Conformation Traits and Structural Indices of Indigenous Goat Types In Benshangul Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the structural indices of indigenous goats in three districts (Homosha, Kumuruk and Bambasi) of Assosa Zone, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. Quantitative data were collected from 600 head of goats selected to characterize conformation traits and estimate structural indices. The measurement data on conformation traits and calculated structural indices were analyzed separately using the general linear model procedure of R software. Location had a significant effect on rear udder height, rear udder width, udder width and udder circumference of does while age had a significant effect on all udder and teat measurements except udder depth. In addition, location had a significant effect on Body index, Proportionality index, Pelvic index, transversal and longitudinal pelvic indices, dactyl thoracic index, compact index 1, Width slope and over increase index in does. In bucks, location had a significant effect on body index, Pelvic index, Transverse pelvic index, longitudinal pelvic index, Dactyl thoracic index, Thoracic development, relative cannon bone thickness index, compact index 1 and width slope. In both sexes, strong and positive correlations (P<0.001) were observed between over increase index and height slope (r = 0.98, for both sexes), thoracic development and Baron and Crevat (r =0.87 for does; r= 0.82 for bucks),weight 2 and Baron and Crevat index (r = 0.80 for does; r = 0.70 for bucks), areal index and weight 2 ( r=0.77  for does and r = 0.79 for bucks), Baron Crevat and weight 2 (r = 0.80 for does; r = 0.70 for bucks). Conversely, perfect negative correlations (P<0.001) were observed between proportionality index and length index (r=-1.00 in does and r=-0.99 in bucks) and over increase weight and height slope (r=-0.98 in both does and bucks) in both sexes. Besides, strong negative correlations (P<0.001) were observed between body ratio and height slope (r= -0.99 for does; -0.90 for bucks). The structural indices of this study suggest that the goat population possesses characteristics of a dual-purpose production type, with a tendency toward dairy aptitude. Moreover, the results suggest that conformation traits and structural indices can serve as useful tools for the characterization, selection, and sustainable improvement of indigenous goat populations in the study area.