Morphological measurements as a tool to support molecular genetic analyses: a field study

Abstract

In order to complement DNA previous studies, 81 domestic goats, belonging to Majorera Breed (MB) and 31 Feral Goats (FG) were used, both populations coexist in the same area (Fuerteventura, Canary Island, Spain). These two populations were previously differentiated using microsatellites analysis. In the present study, 13 morphological measurements were recorded, zoometric indexes and correlations were calculated and profile and coat colour evaluated through the side picture. According to morphological measurements such as weight (23.52 and 55.62 Kg, FG and MB respectively) and height at end of neck (54.42 and 70.94 cm, FG and MB respectively) FG were significantly smaller than MB. Zoometric indexes showed that FG were lighter and shorter in relation to the thoracic circumference and height, suggesting an environmental adaptation long time ago. In general, correlations between morphological measures were higher in FG than in MG goats, as between height at end of neck and height to the croup (0.880 and 0.740 respectively), probably indicating a superior body balance to adapt to ultra extensive conditions with higher natural selection. With respect to the frontal profile, the most FG goats presented a subconcave profile (66.7%) on the contrary only 6.8% of MG goats presented this profile. Finally, FG coat colours presented a higher frequency of colour combination of black and white hair and less combination of black, white and red hair than MB. In conclusion, morphological measurements could be a tool in order to complement molecular genetic studies.