Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the possible influence of farming systems, based on the morphostructure of 1,571 female goats drawn from 40 flocks containing seven Spanish breeds (Blanca Andaluza, Blanca Celtiberica, Negra Serrana, Pirenaica, Payoya, Murciano-Granadina and Malagueña) raised under four different farming systems. Analysis of morphometric variables showed that the morphostructure of native Spanish goat breeds was linked to the farming system used and thus to the production purpose. The morphostructure of grazing breeds may be more influenced by natural selection within the physical environment and less by human selection. That of stall-fed breeds, by contrast, reflects intense artificial selection aimed at achieving a highly-productive dairy type. For this reason, morphological evaluation systems used in breeding programmes for meat or dual-purpose goat breeds farmed extensively or semi-extensively should be specific, and should reflect the influence of the environment in which these goats are farmed.
Highlights
Over recent decades, the selective breeding of goats has given rise to such highly-specialized meat or dairy morphotypes that one single meat or dairy model applies to several breeds of each type and species
The aim of this study was to examine the possible influence of farming systems, based on the morphostructure of 1,571 female goats drawn from 40 flocks containing seven Spanish breeds (Blanca Andaluza, Blanca Celtiberica, Negra Serrana, Pirenaica, Payoya, Murciano-Granadina and Malagueña) raised under four different farming systems
The present study aimed to examine the possible influence of these four farming systems, and of production purpose, on the morphostructure of several Spanish goat breeds
Summary
The selective breeding of goats has given rise to such highly-specialized meat or dairy morphotypes that one single meat or dairy model applies to several breeds of each type and species This high degree of specialization requires intensive rearing conditions. Rodero et al (2003) compared the morphostructural features of two Spanish dairy goat breeds with a view to identifying common selection criteria in terms of conformation, and applying valuation morphological lineal (VML), proposing two different models for each. For this purpose, as they commented, it is necessary to include traits of rump, chest and different perimeters
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