Phenotypic characterization of the Gamo highland sheep population in Gamo Zone, South Ethiopia

Abstract

The study aimed to identify physical characteristics and prediction of live weight using linear body measurements of  indigenous sheep types in two highland districts of the Gamo zone (Chencha and Qogota). Districts were purposively  selected whereas farmers and animals were randomly selected. About 335 mature sheep (270 female and 65 male) were  sampled for the body measurements. Both qualitative and quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version  (20). Overall, the current findings revealed that mixed (62.50%) followed by black (21.90%) were the dominant coat  colours with patchy coat colour patterns (56.30%). The majority of the sheep were horned (62.5%), curved horn (67.50%)  and obliquely backward horn types (77.50%). Horizontal ear orientation (76.00%) and straight head profile (96.90) were  predominantly observed. In general, about 71.60% of the sheep were hairy type and had straight crimp-curled hair  (73.60%). The total hair coverage on the head, face, belly and leg was about 3.0%, 94%, 92.5% and 13.4%, respectively.  About 55.20% of the study sheep revealed near hocks tail length. The mean body weight, body length, height at wither,  chest girth, horn length, head length, hair length, ear length and tail length were 20.26±3.60 kg, 54.55±3.48, 55.13±3.83,  66.73±4.79, 9.42±7.46, 16.83±1.85, 7.41±3.12, 10.27±0.97 and 26.62±2.66 cm, respectively. In general, sex, district and age  (dentition) significantly (P<0.05) affected linear body measurements. Body weight and most of the linear body  measurements were positively correlated. Chest girth was the single best predictor of body weight (P<0.05). Molecular  characterization of Gamo highland sheep is recommended for further advanced breeding strategies.