Phenotypic relationship among Menz, Wollo, and Merhabete sheep populations of Ethiopia: Its implication for conservation

Abstract

Fifteen qualitative and sixteen quantitative variables on a total of 660 adult sheep (529 ewes and 131 rams) were recorded to characterize and understand the phenotypic relationship among Menz, Wollo and Merhabete sheep populations. Data were analyzed using frequency, general linear model, and multivariate analysis procedures of Statistical Analysis Software (SAS 9.0). A higher frequency of white-colored sheep was observed in Merhabete, red-colored in Menz, and the combination of the two in Wollo sheep. Based on the results of the quantitative measurements, Menz and Wollo sheep populations were clearly differentiated one from the other where the former is smaller. The Merhabete sheep populations were laid in between them with more similarities with Wollo sheep. Genetic improvement with in Menz sheep significantly affected values where the improved Menz sheep had higher quantitative values. Tail length, tail width, and body weight were the three most important quantitative variables used in discriminating the sheep populations while Chest girth and body length were not used due to their lowest discriminatory power. The results of discriminant analysis showed advanced classification (75%) of the studied sheep into their respective populations. Finally, canonical discriminant analysis produced Mahalanobis distance which separated the sheep populations into three distinct categories. However, the presented distances showed only the relative size differences between each population. Such differences might not necessarily be due to breed (genetic) differences. Therefore, further diversity study using molecular technique is recommended to understand their level of relationships which in turn helps us design conservation and breeding programs.