Abstract
Abstract: The objective of this work was to phenotypically characterize creole goats of the Moxotó, Azul, Canindé, Repartida, Marota, and Graúna breeds, comparing them with the Boer, Anglo Nubian, and Alpine exotic breeds, to identify the genetic groups of greater potential for carcass quality and resistance to infection caused by worm. Data on morphometric measurements were obtained for the count of worm eggs in grams of feces (WEGF), Famacha score, carcass measurements, and body weight from 308 animals, in a farm in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Repartida goats showed the highest average for wither height (61.55 cm) and rump height (62.16 cm), and Moxotó goats had the greatest ear length (13.45 cm). The Moxotó breed showed the highest means for carcass and body weight. The lowest average for body weight was observed in Azul goats (24.35 kg), and the lowest WEGF was detected in Repartida goats (200 eggs per gram of feces). The average Famacha score was 2.77. Average linkage was the method that best summarized the information on the morphometric and carcass data. The use of morphometric and carcass measurements provides satisfactory results in the phenotypic characterization of the animals. The Brazilian creole goats, which are considered resistant to worm infection and show high-quality carcass traits, may be indicated for conservation and genetic breeding programs.
Highlights
Goats were introduced in Brazil during the colonization period and formed the regional genetic groups of the Northeastern region, showing traits of rusticity and adaptation to this region climatic conditions
Repartida animals showed the highest mean for wither height (61.55 cm), rump height (62.16 cm), and body length (71.46 cm), and no significant difference was recorded for the other local breeds
Almeida (2007) stated that a greater thoracic development directly leads to a better respiratory capacity and dry matter intake, which improves the productive yield of the animal
Summary
Goats were introduced in Brazil during the colonization period and formed the regional genetic groups of the Northeastern region, showing traits of rusticity and adaptation to this region climatic conditions. They constitute the great differential of goat farming, in comparison with the other livestock activities (Pires et al, 2017). Faveira farm, located in the municipality of Elesbão Veloso, in the state of Piauí, Brazil, is home to some genetic groups of Brazilian creole goats – the Moxotó, Graúna, Marota, Repartida, Azul, and Canindé breeds –, which are exploited for meat production, representing an important center for conservation and preservation of the animal genetic heritage in the state. In addition to Brazilian indigenous goats, there are the Alpine, Boer, and Anglo Nubian exotic breeds, which put the genetic preservation of local goat breeds at risk due to disorderly crosses among them
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call