1Shettima, M. M., 1Inusa M., 2Mukaddas, J., 3Zannah, B. B., 1Aliyu N and 2Jibrin, A
1Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kashim Ibrahim University, Borno, Nigeria
2Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
3Department of Agricultural Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Monguno, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author’s Email: shettimamaryam500@gmail.com, http://doi.org/10.55639/607.020100117
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the comparative growth performance and morphometric characteristics of three strains of FUNAAB Alpha chickens: Normal Feather (NF), Naked Neck (Na), and Frizzle Feather (F), reared in a semi-arid Zone of Maiduguri. A total 90 day-old chicks were purchased at Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta with three replicate per strain and 10 birds per replicate. Data on body weight and linear body measurements (body length, heart girth, wing length, shank length, thigh length, and neck length) were collected every two weeks from day-old to 12 weeks of age. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS, differences among the strains and sexes were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The Naked Neck strain consistently exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher body weight 38.38±0.42-2311.23±443.62g across all age groups compared to the Normal Feather 32.67±0.45-1620.00±91.17g and Frizzle Feather 33.08±0.50 1510.83±172.14g strains. Significant differences were also observed in various linear body measurements among the strains. Between sexes, males generally showed superior growth 34.90±0.51-2277.20±183.11g and larger dimensions compared to females 33.16±0.68-1138.40±21.29g. These findings highlight the genetic potential of the Naked Neck strain for improved growth performance in challenging tropical conditions, suggesting its suitability for enhanced poultry production in such regions.
KEYWORDS
FUNAAB-Alpha
chicken,
Naked Neck,
Frizzle Feather,
Normal Feather

