Crossbred goats morphological characterization in Ghardaia region

Abstract

Knowledge of the Algerian goat populations „‟great heterogeneity” is limited. Information on the genetic variability available within goat populations would be useful for the enhancement of traditional breeds through genetic actions aimed at offering breeders suitable populations, giving quality products accepted and appreciated by the consumer. However, the best knowledge of genetic variability requires the phenotypic characterization of populations to de-termine their potential contribution to food production (meat and milk). For this purpose that the study is part of, it was carried on goats raised out in Ghardaïa region. In order to morpho-logically characterize the populations of this species, a series of 15 linear measurements, and 5 qualitative characters was carried out, chosen from a panel of traits recommended by the FAO, were used for the phenotypic characterization of a sample of 103 animals "89 females and 14 males" distributed over 4 municipalities. The data collected was subjected to a descrip-tive analysis. Four populations have been identified « crossed Alpine, crossed Saanen, crossed Makatia and Makatia_Arbia »; the qualitative traits that characterize them are; Ibex-shaped horns in the majority of females of AC, MA, MC and males of AC and MC. The horizontal shape of the ears of most AC and MC females and all MC, SC bucks, while most MA, SC fe-males have semi-horizontal ears. Absence of pendants was noted in most females of all popu-lations and males in MA and SC. On the other hand, in the males of the AC, MC we noticed that they were with pendants. The absence of the goatee in the females of the populations: crossed Alpine (AC) and the crossed Makatia "MC", and the males of the AC and MC. But for the bucks of the MA, SC, they were with goatee. The brown color of the coat is the domi-nant in the AC population (2 sexes), for the females of the MA, MC and SC it was the white color. For quantitative traits, females in populations were found to be lower than males in height at withers, at sacrum and at back. As for body length, males of the crossed Alpine po-pulation are longer than females. Concerning the “chest circumference” parameter, the SC and MA populations have the largest circumference “about 87 cm” compared to the others. For the abdominal circumference; most of males have a larger circumference compared to the females