EFFECTS OF SEXUAL DIMORPHISM ON TWO STRAINS OF BROILER BIRDS (ANAK AND SHAVER)

The study was conducted to determine the effects of sexual dimorphism on two strains of broiler birds (Anak and Shaver). A total of one hundred and eighty two (182) chicks comprising thirty six (36) and fifty three (53) female of Anak and forty four (44) male and forty nine (49) female of Shaver was used, respectively. Body parameters that included body weight, body length, body girth, shank length, drumstick length, thigh length, keel length and wing length were taken fortnightly from day old up to eight weeks of age which hitherto were used to determine the effects of sexual dimorphism at each stage of two broiler strains (Anak and Shaver). The mean body weight at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age were 47.78g, 227.15g, 596.73g, 965.38g and 1366.67g for Anak male and 49.78g, 227.15g, 545.10g, 923.8g and 1233.0g for Anak female respectively. The respective values in Shaver were 46.74g, 183.92g, 513.10g, 957.70g and 1313.64g for Shaver male and 47.53g, 154.36g, 422.20g, 776.67g and 1102.04g for Shaver females. It was concluded that body weight of Anak and Shaver broilers were similar (P>0.05) at 0 and 6 weeks of age while that of Anak were significantly heavier at 2, 4 and 8 weeks.