Characterization of the Nigerian local turkey based on blood markers and rectal temperature

Abstract

Two hundred and ten (210) day-old F1 progeny obtained from parental population of 78 random-bred
Nigerian local turkeys (Black, White and Spotted/Lavender) were used for blood markers and rectal
temperature to characterize Nigerian local turkeys. Blood markers, namely; packed cell volume (PCV),
haemoglobin (Hb), white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), total blood protein (TBP) and blood
glucose (BGC) were determined and rectal temperature (RT) was measured. Rectal temperature (RT) was
significantly different (p<0.05) at 9, 13, 17, 19 and 23 weeks of age (WOA) among the colour types. The
PCV was significantly different (p<0.05) among the colour type at 7 and 11 WOA, with highest value in
black and White at 7 WOA, and Black and Spotted at11 WOA, respectively. The Hb counts were
significantly different (p<0.05) with highest value in black at 7 and 23 WOA and white at 7weeks old. The
WBC was significantly (p<0.05) highest in spotted colour at 11, 13, 19 and 23 WOA. The RBC was
significantly different (p<0.05) among the colour types at 7, 11 and 23 WOA with highest values in black at
7 and 23 week old, in spotted and white at week 11 and 7 WOA. However, BPT was significant difference
(p<0.05) with highest values in spotted and white in week 7 and black at 23 week old. The BGC was
significantly different (p<0.05) among the birds at 7, 11 and 23 weeks old, with highest values in black
colour at 7 and 11WOA, and black and white colours at 23 WOA. Improvement for local turkey in Nigeria
could be made using the markers RT, PCV, Hb, WBC and RBC for Marker-assisted selection. In view of the
results obtained in this study, it is recommended that the black phenotype be selected by breeders to
achieve improved production