Relationship between markers and quantitative traits in the Nigerian local chicken

Abstract

A 20-week experiment was conducted to determine the relationship between markers and some quantitative traits in the Nigerian Local chicken. A total of fifty normal female chickens, about 16-18 weeks of age were used for the study. Data were collected bi-weekly on physiological and biochemical markers (packed cell volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leucocyte count, blood haemoglobin, blood glucose, rectal temperature) and quantitative traits (egg weight, shell thickness, Haugh unit, body weight, short term egg production) from each bird. The association between each identified marker and the quantitative traits was determined using Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient. Rectal temperature showed significant (P < 0.05) positive association with shell thickness and body weight. Packed cell volume showed significant (p < 0.05) positive association with Haugh unit. However, significant (p < 0.01) negative association was found between rectal temperature and Haugh unit. Packed cell volume showed significant (p < 0.01) negative association with shell thickness and egg weight (p < 0.05). Other markers did not show any significant association with the quantitative traits studied. The results of this study suggest that since packed cell volume and rectal temperature showed definite association with important quantitative traits, they should be included in the marker bank that could be used by animal breeders and producers in marker assisted selection.

Proficiency of University Lecturers in the Adoption of Emerging Instructional Technologies in Nigeria

“…They emphasized on the potential of technologies in promoting interactive learning. Ukwu and Ukwu (2021) highlighted the benefits of emerging technologies on teaching and learning outcomes, including raising students' engagement, heightened critical thinking and enhanced academic performance. This study therefore sought to establish the current level of competence among university lecturers in Nigeria about the adoption of emerging technologies for instruction.…”

Development and validation of the Redeemer’s University Suicidality Scale

“…Like many other countries, Nigerian research shows an alarming rate of suicide deaths. 25 , 26 For instance, according to 2019 statistics, there is a 3.5 suicide rate per 100 000 Nigerians. 27 Based on an estimated 2021 population of over 211 million people, the death by suicide figure in 2021 was about 7400.…”

“…The rate of death by suicide is high in Nigeria. 3 , 25 , 26 , 32 Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million people, has a high suicide prevalence rate. 1 Judging from the identified perpetuating risk factors such as poverty, financial constraints, issues with relationships, loss of loved ones, family history of suicide, mental illness, substance abuse and physical illness, 32 and the dearth of data on suicide resulting from under-reporting for fear of stigmatisation, 33 there is a need for a standardised scale to identify suicidal behaviour among Nigerians.…”