Phenotypic features of Cameroon native goats under traditional management

Abstract

In order to assess genetic variability of native goats under traditional conditions, a total of 511 mature goats were sampled in 2 agro ecological zones, Coastal (n=262) and High Humid Savannah (n=249) regions. According to coat color patterns polymorphisms, goat populations are highly variegated with agouti Primarity Index (aPI) and segregation at agouti locus Primarity Index (sPI) equal to 1. Coat colors varied from solid black to full white, with many black, red, brown, and white combinations, with black predominant. Mean body measurements were as follows: live body weight, 22kg; height at withers, 50cm; body length, 57cm; horn length, 9cm; heart girth, 67cm. While goats in High Savannah region tended to be slender, those of Coastal were mostly compact. Goats were kept for meat (household consumption or sales on hooves). Our findings show the tendency of smallholder goat farmers to maintain genetic diversity, based on visible polymorphisms for different purposes. Further investigations will help to understand the rationale and widely management strategies applicable to domestic animals under similar conditions.

Key words: Cameroon, Genetic resources, Husbandry, Variability visible, polymorphisms.