This study evaluated the growth performance and phenotypic correlations amongmorphometric traits of the Fulani ecotype, FUNAAB Alpha chicken, and their reciprocalcrosses under uniform management conditions. A total of sixty (60) parent birds were usedto generate one hundred and twenty (120) F1 progeny across four genetic groups in acompletely randomized design. Data was collected on body weight and linear bodymeasurements, including beak length, head length, neck length, wing length, wing span,shank length, drumstick length and body girth. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Pearsoncorrelation analysis were conducted using SPSS, and treatment means were separatedusing Duncan's Multiple Range Test. Results revealed significant (p < 0.05) differencesamong treatments for all evaluated traits. The FUNAAB Male × FUNAAB alpha male (T1)consistently recorded superior values for body weight (462.01g) and most morphometricparameters compared to other groups, while the Fulani ecotype purebred (T2) showed thelowest performance. Positive and significant phenotypic correlations were observedbetween body weight and most morphometric traits across treatments, particularly winglength, wingspan, shank length, and body girth. The findings highlight the potential ofmorphometric traits as indirect selection criteria and confirm the effectiveness ofcrossbreeding in improving growth performance in indigenous chickens. These resultsprovide valuable insights for designing sustainable genetic improvement programs.
A.E. et al. (2026) studied this question.