Degree: B. Sc., M. Sc., Ph.D
E-mail: miczoje@yahoo.com
Tel: 0803-716-3501, (039) 774 572
Fax: (039) 243045
Department: Animal Breeding and Genetics
Academic Rank: Professor
Current Position: Deputy Dean, Postgraduate School

Research Interest:
•Prediction and Estimation of Genetic Parameters for Growth, Survival and Reproduction in
Ruminant Species
•Pleiotropic Effects of Qualitative Trait Genes on the Productive Adaptability of the West African
Dwarf Sheep and Goat.
•Mathematical Modeling of Economic and Performance Traits in Sheep and Goats under different
Management Systems.
•Analysis of Quantitative Trait Loci using Candidate Gene Approach for Growth and Milk Traits
•Statistical Genomics and Bioinformatics of Epigenetic Changes in Inherited Diseases

ACADEMIC DEGREE WITH DATE
•Ph.D., Animal Breeding & Genetics, 1992
•M.Sc., Animal Science 1987
•B.Sc. Genetics 1985

INSTITUTIONS ATTENDED WITH DATE
•University of Ibadan, 1992
•University of Ibadan, Nigeria. 1987
•University of Calabar 1985

MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL BODIES
1) Member, Nigeria Society for Animal Production
2) Member, Genetics Society of Nigeria
3) Member, Foundation for Africa Development through International Biotechnology
4) Member, International Goat Association
5) Member, International Biometrics Society

ii)Membership of University committees
1) Member, University senate (Nov., 2000 to Nov. 2004, Feb 2005 till date)
2) Member, University computer management committee ( Nov., 2001 till date)
3) Member, Appointment and promotion committee, Junior staff, Works Department
4) Member, Board of studies, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production
5) Member, College board, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production
6) Member, University Library committee. (1997- 2000, 2001- till date)
7) Member, University Timetable committee (1997 till date).
8) Chairman, University Timetable committee ( April, 2005 – May, 2006)
9) Member, University ceremonials committee(1999 – 2001).
10)Member, TEFAMAC (1997 -2001).
11)Member, College of Animal Science and livestock production Postgraduate Committee (1998 till date).
12)Member, Small ruminant technical committee (1997 till date).
13)Member, Rabbit technical committee (1997 till date).
14)College Board of Natural Sciences (1994-1997)
15)Member, Cattle management technical committee (1998 till date).

PRIZES, HONOURS, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITIONS
(i) Best graduating student, Genetics option, Department of Biological Sciences,
Faculty of Science, University of Calabar, 1985.
(ii) Received ICSU-UNESCO travel scholarship to attend ABN-ICSU-UNESCO-ILRI sponsored international Training course/workshop on: Issues and Research methods in Characterization, Genetic Diversity and Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources in Africa held at the International Livestock Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya, October, 14-26, 1996.
(iii) Received SLU-SIDA travel scholarship to attend ILRI-SLU-SIDA sponsored international Training course/workshop on: Capacity building for sustainable use of Animal Genetics Resources in Developing countries held at the International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 19th – 7th December 2001.
(iv) Received SLU–SIDA travel grant to attend ILRI-SLU-SIDA sponsored international workshop titled: Follow-up workshop and training – Capacity building for sustainable use of Animal Genetics Resources in Developing countries for University teachers and researchers held at the International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 11th – 14th November, 2003
(v) Received CTA travel and accommodation grant to attend CTA-IBS sponsored 9th Scientific Conference of the Sub-Saharan Network of International Biometrics Society with the theme: ‘Linking Agriculture, Health, Nutrition and Environment through Biometry: towards Prosperity and Good Health’ held at the Ethiopian Agricultural Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, December 12th – 16th , 2005
(vi) Received Ford Foundation’s accommodation and travel grant to attend Ford Foundation sponsored International workshop on Biometrics and Research Methods Teaching Resource held at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, June 25 – July 2nd 2006.

COURSES TAUGHT

Undergraduate
BIO 202 – Introduction to Genetics and evolution (2 units)
BIO 301 – Genetics II ( 2- units)
ABG 300 – Fundamental of Animal Breeding & Genetics (2-units)
ABG 401 – Quantitative Heredity in Animal Breeding & Genetics (2-units)
ABG 500 – Applied Animal Breeding & Genetics (3-units)
ABG 501 – Methods in Animal Experimentation/ Biometrics ( 3 units)
ABG 505 – Heredity & Environment ( 3 units)
ANS 571 – Animal Production Techniques/Biometrics

Postgraduate
ABG703 – Quantitative Genetics (3-units)
ABG702 – Animal Breeding Theory & Design (3-units)
ABG701 – Introductory Animal Breeding & Genetics (2-units)
ABG 705 – Population Genetics ( 2- units)
ABG 707 – Biostatistics ( 3- units)

RESEARCH CONDUCTED

PUBLICATIONS
i) Publications in Learned Journals
1. EBOZOJE, M.O. and L.O. NGERE, 1995: Genetic analysis of preweaning growth in West African dwarf goats and their halfbreds. International Journal of Animal Sciences 10:247-251.
2. EBOZOJE, M.O. and L.O. Ngere, 1995. Incidence of preweaning mortality in West African dwarf goats and their Red Sokoto halfbreds Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 22: 93-98.
3. EBOZOJE, M.O. L.O. Ngere and I.C. Nwosu, 1995. An analysis of preweaning body weights in West African dwarf goats and their crosses. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 22:12-29
4. EBOZOJE, M.O. and C.O.N. Ikeobi, 1995. Productive performance and occurrence of Major genes in the Nigerian local chicken. Nigerian Journal of Genetics 10: 67-77
5. Ikeobi, C.O.N., S.O. PETERS and M.O. EBOZOJE 1995. Sexual dimorphisms in broiler
chickens of two commercial strains. Nigerian Journal of Genetics 10: 61-66.
6. EBOZOJE, M.O. and I.C. NWOSU, 1996. Observation on the birth weight records of N’dama and N’dama crossbred calves in Western Nigeria. Agronomie Africaine 8: 53-59.
7. Adebambo, O. A., C.O.N. Ikeobi, M.O. OZOJE, J.A. Adenowo, and O.A. Osinowo, 1996.
Variation in qualitative traits and their effects of the performance of local ducks and turkeys. Nigerian Journal of Genetics 11:20-32
8. Ikeobi, C.O.N., M.O. OZOJE, O.A. Adebambo, J.A. Adenowo and O.A. Osinowo, 1996
Genetic differences in the performance of local chicken in South-Western Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Genetics 11: 33-39 .
9. OZOJE, M. O. and U. HERBERT, 1997. Linear measurements in West African Dwarf goats and West African Dwarf X Red Sokoto goats. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 24 : 13-19.
10. EBOZOJE, M. O. 1997. Preweaning growth in West African Dwarf and West African Dwarf X Red sokoto goats : Comparison of linear and non-linear functions. Bulletin of Animal Production and Health for Africa. 45: 59-61
11. EBOZOJE, M.O. and U. HERBERT, 1997. Preweaning body dimensions and liveweight gain in pure and crossbred goats. Indian Journal of Animal Science 67: 818-;819
12. OZOJE, M.O 1997. Correlation analysis in purebred and crossbred West African Dwarf goats: Growth and maturing patterns. Tropical Agriculture 74: 303-307.
13. EBOZOJE, M.O, C.O.N. Ikeobi, J.A. Adenowo and O.A. Adebambo. 1997. Performance characteristics of indigenous guinea fowl varieties in South Western Nigeria. Delta
Agriculturist 4: 42-53
14. EBOZOJE, M.O. and C.O.N. Ikeobi 1998. Colour variation and reproduction in West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats. Small Ruminant Research 27:125-130.
15. Adebambo, O.A., C.O.N. Ikeobi, M.O. OZOJE, J.A. Adenowo and O.A. Osinowo 1999.
Colour Variations and performance characteristics of the indigenous chickens of SW Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 25: 15-22.
16. OZOJE, M.O. C.O.N.Ikeobi, O.A. Adebambo and J.A. Adenowo 1999. Occurring pattern
and frequencies of colour genes in some indigenous poultry species in Nigeria. Tropical
Journal Animal Science 2: 151-162.
17. OZOJE, M.O, I.C.Nwosu, and L.O.Ngere, 2001. Efficiency of reproduction and milk
production in Brown Swiss and its N’Dama crossbreds in the humid tropics. Tropical
Agriculture 78: 123-129
18. OZOJE, M.O. and O.A. Kadiri , 2001. Effects of colour and wattle genes on body
measurement traits in the West African Dwarf sheep. Tropical Agriculture 78: 118-122
19. Ikeobi, C.O.N., M.O. OZOJE, O.A. Adebambo, and J.A. Adenowo, 2001. Frequencies of feet feathering and comb types in the Nigerian local chicken. Pertanika Journal of
Agricultural Sciences 24:147-150
20. OZOJE, M.O. and L. O. Ngere, 2002. Body measurement relationships in pure and crossbred goats. Tropical Journal of Animal Sciences 5: 109-116
21. OZOJE, M. O. 2002. Incidence and relative effects of certain qualitative traits in West African Dwarf goats. Small Ruminant Research 43: 97-100
22. OZOJE, M.O. and O.O. Mgbere, 2002. Coat pigmentation effects in West African dwarf goats: Liveweights and body dimensions. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 29:5-10
23. Peters, S.O., C.O.N. Ikeobi, M.O.Ozoje and O.A. Adebambo, 2002. Genetic variation in the reproductive performance of the Nigerian indigenous chicken. Tropical Animal Production Investigation 5: 37-46
24. Ogungbayi, A.T., S.S. Abiola, and M.O. Ozoje, 2003. Comparative study of linear body
measurements of West African Dwarf lambs and kids under traditional management
systems. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 30 : 197-202
25. Ozoje,M.O., I.C. Nwosu And L.O.Ngere, 2004. Productive Longevity of Pure and Crossbred Cows of N’dama and Brown Swiss Cattle In Dual-Purpose herds. Tropical Agriculture 81:1-9
26. Adebambo, A.O., M.O. Ozoje, S.S. Abiola, and Funmi Adebambo. 2004. Analysis of the
growth curve of Indian and Nigerian Chicken Ecotypes in the humid Tropics. ASSET Series A. 4: 93-99.
27. Peters, S.O., C.O.N. Ikeobi, M.O. Ozoje and O.A. Adebambo, 2005. Modellling Growth in
Seven chicken genotypes. Nigerian Journal Of Animal Produciton 32 : 28-38
28. Ozoje,M.O., I.C. Nwosu and L.O. Ngere, 2005. Evaluation of the Growth Performance of
Brown Swiss, N’dama And Brown Swiss X N’dama Crossbred Calves in the Humid
Tropics. Journal of Genetics and Breeding 59: 95-106
29. Bemji, M.N., O.A. Osinowo, O.A. Adebambo, Ozoje, M.O. and A.B.J. Aina. 2005. Relationship among milk off-take, yield and intake of West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats intensively managed in South Western Nigeria. ASSET.Series A. 5: (accepted)
30. Atanda, O.O., I. Akpan, E.R. Rati and M. Ozoje. 2005. Palm Kernel: A potential substrate for rapid detection of Aflatoxigenic fungi. Food Science and Technology International.11:67-74
31. S.O. Peters, A.A, Adenuga, C.O.N. Ikeobi, M.O.Ozoje and O.A. Adebambo, 2005. Strain and Age of Dam Effect on the reproductive and internal egg quality traits of crossbred chicken. Nigerian Journal of Genetics.19: 23-33.
32. Bemji, M.N., O.A. Osinowo, M.O. Ozoje, O.A. Adebambo and A.B.J. Aina. 2006. Live weight Changes during lactation and its relationship with milk off-take and yield in West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats intensively managed within the humid zone of Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 33 : 145-150.
33. Oduguwa, B.O., J.O. Babayemi, A.O. Jolaosho, A.B.J. Aina, M.O. Ozoje. And I.F. Adu. 2006. Utilisation of malted sorghum sprout, shrimp waste meal and Tephrosia bracteolate hay by West African Dwarf sheep fed soybean stover based diet. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 33: 254-267.
34. Abe, O.S and M.O.Ozoje. 2006. Comparative evaluation of different lactation curve prediction functions in White Fulani, Brown Swiss and Brown Swiss X N’Dama crossbred Dairy cows in South West Nigeria. ASSET Series A 6:221-225.
35. Peters, S.O., M.A Adeleke, M.O. Ozoje, O.A. Adebambo and C.O.N. Ikeobi, 2006. Bio-Prediction of liveweight fron linear body measurement traits among pure and crossbred chixken. Nigerian Poultry Science Journal 4: 1-5
36. Adebambo, A.O., M.O. Ozoje, Funmi Adebambo and S.S. Abiola, 2006. Genetic variations in growth performance of Giriraja, Indian White Leghorn and Improved Idigenous chicken genotypes in South West Nigeria. Nigerian Journal Of Genetics. 20: 7-16.
37. Ozoje, M.O., S.O. Peters, O.J. Akinde and S.I. Ojikutu 2007. Modelling the Growth Curve of
N’Dama Beef cattle in the Humid Tropics. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production.34:12-24.
38. Ozoje, M.O., S.O. Peters and S.I. Ojikutu 2007. Analyses of the Growth Curve parameters of N’Dama cattle raised in the humid tropics. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production. 34:1-13
39. Peters, S.O, C.O. N Ikeobi, M.O. Ozoje, O. A. Famakinwa, Y.S. Oshodi and O.A. Adebambo 2007. Egg quality of the Nigerian local chicken as influence by some major genes. Nigerian Journal of Animal Production. 34:25-31.
40. Bemji, M.N., O.A. Osinowo, M.O. Ozoje, O.A. Adebambo and A.B.J. Aina. 2007. A comparative study on milk yield and preweaning growth of West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats intensively managed in South -Western Nigeria. Ghanaian Journalof Animal Science 2&3: 81-88.

41. Abiona, J.A., O.A. Osinowo, M.O. Ozoje, D. Eruvbetine, M.O. Abioja and O.S. Abe 2007.
Differences in the spermatozoa and ova of two species of giant African Land Snails
(Archachatina marginata and Achatina achatina) . Nigerian Journal of Animal Production 34: 306-315.
42. Abe, O.S, M.O.Ozoje, M.A. Dipeolu and O.A. Osinowo 2007. Curve analysis and prediction of lactation yield variables among Brown Swiss, White Fulani and Brown Swiss X N’Dama Crosses. ASSET Series A, 7 :182-188
43. Abe, O.S, M.O.Ozoje, O.A. Osinowoand M.A. Dipeolu. 2007. Some Factors influencing Milk Production Traits of pure and crossbred cows in the tropics. ASSET Series A, 7 : 136-142.
44. Peters, S.O. Ilori. B. M. Ozoje, M.O. Ikeobi, C.O.N. Adebambo, O.A. 2008. Gene Segregation Effects on Fertility and Hatchability of Pure and Crossbred Chicken Genotypes in the Humid Tropics. International Journal of Poultry Science 7 (10): 954-958,
45. Peters, S.O. Soyebo, O.D, Ilori. B. M. Ozoje, M.O. Ikeobi, C.O.N. Adebambo, O.A. 2008. Semen Quality Traits of Seven Strains of Chickens Raised in the Humid Tropics. International Journal of Poultry Science 7 (10): 949-953,

ii) Publications in Refereed Proceedings.

46. OZOJE, M.O. 1998. Coat colour genes in West African Dwarf sheep and goats: A theoretical appraisal. In Proceedings, 6th World Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Armidale, NSW, Australia, 11-16th January, 1998.vol. 26: 54-57.
47. PETERS, S.O., I.C. Nwosu, M.O. Ozoje and C.O.N. Ikeobi, 1998. Estimation of preweaning growth parameters in German Brown, N’dama and their crosses in the tropics. In Proceedings, 6th World Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Armidale, NSW, Australia, 11-16th January, 1998. vol. 23: 101-104
48.  Ikeobi, C.O.N., M.O. OZOJE, O.A. Adebambo, and J.A. Adenowo, 1998. Modifier genes and their effects in the Nigerian local chicken: Ptilopody and comb type. In Proceedings, 6th World Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Armidale, NSW, Australia, 11-16th January, 1998. vol. 24: 318-21.
49. Ikeobi, C.O.N, M.O. EBOZOJE, and O.O. Oduguwa, 1998 Constraints to effective livestock crop-fish integration in Nigeria. In: Sustainable Utilization Of Aquatic/Wetland Resources. Editors: S.O. Otubusin, et al. Pp98-104.
50. Adebambo, A.O., M.O. Ozoje, C.O. Anumudu, and S.O Peters, 2002. Visible genetic profiles and phenotypic variation in the West African Dwarf goats. In: Contributory role of Animal production in National Development. Proceedings of the 7th Annual Conference of Animal Science Association of Nigeria, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. 16th – 19th September, 2002. Pp 4—8.
51. James, I.J., O.A. Osinowo, M.O. Ozoje, W.O. Biobaku, and O.A. Fanimo, 2002. Changes in Udder Dimension of West African Dwarf, Red Sokoto and Sahel goats during lactation and their phenotypic relationship with partial daily milk yield (PDM). In: Contributory role of Animal production in National Development. Proceedings of the 7th Annual Conference of Animal Science Association of Nigeria, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. 16th – 19th Sept, 2002. Pp 4-8
52. Bemji, M.N., O.A. Osinowo, O.A. Adebambo, M.O. Ozoje and A.B.J. Aina, 2004. The validity of Estimating Daily Milk Yield (24-H) from part yield (8-H) in West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto Goats. In. Genetics and Improvement in the Quality of Life. Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the Genetics Society of Nigeria, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, October 11th – 14th 2004. Pp 81-83
53. Peters, S.O., M.O. Ozoje, N.E Nwagbo and C.O.N. Ikeobi, 2004. Haemoglobin Polymorphism and Phenotypic Variation in Coat Colour and wattle Incidence among West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats. In: Genetics and Improvement in the Quality of Life. Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the Genetics Society of Nigeria, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, October 11th – 14th 2004. Pp 84-87
54. Adeleke, M.A., M.O. Ozoje, O.A. Adebambo, S.O. Peters and A.M Bamgbose, 2004. Estimation of Body Weight from Linear Body Measurement among crossbred Egg-Type Chickens. In. Genetics and Improvement in the Quality of Life. Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the Genetics Society of Nigeria, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, Oct. 11th – 14th 2004. Pp 88-91

55. Agaviezor B.O., O.A. Adebambo, M.O. Ozoje, O.O. Oduguwa and S.O. Peters, 2004. Egg Production of Pure and Crossbred Nigerian Local Chickens. In. Genetics and Improvement in the Quality of Life. Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the Genetics Society of Nigeria, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, October 11th – 14th 2004. Pp 107-109
56. Adedeji, T.A., O.A. Adebambo, M.O. Ozoje, M.A. Dipeolu and S.O. Peters, 2004. Heritabilities and Genetic and Phenotypic Correlations of Early Growth traits in Crossbred Chickens. In. Genetics and Improvement in the Quality of Life. Proceedings of the 29th Annual Conference of the Genetics Society of Nigeria, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, October 11th – 14th 2004. Pp 113-116
57. S.O. peters, M.O.Ozoje and Adenuga, A.A. 2005. The ratite industry in Nigeria: Problems and Prospects. In Proceedings of the 3rd International Ratite Science Symposium and XII World Ostrich Congress, 14th – 16th October, Madrid, Spain, 2005.
58. Ozoje, M.O., S.O. Peters, H.H. Gunn and C.O. N. Ikeobi, 2006. Gene segregation effects on fertility and hatchability of the Nigerian local chickens. In I. Romboli, D. Flock and A. Franchini edited Proceedings of the XII European Poultry Conference, 10th -14th September, 2006, Verona, Italy.

Journals/Proceedings in bold prints are foreign
CONFERENCES, SEMINAR AND WORKSHOPS ATTENDED/ PAPERS PRESENTED.

1 Ozoje, M.O. and S.O. Peters 2006. Biometrics in core Agriculture programmes, University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. A paper presented at the International workshop on Biometrics and Research Methods Teaching Resource, held at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, June 25 – July 2nd , 2006.

2. Ozoje, M.O. 2006. Need for inter-institutional links. A paper presented at the International workshop on Biometrics and Research Methods Teaching Resource, held at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, June 25 – July 2nd , 2006.

3. Ozoje, M.O., S.O. Peters and Adetoro, P.O. 2005. Modelling the Growth Pattern of West African Dwarf Sheep in the First Year of Life. A paper presented at the 9th bi-annual conference of the sub-saharan African network (SUSAN) of International Biometrics Society (IBS) held at the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 12-16th December, 2005.

4 29th Annual Conference of the Genetics Society of Nigeria, held at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, 11th -14th October, 2004.

5 Follow-up workshop – Capacity building for sustainable use of Animal Genetics Resources in Developing countries. ILRI-SLU_SIDA sponsored follow-up workshop for University teachers and researchers held at the International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 11th – 14th November, 2003

6. 28th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, held at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Obafemi, Awolowo University, Moor Plantation, Ibadan , 17th – 21st March 2003.

7. Adebambo, A. O. M.O. OZOJE, C.O. Anumudu, and S.O. Peters, 2002. Visible genetic profiles and phenotypic variations in the West African Dwarf Goats. A paper presented at the 7th Annual Conference of Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN), held at the University of Agriculture, ABEOKUTA , 16th – 19th September 2002.

8 A workshop on Capacity building for sustainable use of Animal Genetics Resources in Developing countries. ILRI-SLU_SIDA sponsored follow-up workshop for University teachers and researchers held at the International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, November 19th – 7th December, 2001

9. OZOJE, M.O. 2000, Variations in the growth curves of N’Dama cattle in South West Nigeria. A paper presented at the 30th Annual Conference of the Genetic Society of Nigeria held at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, 1st – 3rd June 2000.

10. OZOJE, M.O. and U. HERBERT, 1999. Preweaning body dimensions and liveweight gain in pure and crossbred goat 24nd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, held at the University of Ilorin, ILorin Kwara state, Nigeria, 22nd -26th March 1999.

11. Silver Jubilee Anniversary Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production held at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, 21st – 26th March 1998.

12. EBOZOJE, M.O. O.O Mgbere and C.O.N. Ikeobi 1997. Coat Pigmentation effects on liveweight and body dimensions of the West African Dwarf goats A paper presented at 22nd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi, Nigeria, 23nd -27th March 1997

13. Ikeobi, C.O.N., M.O. EBOZOJE and O.O. Oduguwa 1995. Adaptive features of forest and savanna livestock in Nigeria. Paper presented at the UNESCO-Nigerian National Committee for Man and Biosphere Regional Workshop held at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, July 23 – 26, 1995, 15 pp.

19. EBOZOJE, M.O. 1994, Correlation analysis in purebred and crossbred goats. Growth and maturing pattern. A paper presented at the 22nd annual conference of the Genetic Society of Nigeria held at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, 1st – 3rd June 1994.

RESEARCH FOCUS AND CONTRIBUTION TO KNOWLEDGE

My research focus is in the area of Quantitative Genetics and Animal Breeding, with emphasis on genetic evaluation and genetic improvement criteria for livestock species especially ruminants.

I started my research carrier evaluating the genetic potentials of the West African Dwarf (WAD) goats and exploiting the productive advantage of the Red Sokoto goats (a larger, faster growing and early maturing breed) to improve and determine improvement criteria for the West African Dwarf (WAD) goats, because previous attempts at improving tropical livestock using temperate breeds had not been very successful and suggestions had been made concerning the existence of possible genetic potentials in the different breeds of goats in West Africa that can be exploited to improve productivity.

Genetic Evaluation and Adaptive Productivity of Pure and Crossbred Animals
Papers 1, 2, 3, 9, 12, and 20 examined the performance of crossbred goats in relation to their purebred counterparts, taking into consideration their growth potentials, preweaning survival, gene complementarities and combing abilities. Paper 2 showed that survival rate can be increased utilizing the complementarities of genes effects in addition to improvement in management systems, while papers 3 and 9 revealed that growth was significantly improved among the crossbred genotypes as a result of general combing abilities among crossbred kids. Papers 1, 12 and 20 reported the relationship between the various body traits as selection criteria for improvement. Increasingly, it was discovered that improvement in one will lead to improvement in many other traits.

These results indicated that improvement in productivity generally can actually be obtained in the crossbred progenies using a larger breed within the West Africa region without compromising the productive adaptability of the West African Dwarf goats. This is a major contribution to sustainable development of indigenous animal genetic resources.

These principles were also applied in the study of the efficiency of reproduction and productive performance overtime in pure and crossbred cattle genotypes in addition to predicting growth (papers 6, 17, 25, 28, 29 and 31). Results obtained confirmed marked differences in breed performance and showed that crossbreeding improved the performance of crossbred genotypes, when the percentage of the exotic genes is not more than 50%. In fact, performance is at peak with 25% exotic genes influence.

Predictive Measures of Growth and lifetime performance

Papers 10, 11, 26, 27, 33 and 34 studied and predicted growth patterns comparing different functions and using different criteria. The predictive nature, precision and accuracy of prediction of growth among the different genotypes and breeds varied with the different functions used supporting the general claims that growth is not linear in animals. However, the preweaning growth period was found to be highly associated with the inflationary growth phase for the genotypes breeds and species of animals studied.

Utilization of Allelic Variations in Qualitative Traits for Increased Productivity

Another major focus in my area of research was the evaluation and exploitation of the variations in alleles controlling certain qualitative character as improvement criteria for economic traits, taking into consideration the pleiotrophc nature of most gene actions (papers 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 21 and 22).The qualitative trait genes mostly considered were coat colour and wattle genes including their frequencies. Interestingly, relationships were established between these genes and quantitative traits of economic importance (growth and reproductive traits) establishing criteria for selective improvement using qualitative trait loci. This was a major contribution to knowledge considering that fact that most breeds and species of animal in this country are left for nature to determine their survival and performance. Fecundity and prolificacy rate for example, were found to be highly associated with coat colour in West African Dwarf goats. Goats carrying the black colour allele gave birth at a relatively younger age and also had larger litters than goats expressing other colour alleles. These results would definitely aid selection, speed up genetic improvement overtime and encourage breeding society for different breeds of livestock species in our environment.

Paper 35 and 39 are major conference articles. They examined the distribution profile and allelic frequencies of the selected qualitative trait genes among West African Dwarf sheep and goats. The intention here, was to study the effective population size of animals carrying the alleles of interest and determine the availability of genetic resource material for utilization in improvement programmes, where there is positive pleiotropic allelic relationship with traits of economic importance. The results showed that genes that are positively associated with economic traits exhibited moderate to high allelic frequencies, which guaranteed a large mating population with little or no threat from mutation, natural selection and genetic drift.

Paper 4 is a review article, and it took a critical look at the productive performance of the Nigerian local chicken, the advantage and disadvantage of the occurrence of certain major genes and their effects on performance and productivity.