BODY MORPHOMETRY AS AFFECTED BY COAT COLOUR VARIATION IN GUINEA PIGS

Body morphometry, the scientific measurement of external body parts, is widely acknowledged as a simple, inexpensive, and reliable tool for predicting growth, adaptability, and productivity in livestock. Coat colour, although traditionally viewed as a cosmetic feature, has been linked to thermoregulation, survivability, and performance in several animal species. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of coat colour variation on body morphometry of guinea pigs, towards determining whether coat colour could serve as a visible and practical phenotypic marker for growth and selection. Twenty-four (24) guinea pigs of two coat colour groups (pure brown and brown-white) were used in a four-week experimental trial at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan. Animals were housed in standard experimental cages and accorded standard management practices. Morphometric traits including body weight, body length, chest girth, head length, ear length, tail length, forelimb length, and hind limb length were measured on a weekly basis using measuring tape. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and significant differences were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at p