ABSTRACT

The study was conducted to compare the fertility and hatchability traits of local turkey eggs in humid tropical environment. The strains were Black, White and Spotted turkeys. The design for the experiment was completely randomized design (CRD) with turkey strain as major factor of interest while batches were regarded as block. A total of 254 eggs; White (90), Spotted (90) and Black (74) were collected and hatched in five batches. The different fertility and hatchability traits studied were average age weight (AEWT), fertility (FER), hatchability of fertile eggs (HFE), hatchability of set eggs (HSE), dead on germ (DIG), dead in shell (DIS), normal poults (NP), abnormal poults (AP) and poult weight (PWT). Average egg weight was not significantly different (P>0.05) among the three strains. Abnormal poults and poult weight were significantly different (P<0.05) among the strains. Abnormal pouRs were highest in White (21.21±6.21) followed by Spotted (12.86±4.11) and the least were in Black (10.32±2.86). Black strain had the highest significant (P<0.05) poult weight (64.56±4.11) while Spotted (52.40±1.76) and White (52.11±1.30) were statistically similar. Phenotypic correlations among the traits were also estimated for each strain. There was a significant but positive relationship between DIS and DIG (P<0.05). There was a negative significant relationship between DIG and HFE (P<O.ol) in the Black. While in White strain, there was a significant but positive relationship between PWT and 1-IFE and DIS and DIG (P<0.05) and a negative significant between HFE and AEWT (P<0.05), DIG and HSE (P<0.01) and DIS and HSE (P<0.05); and in Spotted strain, there was a significant but positive relationship between  use and FER (P<0.05). There was a ncgaivcly relationship between AP and NP (P<0.01) among the three strains. Generally, fertility and hatchability traits of black strain showed genetic difference and should be selected for breeding purposes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Certification ii

Dedication iii

Table of contents iv

List of Tables V

Abstract Vi

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background Information

1.2 Statement of Problem 3

1.3 Objectives of the Study 3

1.4 Justification 3

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review 4

2.1 Origin of Turkey 4

2.2 Varieties of Turkeys 4

2.3 Turkey Production and Management 5

2.3.1 Turkey Production 5

2.4 Management Practices of Turkey 6

2.4.1 Brooding 6

2.4.2 Heat and Light Sources 7

2.4.3 Ventilation 7

2.4.4 Water 8

2.4.5 Feeding 8

2.4.6 Litter Management 8

2.5 Fertility and ilatchability of Local Turkeys 9-10

2.6 Factors Affecting Fertility and 1-latchability 11

2.6.1 Effects of Breeder Nutrition 11

2.6.2 Effects of Parent Flock Age 11

2.6.3 Effects of Time of Storage 11

2.6.4 Effects of Environmental Factors 12

2.6.5 Effects of Breeding Season 12

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 Materials and Methods 13

3.1 Location of Study 13

3.2 Experimental Birds and Management 13

3.3 Experimental Procedure 14

3.4 Data Collection I 5

3.6 Experimental Design and Analytical Method 16

3.7 Statistical Analysis 16

3.8 Parameters of Interest 17

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Results and Discussion 18

4.1 Effect of Strain on Fertility and 1-latchability Traits of the Different Turkey

Strains 18

4.2 Phcnotypic Correlations among the Various Egg I latching i'raits ot Local

Turkey Strains 20-23

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Conclusion 24

Reference