Primarity and biometric indices of native goats in western Cameroon

Abstract

Goats are well integrally part of communities’ livelihoods in both rural and urban regions in Cameroon. Our study intended to contribute to genetic characterization of native goats populations found in one of the highest populated region based on morphometric indices as developed by Lauvergne and COGNOSAG standards for small ruminants. A total of 221 mature goats, both males and females were sampled in this investigation. Our findings showed that the native goats are dwarf or brevipes. Color patterns identified are very wide from monochrome to variegated spotting. Based on segregation and locus agouti distribution indices, the mean value of 0.9 and 1 obtained indicated that the native goats are of primary type and form a traditional –non standardized population. This implies huge selection potentials for communities’ needs. Molecular tools could be applied for further analyses and better management prospects.

Key words: Genetic variability, Morphometrics, visible polymorphism, Goats, Cameroon