Differentiation of the indigenous goat populations in Ethiopia based on morphometric features and zoometric indices: The primary step for conservation

Abstract

Abstract. This study was conducted to describe the indigenous goat populations of South Gondar, Ethiopia based on morphometric traits and body indices. To this effect, morphometric measurements were taken from 512 goats (153 male and 359 female) of both sexes drawn from three districts (Farta, Fogera and Libokemkem). Twenty structural indices were computed from morphometric measurements. Results indicated that age at first kidding and kidding intervals was 13.6 and 8.39 months, respectively, with an average litter size of 1.54 kids. Sex affected (p<0.001) all quantitative traits except ear length (EL), rump width (RW) and fore canon circumference (FCC) being higher in bucks than in does. The effect of age was significant (p<0.001) for all morphometric traits except for EL resulting in a linear increase with advancing age in both sexes. Except for EL and scrotal circumferences (SC), all quantitative traits were (p<0.01) affected by district of the goats rearing. Accordingly, Fogera goats had higher live weight (LW), heart girth (HG), height at withers (HW), body length (BL), chest width (CW), rump height (RH), rump length (RL) and teat length (TL) than those of Libokemkem. Fogera goats had also the highest LW and HG compared with those of Farta. Conversely, the Farta goats had higher RW, BL, TL, RL, CW, chest depth (CD), and paunch girth (PG) than those of Libokemkem. Libokemkem goats were inferior in most of the studied morphometric traits. Both HG and HW variables were identified as best predictors of LW in both sexes. Structural indices indicated that the goat populations could be characterized as meat phenotype with short legs being well adapted to midland altitudes. In conclusion, goats reared in the region could have a genetic potential for meat production with very good prolificacy. The Fogera goats were particularly better in most morphometric traits indicating their suitability for commercial meat production. However, further on-station research is recommended to verify their potentials as meat animals for enhanced food security in the region.

A review on differentiation of goat populations in Ethiopia based on husbandry practices, breeding and morphological traits: The primary step for conservation

“…It is a significant predictor of lifelong production, and a prolonged kidding interval causes a drop in goat productivity. The most significant indication for improving reproductive efficiency is reducing the number of days between kidding, which is influenced by age, season, parity, management type, diet, and mating type (Tade et al, 2021). As concluded by Legesse (2008) the opportunity of indigenous Ethiopian goats to possess three time kidding in two year.…”

“…It is critical to have a thorough awareness of breed traits in order to make informed decisions in livestock development and breeding programs (FAO, 2007). Based on an evaluation of the phenotypic traits of a population raised in diverse production contexts, genetic improvement schemes should be developed for the sustainable conservation and usage of indigenous animal genetic resources (Tade et al, 2021).…”

“…Those phenotypic variations in a goat population may arise due to genotypic and environmental effects, and differences in morphological variability under different environmental conditions. Moreover, the existence of phenotypic variation between populations is essential to successfully adapt to frequently changing climatic conditions and to successfully respond to artificial selection (Tade et al, 2021). Tables 2 and 3 highlight some morphological characterizations of indigenous goat breeds.…”

“…The most important tool for identifying qualitative and quantitative features in the indigenous goat is phenotypic characterization. The examination of the phenotypic characteristics of populations raised in diverse production conditions should be used to build genetic improvement strategies for the sustainable protection and usage of local animal genetic resources (Tade et al, 2021).…”

“…Genomic selection is the future of livestock breeding companies; it improves the genetic gain (Ibtisham et al, 2017). The previous studies have identified husbandry practices, breeding objects and phenotypic characterization goats in different production systems of Ethiopia and reported the existence of phenotypic variations among Ethiopian goat populations between and within these goat ecotypes Takele, 2014; Goats are kept in house during night to protect from temperature (rain, cold, excessive heat Seid et al, 2015;Getew et al, 2015;Zergaw et al, 2016;Yemane et al;2020a;Tade et al, 2021); however, organized information is no more available. Therefore, the objective of this review is to overview and synthesizes the fragmented information on phenotypic characterization, breeding and husbandry practices of goats in Ethiopia.…”