigenous pig production plays a vital role in Nigeria's rural farming systems, providing livelihood and food security. However, the population has recently stagnated, primarily due to the lack of comprehensive improvement and conservation programs. To address this, a study was conducted to characterize the morphometric traits of indigenous pigs across three ecological zones: humid forest, guinea savannah, and derived savannah. A total of 450 pigs (150 from each zone) were purposively sampled, and their morphometric measurements such as body weight, body length, heart girth, wither height, paunch girth, and ear length were recorded using measuring tapes. Results indicated that the highest body weight (23.60 ± 0.62 kg) and linear measurements body length (70.31 ± 0.76 cm), wither height (64.87 ± 0.64 cm), heart girth (59.31 ± 0.46 cm), and ear length (17.35 ± 0.20 cm) were observed in pigs from specific ecotypes. Sex significantly influenced all measured traits (P < 0.05), with males exhibiting higher values across traits. Age also had a notable effect, with four-year-old pigs displaying the highest body weights and linear measurements, demonstrating a positive correlation between age and growth parameters. Phenotypic correlation analysis revealed strong, positive, and significant relationships among traits within ecotypes, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.739 to 0.797. These findings facilitated the classification of animals into their respective ecotypes. The study suggests that these morphometric data can serve as baseline information for future genetic studies and conservation strategies, aimed at improving and maintaining the genetic integrity of Nigeria’s indigenous pig breeds.

Keywords

Morphometric Traits, Pig, Sex, Age, Location

Citations

IRE Journals:
Ubu, I. , Ukwu, O. H. , Gambo, D. "Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Pigs Populations of Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 1 2025 Page 856-865

IEEE:
Ubu, I. , Ukwu, O. H. , Gambo, D. "Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Pigs Populations of Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(1)