Phenotypic distribution of sheep and goats in Southern parts of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study was carried out in eight local government areas of the Southern senatorial zone of Kaduna state to
characterize adult sheep and goats. A total of 400 sheep and 800 goats were used. Two sheep breeds (Uda
and Yankasa) were identified in the area; Most of the sheep were Yankasa (spotted black), above 3 years
old and did not have beards or wattles. Goats could not be distinguished into distinct breeds, but classified
according to colour and size. There were however some indications of some progeny being to closer Red
Sokoto and other, to West African Dwarf (WAD). While Yankasa (spotted black) sheep appeared to be the
dominant (96.24%) breed reared in the study area, the brown goat was mostly dominant in Jaba, (49%),
Jema’a (46%) and Kachia (53%) locations. Similarly, 96.75% of Goats had neither beards, wattles or manes
(normal), while only 5.375 and 1.625% had beards or manes respectively. Since Yankasa sheep and, black
and brown goats were higher in number, it is recommended that the Yankasa, and the black and brown
goats should be preferred for rearing in the study area.