Absence Of Horns Research Articles

Genome-wide association study for polledness, horn shape, and wool traits in Original Valachian sheep

Abstract. The Original Valachian sheep is an endangered Slovak national breed that is well adapted to high-altitude pastures. The sheep can be horned with various shapes and can have multi-coloured or completely white or black wool. Breeders are interested in learning about the genetic basis of these traits. We conducted a genome-wide association study based on the genomic information of 96 sheep genotyped by the GeneSeek GGP Ovine 50K SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) chip and on the following traits: polledness (presence or absence of horns), horn shape, and wool colour (completely white and completely black). The univariate linear mixed model was used to discover genetic variants significantly associated with tested traits. The Bonferroni correction and the false-discovery rate were used as significance thresholds. The RXFP2 gene (chromosome 10, 29.5 Mb) was identified as a strong candidate for polledness. In addition, when compared to animals with sideways-turned horns vs. polled, the region around the ADAMTS3 gene (chromosome 6, 88.47 Mb) was significant. A total of nine significant genomic regions were found when comparing the sideways-turned spiral horns with the backwards-curled horns, the two most frequent horn types in Original Valachian sheep. The RXFP2 may also contribute to the genetic control of horn shape. Genes identified in other regions were involved to osteogenic differentiation and osteoblast proliferation (PCP4, chromosome 1, 260.7 Mb), bone mineral density and mineral content (NKX1-2, chromosome 22, 43.75 Mb). The significant genetic variants close to the region of MC1R (chromosome 14, at 14.2 Mb) were associated with the wool colour of sheep that were fully white or fully black animals. The results of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the phenotypic variability of the Original Valachian sheep, especially regarding traits that are very important for breeders of this endangered breed.

Analysis of genetic variants for different horn phenotypes and their inheritance in Icelandic sheep

Abstract. Icelandic sheep are characterized by a great diversity in horn phenotypes. Within their breed, they show a variability in terms of this trait to an extent rarely observed elsewhere. Previously, several genetic variants were published as markers for horn status (in terms of absence or presence of horns, including scurs) and horn traits (e.g., oval horns, horn length and polyceraty). The aim of this study was to genotype, for the first time, five of these genetic variants in Icelandic sheep with different horn phenotypes, as well as to analyze their inheritance. Phenotypic and pedigree data, as well as DNA samples from two Icelandic sheep farms, were used. Genetic variants were genotyped by published PCR-based methods in all samples (n=94) or in subsets. As in other sheep breeds with variable horn status, the inheritance of the presence or absence of horns was shown to be complex in Icelandic sheep, especially when sheep carry anything other than regularly formed horns. The 1.78 kb sized RXFP2 insertion on ovine chromosome 10 previously described to be associated with polledness in several sheep breeds was also found to be present in Icelandic sheep and showed some association but not a perfect segregation with the individuals' horn statuses. Missing associations were especially seen in sheep with scurs and oval horns. Regarding horn shape, there was no agreement with the studied variants described in Chinese breeds having comparable horn traits. However, matching tendencies were seen for the horn size variant that was found in the same study. All sheep with four or more horns carried the already published 4 bp deletion in HOXD1, as previously described for three other sheep breeds. Interestingly, for the first time, the deletion was also detected in phenotypically polled animals originating from multi-horned families. According to the results from animals genotyped simultaneously for the RXFP2 and the HOXD1 variants, polledness in sheep with a genetic disposition for polyceraty seems not to be controlled by the RXFP2 insertion. However, this and all other findings in Icelandic sheep need to be confirmed by analyzing a higher number of well-phenotyped animals.

Effect of genetic and sex effect on genomic prediction for horn development in Nellore cattle

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of phenotypic classification of horn development, animal sex effect, and non-autosomal SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers on the genetic parameters and genomic prediction ability for horn development in Nellore cattle using the single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction method. The polled phenotype was evaluated in two (presence and absence of horns), three (scurs and polled offspring from a horned parent, and the polled and horned animals), and four (absence of horn, polled born to a parent with horn, scurs, and presence of horn) phenotypic categories. A total of 12 statistical models were evaluated. The variance components were estimated using the THRGIBBS1F90 software, and a threshold animal model was used for genomic prediction analyses with the single-step genomic BLUP (ssGBLUP) procedure. Accuracy, bias, and dispersion parameters were evaluated based on the linear regression (LR) method. The highest heritability (0.84) was obtained when the polled character was evaluated as a binary trait. The lowest heritability estimates (0.44 to 0.45) for horn development were obtained when the phenotype was classified into three categories. For the same horn development classification method, the heritability estimates were similar regardless of the genomic evaluated models and fixed effects included in the model. For models considering four and three phenotypic categories for horn development, the inclusion of the sex effect as a fixed effect within the CG did not improve the accuracy, bias, and dispersion of genomic predictions for horn development. Analyzing the trait with binary expression, the highest prediction accuracy was observed when the effect of sex was not included in the CG and without the SNPs in the sex chromosomes. These models displayed the highest dispersion, pointing out the low robustness of genomic prediction. In addition, models that use less than four categories to classify the horn development phenotype, with no discrimination between polled and homozygous polled displayed lower prediction ability. The inclusion of non-autosomal SNPs in the analyses for the models considering four phenotypic categories leads to an improvement in prediction accuracy in 5,26 %, bias, and dispersion reduction, 37 % and 4,55 %, respectively, compared with models that only considered autosomal SNPs. The selection using genomic information for the polled trait is feasible, and it is an alternative to obtaining polled Nellore animals. The binary coding of horn development is an unsuitable oversimplification of polled phenotype, and probably, the genetic background of horn development is more complex than previously proposed. The most adequate prediction model to evaluate the horn development in Nellore cattle was considering four phenotypic categories and including non-autosomal SNP in the analyses for genomic prediction purposes of naturally genetically polled animals. Genetic dehorning can be adopted on a large scale as a low-cost and non-invasive approach to increase the frequency of hornless animals using genomic information and mating strategies.

A new ant species of the genus Carebara Westwood, 1840 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) with a key to Chinese species.

A new Chinese ant species Carebaralaevicepssp. nov. is described based on the major and minor workers. This species is most similar to C.lusciosa (Wheeler, 1928) due to a spineless propodeum, the absence of horns, and a smooth head capsule. It is distinguished by the following features: (1) antenna 10-segmented; (2) katepisternum rugose-reticulate; (3) in major workers, lateral sides of head in full-face view parallel; (4) metanotal groove distinct, anterodorsal corner forming an acute tooth behind metanotal groove. Moreover, an updated key to Chinese Carebara species is presented based on major workers, with a checklist comprising a total of 36 Chinese Carebara species and subspecies. Morphological structures and scanning electron micrographs of the newly discovered species' minor and major workers are provided.

Sheep with Partial RXFP2 Knockout Exhibit Normal Horn Phenotype but Unilateral Cryptorchidism1

Comprehending the genetic basis of economically important traits is of significant importance to enhance livestock breeding. In domestic ruminants, hornlessness is becoming a more desirable trait since horns could lead to accidental injuries to animals and producers. Recent studies have identified the relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) as a primary candidate gene associated with the presence and absence of horns in sheep. However, no sufficient molecular biology-based analyses were performed to validate the association and function of RXFP2 in sheep. Noticeably, previous studies in both humans and mice have provided evidence supporting the involvement of RXFP2 in testicular descent. To validate the potential function of the RXFP2 gene in sheep, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to obtain RXFP2-disrupted sheep individuals. Initially, highly efficient sgRNAs, targeting RXFP2, were screening through in vitro cleavage assays and cellular assessments. Then, two RXFP2-disrupted lambs were generated by intracytoplasmic microinjection of CRISPR/Cas9-sg1 ribonucleoprotein, with an efficiency of 81.84 and 37.17%, respectively. No potential off-target events were detected. Western blot analysis showed that RXFP2 expression was significantly reduced in the pedicle skin of edited lambs (P=0.034). Intriguingly, although the partial disruption of RXFP2 did not affect the horn phenotype in sheep, it led to an obvious unilateral cryptorchidism. These results provide evidence for a hitherto ambiguous link between both horn and testicular development. In conclusion, this study represents the first successful generation of cryptorchid sheep models via the disruption of RXFP2 using CRISPR/Cas9. These findings provide new insights into the roles of RXFP2, whose partial disruption is associated with testicular descent rather than horn formation.

What determine the price of Bonga sheep at the market level in Southwestern Ethiopia? A hedonic price analysis

BackgroundBonga sheep is a mutton type breed with a long-fat-tail and better body weight at maturity. The breed is especially located in the Southwestern mid and highland land areas of Ethiopia. Currently, the breed was well known in Ethiopia and also its price is higher as compared to other sheep breeds in the country. However, empirical evidence is lacking on price determinants of the breed in Ethiopia. Therefore, this research aims at identifying sheep attributes and other factors that determine the market prices of Bonga sheep in Southwestern Ethiopia.MethodologyData from 300 traded sheep and sheep marketers were collected from five major sheep marketing centers in the Kaffa zone. A hedonic price model adjusted for heteroscedasticity was employed to analyze the observed price data.ResultsThe model result showed that the attributes of the sheep are important guiding criteria in price formulation. Among the attributes age, sex (male), colour (red), body condition (good), tail type (very fat) and absence of horn significantly and positively determine the sheep price. As well, market place (Gojebi and Bonga) near to big cities and season (holiday) and purpose of purchase are also significant determinants of bong sheep price out of the sheep attributes in Southwestern Ethiopia.ConclusionTargeting in systematic improvement of the significant attributes which are demanded by the market and establishment of a breeding program to make sheep improvement in a sustainable way. Besides, effort should be geared to transform the system into a market-oriented system using a value chain framework by improving access to market information.

Frequency of genotypic markers for genetic disorders, colour, polledness, and major genes in Blanco Orejinegro cattle.

The purpose of this work was to establish DNA marker frequencies for genetic disorders, colour, horned/polled trait, and major genes of importance for productive and reproductive traits in Blanco Orejinegro (BON) cattle. The Blanco Orejinegro breed is a Colombian creole breed characterized by a white hair coat on black skin with black ears, black hair on the middle part of the legs, and absence of horns. We genotyped 420 animals of Colombia, 70 with the GGP-Bovine 150K chip and 350 with the GGP-Bovine 50K chip. The markers were associated with 50 genetic diseases, 52 major gene variants related to productive traits, and 12 variants related to coat coloration, presence of horns, and adaptation, selected from the information contained in the chips. Genotype frequencies were estimated using the R statistical program. Genetic disorder annotations were derived using the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals tool (OMIA) and the average inbreeding coefficient (F) (n = 7799) using the MTDFNRM program. Carriers were found for 16 of the genetic disorders evaluated but with low frequencies (0.24 to 2.46%); no homozygous animals were found for the disorders. Carriers were associated with disorders such as bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD), deficiency of uridine monophosphate synthase (DUMPS), syndactyly, and epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The F was 4.41%. Concerning the genes associated with colour (TYR, MC1R, and PMEL), alleles related to black pigmentation, the absence of horns (polledness), and slick coat (an adaptive trait) were highly frequent (> 81.90%). Markers associated with milk production and quality, yellow fat, and fertility showed variable frequencies, indicating selection potential. Allele frequency of genetic disorders in BON cattle was low, suggesting few genetic disorder problems, with syndactyly being the most frequent condition. The markers associated with colour and polledness were almost fixed, with a frequency at or near 100%. Production and reproduction markers showed variability for selection.

Phenotypic characterization of sheep populations in Tahtay Maichew district, Northern Ethiopia

Eighteen quantitative measurements and fourteen qualitative characteristics taken from 306 adult sheep (57 rams and 249 ewes) were used to characterize sheep populations of district, Ethiopia. Most traits showed significant variation by zone, sex and age groups with higher values generally recorded for rams as compared to ewes. Middle age group animals displayed highest values for several traits, reflecting the optimal production age. zone affected ewes more than rams. The highland sheep height at withers, widest shoulder points and longest hair, indicative of adaptation to their environment. Qualitative characteristics of the studied sheep populations such as tail shape, plain coat color pattern, skin, hairy fiber and the absence of horn, toggle, ruff and beard suggest that they constitute a previously sheep breed. Tan coat color differentiated high and midland sheep from lowland sheep where white and brown colors were dominant. Canon bone length, height at withers and tail length were the three most important variables used in discriminating the sheep populations. On average 66% of the animals could be classified into their respective zone. Our data suggest that highland sheep populations are distantly related to lowland sheep, while midland sheep are more closely related to lowland sheep. It can be concluded that breeding programs specific to each zone need to be designed for sustainable utilization and conservation of the studied sheep populations. Furthermore, molecular based studies might allow further characterization of Ethiopian sheep breeds.

Morphological keys for identifying long-tailed gorals (Naemorhedus caudatus) and population composition in the Osaek Region of South Korea.

The objectives of this study were to select morphological keys for the identification of individual endangered long-tailed gorals through analysis of photographic data and to use these morphological keys to determine the number and population composition of gorals living in the Osaek Region of Seoraksan National Park. Amongst 8149 photos taken using 73 cameras in the Osaek Region, 2057 photos of faces and horns were analysed. The presence and absence of horns, shape of the horns, proportion of the ring to the length of the horn and facial colour pattern were selected as morphological keys to identify individual gorals. To verify the accuracy of the morphological keys for identifying gorals, a blind test was performed on gorals residing in the sanctuary of the Yanggu Goral Restoration Center. The test revealed that the population and age of gorals were discerned correctly by the morphological keys, but there was a 12.5% error in discriminating between sexes in gorals aged over 10 years. Fifty-six gorals were identified from 2057 pictures, based on the morphological keys and methods developed in this study. The population of 56 individuals consisted of 43 individuals aged over 2 years (subadult or adult) and 13 offspring aged less than 2 years, with a ratio of 3.3:1. Of the total 56 individuals, 45% were adults aged 10 years or older, 18% were adults aged 3–10 years, 7% were subadults aged 2–3 years, 23% were offspring aged less than 2 years and 7% were individuals aged 2 years or older, whose age and sex could not be confirmed. The sex ratio of males to females was 1.17:1, with a corrected sex ratio of 1:1 considering the 12.5% error rate for gorals aged over 10 years, amongst the 39 gorals aged over 2 years.

A de novo frameshift mutation in ZEB2 causes polledness, abnormal skull shape, small body stature and subfertility in Fleckvieh cattle

Polledness in cattle is an autosomal dominant trait. Previous studies have revealed allelic heterogeneity at the polled locus and four different variants were identified, all in intergenic regions. In this study, we report a case of polled bull (FV-Polled1) born to horned parents, indicating a de novo origin of this polled condition. Using 50K genotyping and whole genome sequencing data, we identified on chromosome 2 an 11-bp deletion (AC_000159.1:g.52364063_52364073del; Del11) in the second exon of ZEB2 gene as the causal mutation for this de novo polled condition. We predicted that the deletion would shorten the protein product of ZEB2 by almost 91%. Moreover, we showed that all animals carrying Del11 mutation displayed symptoms similar to Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MWS) in humans, which is also associated with genetic variations in ZEB2. The symptoms in cattle include delayed maturity, small body stature and abnormal shape of skull. This is the first report of a de novo dominant mutation affecting only ZEB2 and associated with a genetic absence of horns. Therefore our results demonstrate undoubtedly that ZEB2 plays an important role in the process of horn ontogenesis as well as in the regulation of overall development and growth of animals.

Optimized Genetic Testing for Polledness in Multiple Breeds of Cattle.

Many breeds of modern cattle are naturally horned, and for sound husbandry management reasons the calves frequently undergo procedures to physically remove the horns by disbudding or dehorning. These procedures are however a welfare concern. Selective breeding for polledness – absence of horns – has been effective in some cattle breeds but not in others (Bos indicus genotypes) due in part to the complex genetics of horn phenotype. To address this problem different approaches to genetic testing which provide accurate early-in-life prediction of horn phenotype have been evaluated, initially using microsatellites (MSAT) and more recently single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). A direct gene test is not effective given the genetic heterogeneity and large-sized sequence variants associated with polledness in different breeds. The current study investigated 39,943 animals of multiple breeds to assess the accuracy of available poll testing assays. While the standard SNP-based test was an improvement on the earlier MSAT haplotyping method, 1999 (9.69%) out of 20,636 animals tested with this SNP-based assay did not predict a genotype, most commonly associated with the Indicus-influenced breeds. The current study has developed an optimized poll gene test that resolved the vast majority of these 1999 unresolved animals, while the predicted genotypes of those previously resolved remained unchanged. Hence the optimized poll test successfully predicted a genotype in 99.96% of samples assessed. We demonstrated that a robust set of 5 SNPs can effectively determine PC and PF alleles and eliminate the ambiguous and undetermined results of poll gene testing previously identified as an issue in cattle.

Pathology and molecular genetics of intersexual goats: A review

Intersex traits are serious reproductive disorders in goats, and the intersexual goat can influence development of goat husbandry. In goats, the PIS (polled intersex syndrome) mutation is responsible for both the absence of horns and sex reversal, exclusively affecting XX individuals. PIS is caused by a large deletion of goat chromosome 1q43 that affects the transcription of the genes PISRT1 and FOXL2. Here, we aim to contribute to the discussion on the pathology and molecular genetics of goats’ intersex based on the characteristics of morphology.

A New Species and Subgenus of the Genus Toxicum Latreille, 1802 (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae, Toxicini) from the Russian Far East

A new tenebrionid species, Toxicum elviraesp. n. (Tenebrioninae: Toxicini), is described from Primorskii Territory of Russia. The new species belongs to the subgenus Mutiloxicumsubgen. n. and differs from the congeners in the absence of horns on the male head (only supra-orbital swellings and a small epistomal tubercle are present), in the erect pubescence on the outer surface of the mandible, and in the strongly projecting, acute anterior angles of the pronotum. The new species feeds on epiphytic foliose physcioid lichens, in contrast to the other Toxicum species which feed on bracket fungi (Polyporales). The taxonomic significance of the head armature in the subtribe Toxicina is discussed. A key to the genera of the subtribe Toxicini is given.

Assessment of genetic diversity in goat genetic groups of Kerala, (India) using morphobiometric markers

Geographical isolation and human interventions resulted in formation of subpopulations among native breeds, which showed differences in morphological or biometric traits. Crossbreeding of indigenous goats with exotic breeds resulted in combining desirable characteristics of many breeds in a composite population. Malabari crossbreds (CB), which had the inheritance of Malabari, Saanen, Alpine and Boer goat breeds were available at University Goat Farm, Mannuthy, Kerala, India. The native goats of Kerala namely, Attappady Black (AB) and populations of Malabari goats from Kannur, Calicut, Thrissur and Malappuram districts (MK, MC, MT and MM) were analysed along with Malabari crossbreds (CB) for genetic diversity. Morphological data were collected from 1776 animals and biometric data from 572 animals representing six goat populations. Qualitative morphological traits analysed were coat colour, presence or absence of horns, tassels, beard, pattern of ear and hair at forequarters and hindquarters. Quantitative biometric traits assessed were chest girth, height at withers, body length and body weight collected from female animals of one to three years of age. Least squares means calculated from SPSS, canonical discriminant analysis by CANDISC, Mahalanobis distance and dendrogram constructed by PROC CLUSTER were used to analyse biometric variables. Canonical discriminant analysis conducted for biometric data identified three statistically significant canonical variables (P less than 0.0001), with CAN1 explaining 57.2 per cent of total variance. Multivariate analytical techniques thus confirmed the existence of six different populations. The discriminatory capacity of biometric variables chosen for the study was also justified.

Genome-wide Association Study Identifies Loci for the Polled Phenotype in Yak.

The absence of horns, known as the polled phenotype, is an economically important trait in modern yak husbandry, but the genomic structure and genetic basis of this phenotype have yet to be discovered. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study with a panel of 10 horned and 10 polled yaks using whole genome sequencing. We mapped the POLLED locus to a 200-kb interval, which comprises three protein-coding genes. Further characterization of the candidate region showed recent artificial selection signals resulting from the breeding process. We suggest that expressional variations rather than structural variations in protein probably contribute to the polled phenotype. Our results not only represent the first and important step in establishing the genomic structure of the polled region in yak, but also add to our understanding of the polled trait in bovid species.

A 1.8-kb insertion in the 3'-UTR of RXFP2 is associated with polledness in sheep.

SummarySheep breeds show a broad spectrum of different horn phenotypes. In most modern production breeds, sheep are polled (absence of horns), whereas horns occur mainly in indigenous breeds. Previous studies mapped the responsible locus to the region of the RXFP2 gene on ovine chromosome 10. A 4‐kb region of the 3′‐end of RXFP2 was amplified in horned and polled animals from seven Swiss sheep breeds. Sequence analysis identified a 1833‐bp genomic insertion located in the 3′‐UTR region of RXFP2 present in polled animals only. An efficient PCR‐based genotyping method to determine the polled genotype of individual sheep is presented. Comparative sequence analyses revealed evidence that the polled‐associated insertion adds a potential antisense RNA sequence of EEF1A1 to the 3′‐end of RXFP2 transcripts.

To be or not to be horned—Consequences in cattle

In cattle, both males and females of horned breeds have permanent horns which are directly connected with the frontal sinuses of the skull and are growing during their entire life. To date a large proportion of cattle is disbudded or dehorned, or increasingly bred for polledness. This review explores the possible consequences of cattle having horns or not, both for the cattle themselves and for the farmers. During natural selection horns may have provided advantages concerning predator defence or in competition for mates and resources. Additionally, there are indications that horns serve as honest signals in mate selection, as they reflect individual health. Presence or absence of horns will likely affect quality and quantity of social interactions as well as social relationships in a herd. It clearly affects the way of cattle fighting. Only few studies deal with social behaviour in horned herds in comparison to hornless herds, and they rely on single herd observations or need to be interpreted with caution because of confounding factors. However, it appears that horned cattle attempt to keep greater inter-individual distances and resort less to physical interactions than hornless cattle, leading to more stable social relationships under suitable environmental conditions and management. Cattle may, furthermore, use horns for self-grooming of body regions which are otherwise out of reach. Even less is known on possible physiological functions of horns. While there is good evidence regarding a thermoregulatory function, other claimed functions, e.g. concerning digestion, have not been scientifically investigated yet. Although farmers in favour of keeping horned cattle, for instance for ethical reasons, are able to reduce the increased risk of animal injuries and human accidents by providing improved housing and management conditions and maintaining a good human–animal relationship, it may be economically advantageous to keep hornless cattle. If disbudding/dehorning is carried out, the consequences in terms of stress and pain can be alleviated by a combination of local anaesthesia and anti-inflammatory treatment, as well as sedation of animals insufficiently used to handling. However, possible negative side effects of sedation should be addressed in future studies. Furthermore, the possibility of longer lasting pain after disbudding/dehorning is not sufficiently investigated yet. Finally, it is an open question whether the removal of horns alters the social behaviour of the animals, or is a mere symptomatic measure to adjust them to husbandry conditions that are insufficiently adapted to the species-specific needs of cattle.

Morphological characterization of the Rembi sheep population in the Tiaret area (West of Algeria)

Morphological characterization of Rembi breed was carried out from the study of 3 representative herds. Ewes (41) and rams (13) with an average age of 4.30 ± 1.48 years were recorded for their live weight and 21 morphological measures with qualitative characters. Differences between sexes were revealed for several measures, whereas no differences were revealed between regions. A factorial analysis of multiple correspondences was performed on the morphological measures and revealed two main principal components accounting for 36.85 and 18.63 % of the inertia, being related to the color of the head (face and neck), neck and legs, the presence and absence of horns and sex. The cluster analysis allowed establishing differences with relevant implications to be taken into account for the breed conservation programme.

Investigation of intersexual polled goats

The sex reversal may occur in all mammalian species, but is connected to a favourable trait – the polledness – only in the goat. Later abnormal sex ratio was noticed in these goat populations, in which a part of the phenotypically male individuals was sterile. These males have two X chromosomes. In goats the PIS (Polled Intersex Syndrome) mutation is responsible for the absence of horns in homozygous and heterozygous individuals. This same mutation causes a female-to-male sex reversal, but only in the homozygous polled genetic female goats. The PIS mutation inhibits the expression of the FOXL2 gene which is responsible for ovary development, and a protein encoded by this gene inhibits the activity of the Sox9 gene. The Sox9 gene stimulates the development of the cells of the testis. When the FOXL2 gene is inhibited, the Sox9 gene is activated and transforms the ovary cells into testis cells. In our article we briefly introduce the morphological and chromosome investigations of three intersex individuals we found.

Multivariate characterization of morphological traits in local Tunisian oases goats

Summary This paper describes some of the morphological characteristics of the Tunisian native goat. Data were collected on 1 247 goats from 202 holdings in two oases areas (Jerid and Nefzawa). These included body length, heart girth, height at withers, ear length, horn and hairs length, as well as qualitative characters such as colour, and the presence or absence of horns, wattles and beard, ears type and curling, horns form, hair type and the facial profile. Quantitative variables were then submitted to a principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce data dimensionality and enable discrimination of groups by individuals and populations. The multiple correspondence analysis was used with qualitative variables to allow further distinction within subpopulations. A discriminant canonical analysis was also conducted discrimination between subpopulations. Wither height, heart girth and ear length were the most determinant traits in differentiating between subpopulations with the PCA. The parameters that best segregate the subpopulations in the multiple correspondences analysis are the hair length and the subpopulation. Therefore, multivariate analyses were useful in the morphological characterization of the native goat from Tunisian oases. Canonical analyses showed that hair length, ear length and wither height are the best linear measurements for discrimination between goat subpopulations. The largest Mahalanobis distance was between Arbi Jerid and Serti Nefzawa goats, whereas the closest distance was between Serti Jerid and Serti Nefzawa subpopulations.