Phenotypic characterization of goat type in Nuer Zone of Gambella People Regional State, South Western Ethiopia

Tsigabu Gebereselassie Gezaheg

Abstract

This study was carried out to characterize goat type phenotypically under farmer's management practices in Lare and Jikawo districts of Nuer Zone, Southern western Ethiopia. Moreover qualitative and quantitative data were collected from a total of 600 adult (>1PPI) goats. Different statistical tests such as Chi-square test, general linear model, correlations and REG procedures were used for computed different statistical analysis. Goats in both districts were more explained by plain coat color pattern , white coat color type in female (85.53%) and (14.47%) male were observed in Lare district, while in Jikawo district white coat color type were observed with 42.53% for females and 43.59% for males. Absence of ruff was observed with 88.98 and 95.79% in Lare and Jikawo districts respectively. Smooth hair coat type, pendulous ear orientation, concave facial profile presence, straight horn shape and back ward horn orientation were frequent in male and female in both districts in a similar manner. Location had non-significant effect on linear body measurements in males and females. Males were significantly higher than females for the measurements of Chest Girth and Pelvic Width as well as Body Weight. Significant (P<0.05) difference was observed between age and body weight and all linear body measurements even ear length. Interaction effect of sex by age is significant except ear length. In males positive and highly strong association were found between body weight and Chest girth(r=0.86), wither height(r=0.763), body length(r=0.798), similarly, in females body weight had significant (P<0.05), strong and positive association between Chest Girth(r=0.91) and body length(r=0.82). Prediction equation to estimate body weight of Nuer goats for male and female was calculated. In all age groups of Nuer goat type, males had higher body weight (p<0.05) than females. Conducting molecular characterization and fully describes goat breed type existing in this study area is necessary