Genetic and phenotypic variations of coat pigmentation and wattle genes of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats in the sub-humid zone of Nigeria

Eight hundred and twenty West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were purposively sampled for the genetic and phenotypic variations of coat pigmentation and wattle genes in the sub humid zone of Nigeria. Ten coat pigmentation and three wattle incidence were observed in the goat population. This include, White (A^wh), Brown (aabbS-), Black (aaB-S-), Mahogany (A^mh), Badgerface (A^b), Bezoar (A^bz), Swiss marking (A^sm), Grey (A^g), Black with white markings (aaBBss) and Brown with white markings (aabbss) while those of wattle genes were Non-wattled (ww), Unilateral (Ww) and Bilateral (WW)

The coat pigmentation was influenced by alleles at three loci (A, B and S) while wattle was influenced by alleles at a locus (W). Although, Black (aaB-S-) pigmentation and bilateral (WW) wattled goats predominated, however, different coat pigmentation and wattle genes as observed in the goat population indicate that the breed still belong to a traditional population in which no conscious selection effort has been attempted.