Genetic parameter and sexual dimorphism on Immune response traits of Nigerian Indigenous chickens at different ages
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Uyo, Uyo. Nigeria.
Research Article
International Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences Archive, 2026, 11(02), 086-093.
Article DOI: 10.53771/ijbpsa.2026.11.2.0043
Publication history:
Received on 15 April 2026; revised on 28 April 2026; accepted on 01 May 2026
Abstract:
The study evaluated correlations and sex and age effect on Immune Response traits in . Blood samples from 100 birds (50 per genotype) were collected for haematology at ages 4, 8, 12 from a population of 200 birds. Haematological parameters were: Pack cell volume (Pcv), White blood cell (Wbc), Red Blood Cell (Rbc), Eosinophils (Eos), Monocytes (Mono), Haemoglobin (Hb), Lymphocytes (Lym), Heterophils (Heter), Basophils (Bas). The project lasted for 12 weeks. CRD Factorial design was used. Data for haematology was subjected to ANOVA using Statistical Software Package (SAS ver, 9.2) for the statistical analysis. The result showed that there was significant (p<0.05) difference in some of the immune response traits measured at different ages in this study. The result showed that Pvc, Wbc, Lym, Heter, Eos, Mono were significantly (p<0.05) higher in mean values for males of Nigerian Indigenous Chickens at weeks 4 and 12 than females counterpart while at week 8. Wbc, Heter and Eos were significantly (p<0.05) higher in males than in females counterpart for the same traits measured. This indicated strong immunity in females than Males of Nigerian Indigenous Chickens as studied. The highest and positive association among immune response traits were found between Pcv and Hb, Pcv and Rbc, Hb and Rbc, Bas and Eos, Eos and Mono at different ages, respectively. Pcv could serve as a trait for selection of Nigeria local chicken for improved growth and productive life of birds through improved weight gain and heat-tolerance.
Wbc could serve as a marker indicating immunity and inherent resistance to tropical poultry diseases and parasites. Males of Nigerian Indigenous Chickens should be raised more by farmers for their high resistant antiviral activities regarding the harsh environmental conditions experienced in the tropical rain forest zone.
Keywords:
Age; Antiviral Activity; Correlation; Immune Response Traits; Sex
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