Morphological measurements and indexes as a tool to support molecular genetic studies: an example in Canary Islands

Abstract

In order to complement previous DNA studies, 81 domestic goats, belonging to the Majorera Breed (MB, 105), Semi Wild Goats (SWG, 31) and Tinerfeña Breed (TF 61), were used. Both populations (MB and SWG), allocated in the same geographical area, were differentiated previously by microsatellites analyses, and TF is from another island. Thirteen morphological measurements were recorded, zoometric indexes were calculated and profile and coat colour were evaluated. For all morphological measurements, SWG were significantly smaller than MB and TF. These results agree with previous data obtained with genetic studies, which show difference between MB and SWG. The results of the zoometric indexes showed that SWG were lighter and shorter in relation to the thoracic circumference and height, suggesting long-term environmental adaptation. In general, higher correlations were observed in SWG than in MB followed by the TF, for example between height at the end of neck and height to the rump (0.880, 0.740 and 0.683, respectively), probably indicating a superior body balance to adapt to ultra-extensive conditions. With regard to other parameters, most SWG presented a subconcave profile (66.7%) compared to TF, which had 71.19% of rectum profile and 40.60% of MB was subconvex. SWG had less complex colour distribution.

Keywords:

• goat
• morphology
• index
• genetic
• characterization

Acknowledgements

Authors thank the students of the Veterinary Faculty of Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the Fuerteventura and Tenerife farmers, the farm staff of the ICIA Goat farm, especially Morin and Emma Ball, for reviewing the English grammar of the paper.