MULTIVARIATE ANALYSES OF DETERMINANTS OF EXOTIC DUCK ADOPTION IN SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA: IMPLICATION ON INDIGENOUS DUCK GENETIC RESOURCES

Poultry products contribute substantial proportion of animal protein consumed in Nigeria. These products are derived from both indigenous and exotic breeds of available species. The present study investigated the determinants of adoption of exotic ducks in south-west Nigeria through the application of classification regression tree (CRT) and binary logistic regression (BLR) model. Besides, the implication of adoption of improved breeds of duck on indigenous duck genetic resources was also considered. Multi-stage, stratified and cluster sampling methods were used to collect primary data from 524 respondents through structured questionnaires in three south-west states of Nigeria. About half (51.50%) of respondents indicated interest to adopt exotic ducks. In addition, the results of CRT (risk value = 33.6) and BLR (X2=0.727, P=0.197) were in consonance and both multivariate statistical techniques identified consumption of duck products followed by duck keeping as the principal determinants of exotic duck adopters among the respondents. The two principal indicators of potential exotic duck adopters could aid in guiding animal breeders, extension agents and stakeholders involved in animal agriculture in identifying potential adopter of exotic ducks in south-west Nigeria. Considering the expressed interest of the respondents to adopt improved breeds of ducks, this suggests the need for concerted effort of animal breeders and other stake holders involved in livestock production to guard against possible ‘genetic erosion’ of the valuable germplasm inherent in indigenous ducks via neglect through conservation