Relationship among cane rat (Thryonomys Swinderianus) families of unknown genetic origins in Ibadan Nigeria

Abstract

As population of cane rats in the wild decline due to high rate of exploitation and destruction of their natural habitat, their continued existence is threatened and endangered. Domestication to increase their production lead to high demand for quality foundation stock. The objective of this study was to explore and understand underlying relationships among cane rats of unknown genetic origin from three different farm (family) Sources. Monthly liveweight measurements were recorded in randomized complete block design, using Source as treatment and Sex as block. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Correlation, Multiple Linear regression (MLR) analysis, Squared Euclidean (Seuclid) distance procedures and Cluster Analysis of SAS, to study the genetic properties and structure of Family sources with a view to formulating appropriate strategies towards their management, breeding and conservation. Results of ANOVA showed significant (P<0.05) differences for mean live weight of 3.78, 3.51 and 3.11kg, for FRIN, Bamidele and Lawole males. MLR parameters revealed higher basic growth metabolism in males than females, and in FRIN than other Families of cane rats. Genetic correlation coefficients were low, indicating distant relationship by descent among family sources. Seuclid genetic distance measures between Lawole and Bamidele was largest within males, females and mixed populations, among other family pairs. Dendrogram from cluster analysis revealed larger dissimilarity between the male than female families and unfolded the genetic diversity between Bamidele and FRIN/Lawole populations. These observed genetic diversities are important for designing breeding, improvement and conservation programmes for cane rat in the environment.