Comparison of Phenotypic Characters between Fat-Tailed Sheep (DEG) and Thin-Tailed Sheep (DET) in Dampit District, Malang Regency, East Java

Abstract

The most of local sheep breeders in Indonesia are fat-tailed sheep called Domba Ekor Gemuk (DEG) and thin-tailed sheep called Domba Ekor Tipis (DET). The morphometric characterization of livestock is important for planning improvement, sustainable utilization, conservation strategies, and breeding programs. This study compares the phenotypic characters based on qualitative and quantitative traits between DEG and DET in Dampit District, Malang Regency. The data obtained will be useful for genetic improvement development programs and the selection of superior broodstock for breeding. Using 60 rams (30 DEG and 30 DET) range 1-2 years old in Dampit District, Malang Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Data were collected by observing, measuring, and following the data farmers recorded. The qualitative characteristics observed were body color, head color, head profile, horn, back profile, wool, and tail. The quantitative traits were height, head length, head width, body length, chest girth, rump height, length of ear, length of tail, width of the tail, and body weight. The qualitative characteristic data descriptive-analytic method. Data was collected, then tabulated and analyzed by T-test. The results show that DEG has a dominant white body and head color, compared to DET, which shows more color variations, including white-brown, white-black, and full black, and for quantitative traits that significant difference (P<0.05) are body height, rump width and height.