Phenotypic differentiation of exterior traits in local Criollo Goat Population in Patagonia (Argentina)

Abstract

The Neuquén-Criollo goat is a significant genetic resource, adapted to the singular harsh environment of North Patagonia. Its present gene pool was built up from different breeds since the Spanish colonization being Angora the latest introduced. High phenotypic diversity and their geographical distribution suggest a subdivision of this goat population into four close sub-areas. As phenotypic characterization was carried out on 827 Criollo adult goats. Analyse were based on fourteen quantitative (morphostructural) and eight qualitative (morphological) variables. Correspondence analyses for qualitative and canonical discriminant analysis for quantitative traits were performed, using hair types as classification variable. Results were consistent in differentiating the four considered sub-areas. Neuquen Criollo breed could be characterized in two ecotypes: Short and Long hair goats, a mixed type area and a crossbred area fulfil the types distribution. Principal divergence factors would be isolation, natural and artificial selection, transhumance and exotic breeds introduction. ZusammenfassungTitel der Arbeit: Phänotypische Differenzierung bei Exterieurmerkmalen der lokalen Criollo Ziegenpopulation in Patagonien (Argentinien) Die Neuquen-Criollo Ziege ist eine bedeutende genetische Ressource, die angepasst ist an die harten Umweltbedingungen Nord-Patagoniens. Der aktuelle Genpool ist seit der spanischen Kolonisierung von verschiedenen Rassen gebildet worden, wobei die Angora-Rasse die letzte eingeführte Rasse war. Phänotypische Diversität und geographische Verteilung lassen eine Differenzierung der Population in vier angrenzenden Gebieten vermuten. Eine phänotypische Charakterisierung von 827 ausgewachsenen Criollo Ziegen wurde durchgeführt. Vierzehn quantitative (morphostrukturale) und acht qualitative (morphologische) Merkmale wurden analysiert. Deskriptive Statistik, Korrespondence-Analyse für qualitative und Diskriminant-Analyse, für quantitative Variable wurden mit dem "Deckhaartyp" als Klassen-Merkmal ausgeführt. Die Ergebnisse stimmen mit der vermuteten Differenzierung in vier Gebieten überein. Die Neuquen-Criollo Ziege konnte in zwei Ecotypen: kurz-und langhaarig, charakterisiert werden. Gebiete mit gemischten Typen und mit Angora gekreuzten Typen wurden identifiziert. Die wichtigsten Differenzierungsfaktoren sind Isolierung, natürliche und künstliche Selektion, Transhumanz und Einführung von exotischen Rassen.

Discriminant analysis of morphometric differentiation in the West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats

“…In Nigeria, morphometric differentiation of indigenous small ruminant populations has been restricted to the use of analysis of variance (Fajemilehin & Salako, 2008). However, such type of analysis has limited power and multifactorial analyses of morphological traits are more appropriate to assess phenotypic variation within and between goat populations; and to appropriately discriminate different goat types because of the joint consideration of all measured morphological variables (Lanari et al, 2003;Zaitoun et al, 2005;Dossa et al, 2007;Traore et al, 2008). This becomes imperative because uncontrolled mating and geographical overlap are leading to the endangerment of breed purity and potentially important reservoir of caprine genetic resources is being put at risk.…”

Use of Morphometric Variables for Differentiating Spanish Hound Breeds

“…In conclusion, the application of discriminate analysis to morphometric variables in dogs belonging to several Podenco breeds enabled breeds and varieties to be clearly distinguished, as reported for other species Capote et al;Crepaldi et al;Macciotta et al;Rodero et al;Lanari et al;Zaitoun et al;Luque et al;Dossa et al;Marrube et al;Vargas et al;Traoré et al, 2008a;Traoré et al, 2008b).…”

“…The method used here has been applied to goat breeds (Herrera et al, 1996). In general terms, the examination of morphometric variables using discriminate analysis techniques (simple, stepwise, cluster and canonical) has enabled the differentiation of breeds and varieties of various domestic species Capote et al, 1998;Crepaldi et al;2001;Macciotta et al, 2002;Rodero et al, 2003;Lanari et al, 2003;Zaitoun et al, 2005;Luque et al, 2005;Dossa et al, 2007;Marrube et al, 2007;Vargas et al, 2007;Traoré et al, 2008a;Traoré et al, 2008b).…”

Some production traits of indigenous Hair goats bred under extensive conditions in Turkey. 2nd communication: viability and growth performances of kids

“…Viability and growth of kids are important determinants of productivity in goat breeding LANARI et al, 2003). In tropical and subtropical regions, kid mortality rate is considered one of the major contributory factors adversely affecting goat production enterprises.…”