Abstract
In Algeria, goat research has been largely neglected, in spite of the economic importance of this domestic species for rural livelihoods. Goat farming is traditional and cross-breeding practices are current. The phenotypic variability of the four main native breeds (Arabia, Makatia, M’zabite and Kabyle), and of two exotic breeds (Alpine and Saanen), was investigated for the first time, using multivariate discriminant analysis. A total of 892 females were sampled in a large area, including the cradle of the native breeds, and phenotyped with 23 quantitative measures and 10 qualitative traits. Our results suggested that cross-breeding practices have ever led to critical consequences, particularly for Makatia and M’zabite. The information reported in this study has to be carefully considered in order to establish governmental plan able to prevent the genetic dilution of the Algerian goat livestock.
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We wish to confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.
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Anne Blondeau Da Silva and Mohamed Lafri contributed equally to this work.
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Ouchene-Khelifi, NA., Ouchene, N., Maftah, A. et al. Assessing admixture by multivariate analyses of phenotypic differentiation in the Algerian goat livestock. Trop Anim Health Prod 47, 1343–1350 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-015-0869-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-015-0869-5