QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE CHARACTERIZATION OF BODY MORPHOMETRIC OF INDIGENOUS PIGS IN THE HUMID ENVIRONMENT OF NIGERIA

This study focussed on the qualitative and quantitative characterization of some body morphometric of indigenous pigs in the humid environment (Iseyin) of Oyo state, Nigeria.Data on 290 extensively managed indigenous pigs were collected using visual appraisal, measuring tape rule (cm) and hanging scale. The qualitative data include, coat colour, tail type, snout type, ear type and teats pairs using visual appraisal while those of quantitative characters were body length, snout length, head length, neck length, ear length, leg length, tail length, body height, chest girth, circumference of neck, body circumference and body weight. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and student T-test statistics of Statistical Analysis System (2003). The predominant coat colour of indigenous pig is black, erect ear, long-straight snout and straight tail with 5 pairs of teats.The mean values of each of the body parameters showed greater variations and these variations could be employed for further genetic improvement. Sexual dimorphism favoured the female pigs except head length, snout length, neck length and leg length which were not significantly different (P > 0.05). With this diverse body morphometric, the local pigs can be exploited for genetic improvement and breed standardization.