Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Goat Population in Southern, Ethiopia

Abstract

Indigenous goat populations in Ethiopia contain a number of significant genetic features, including the ability to function better under limited input and climatic stress, resistance to viral illnesses and parasites, as well as heat stress. Molecular or phenotypic characterisation is required to offer comprehensive database information of variance among goat populations for sensible utilization of this crucial trait and goat resources. Even though genetic characterization for Arsi-Bale and Woyito-Guji breeds have been done, which are distributed in southern part of Ethiopia, due to overlapping of the distribution of these two breeds in the study area the present phenotypic characterization of indigenous goat was initiated. Despite the studies done, information on phenotypic characteristics and production systems of some indigenous goat populations in study area is still scanty. Besides, there was little intervention works so far on the improvement of production and productivity of local goat breeds in the area. A study was conducted at Abaya and Yirgachafe districts to characterize indigenous goat types phenotypically. Data were collected through field measurements and visual observation of qualitative traits. Totally 540 goats were used for metric and morphometric measurement. Results of the study revealed that the goat populations found in Abaya and Yirgachafe district were different characteristics which are physically Abaya goats were closest with Arsi-Bale whereas yirgachafee with Woyto-Guji which are mostly distributed goat breeds in southern Ethiopia. The dominant coat color pattern in study area was plain, patchy, and spotted with proportions of 55.19, 37.04, and 7.78% and 46.67, 38.89, and 14.44% in Abaya and Yirgachafee district respectively. A strong and positive correlation (r = 0.83, 0.76) was observed between heart girth and body weight for male and female goat populations respectively. Generally, the indigenous goat population has its own difference in its morphological and morphometric traits. Traits have their own economic contribution. Therefore, identifying these important traits for further genetic improvements, conservation and sustainable utilization of the genetic resources of the diversified goat population is important.