Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Establishment of local caprine population genetic improvement plans to ensure environmental integration in Mediterranean arid zones

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

To conceive an applicable genetic improvement plan for local goat population under arid regions, the study aims to determine the genetic parameters of linear body measurements and their correlation with body weight. Additionally, the study analyses statistical models and barymetric functions to predict body weight on the basis of their morphometric data. A random regression model (RRM) was applied to estimate covariance components and genetic parameters for weights and linear body measurements. The data comprised 13,095 records belonging to 945 local kids (progenies of 22 sires and 285 dams) born between 1998 and 2014. Year × month, sex × type of birth, and age of dam at kidding were classified as fixed effects. Random effects included in the model were the direct/maternal additive genetic effect, direct/maternal permanent environmental effect, and residual effect. Direct and maternal heritability estimates of linear body measurements ranged from 0.16 to 0.34 and 0.12 to 0.21, respectively, in which the total length had the lowest direct and highest maternal heritability estimates at birth among the other age groups. A significant maternal effect was obtained in early stage that decreased as the kids advanced in age. A negative correlation was found between direct and maternal additive genetic traits. Estimates of genetic correlations among linear body measurements were high and positive, with values ranging from 0.11 to 0.97, whereas the phenotypic correlation ranged from 0.05 to 0.83. The coefficient of determination for heart girth (R2 = 0.88) was higher than other body measurements in single trait evaluation, indicating it as the best trait for the predication of body weight; an increase in the coefficient of determination (R2) was observed as more variables were included in the prediction equation, which indicates more precision in the determination of body weight. These traits could be used as a marker for estimating body weight and for sustainable genetic improvement in local goat population.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

The data utilized in this study are accessible upon request from the corresponding author.

References

  • Abbasi M-A, Ghafouri-Kesbi F (2011) Genetic (co)variance components for body weight and body measurements in Makooei sheep. Asian-Aust J Anim Sci 24:739–743

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abd-Allah S, Abd-El Rahman HH, Shoukry MM, Mohamed MI, Salman FM, Abedo AA (2019) Some body measurements as a management tool for Shami goats raised in subtropical areas in Egypt. Bulletain Nati Res 43:0–5

    Google Scholar 

  • Adamu H, Shuaibu A, Umar HA, Maigado AI (2020) Morphometric characteristics of red Sokoto and Sahel goats in Maigatari local government area of Jigawa state. Nigerian J Anim Prod 47:15–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Adeyinka IA, Mohammed ID (2006) Accuracy of body weight prediction in Nigerian red sokoto goats raised in North Eastern Nigeria using linear body measurement. Pak J Bio Sci 9:2828–2830

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aghaali-Gamasaee V, Hafezian SH, Ahmadi A, Baneh H, Farhadi A, Mohamadi A (2010) Estimation of genetic parameters for body weight at different ages in Mehraban sheep. Afr J Bio 9:5218–5223

    Google Scholar 

  • Al-Shorepy SA, Alhadrami GA, Abdulwahab K (2002) Genetic and phenotypic parameters for early growth traits. Emirati Goat Small Rumin Res 4:54–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Arun K, Sushil K, Mishra AK, Singh VK (2006) Characteristics of Kutchi goats of Gujarat. Ind J Small Rumin 12:162–168

    Google Scholar 

  • Atoui A, Carabaño MJ, Diaz C, Najari S (2019) Genetic analysis of live weight of local kids to promote genetic evaluations in the arid areas of Tunisia. Tropical Anim Health Prod 1:14–17

    Google Scholar 

  • Berhe WG (2017) Relationship and prediction of body weight from morphometric traits in Maefur goat population in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. J Biom Biostat 8:1–6

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya B, Ghosh TK, Dutta Gupta R, Maitra DN (1984) Estimation of body weight in Black Bengal goats from body measurements. Indian Vet 61:406–408

    Google Scholar 

  • Bosso NA, Cisse MF, Van der Waaij EH, Fall A, van Arendonk JA (2007) Genetic and phenotypic parameters of body weight in West African Dwarf goat and Djallonke sheep. Small Rumin Res 67:271–278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brown JE, Brown CJ, Butts WT (1973) Evaluating relationships among immature measures of size, shape and performance of beef bulls. J Anim Sci 36:1010–1020

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chitra R, Rajendran S, Prasanna D, Kirubakaran A (2012) Prediction of body weight using appropriate regression model in adult female Malabari goat. Veterenary World 5:409–411

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dakhlan A, Hamdani MDI, Putri DR, Qisthon A (2021) Prediction of body weight based on body measurements in female Saburai goat. Biodiversitas 22:1391–1396

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Djemali M, Aloulou R, Ben sassi M, (1994) Adjustment factors and genetic and phenotypic parameters for growth traits of Barbarine lambs in Tunisia. Small Rumin Res 13:41–47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dudhe SD, Yadav SB, Nagda SRK, Pannu U, Gahlot GC (2015) Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting morphometry of Sirohi goats. Veterinary World 8:1356–1363

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • El-Wakil SI, Gad SA (2014) Evaluation of direct and maternal (co) variance components and heritabilities for some body weights and growth traits in Barki sheep. Egyptian J Sheep Sci 9:21–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Fadlelmoula A, Yousif I, Ismail A (2011) Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates of morphometric traits in Sudan desert goats. J Vete Res 15:106–111

    Google Scholar 

  • Gül S, Keskin M, Güzey YZ, Behrem S, Gündüz Z (2019) Path analysis of the relationship between weaning weight and some morphological traits of Awassi lamb. KSU Tarım Ve DoğaDerg 22:431–435

    Google Scholar 

  • Habib MA, Akhtar A, Bhuiyan AKFH, Choudhury MP, Afroz MF (2019) Biometrical relationship between body weight and body measurements of black Bengal goat (BBG). Current J App Sci Tech 35:1–7

    Google Scholar 

  • Kunene NW, Nesamvuni AE, Nsahlai IV (2009) Determination of prediction equations for estimating body weight of Zulu (Nguni) sheep. Small Rumin Res 84:41–46

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mandal A, Dass G, Rout PK, Roy R (2010) Genetic parameters for direct and maternal effects on post-weaning body measurements of Muzaffarnagari sheep in India. Trop Anim Health Prod 10:9752–9756

    Google Scholar 

  • Mavrogenis AP, Constantinou A, Louca A (1984) Environmental and genetic causes of variation in production traits of Damascus goats. Preweaning Postweaning Growth Anim Prod 38:91–97

    Google Scholar 

  • Melki MNE, Barkouti A, Beyaz A (2024) Assessment of the impact of climate change on the use of aeration for the storage of cereal grains in the northwest of Tunisia. Euro-Mediterr J Environ Integr 9:339–353

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer K (1989) Restricted maximum likelihood to estimate variance components for animal models with several random effects using a derivative-free algorithm. Genet Sel Evol 21:317–340

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mukeerjee DK, Singh SK, Mishra HR (1981) Phenotypic correlation of body weight with body measurement relationship in Grey Black Bengal goats. Indian J Anim Sci 51:682–694

    Google Scholar 

  • Najari S, Gaddour A, Ouni M, Abdennebi M, Ben Hammouda M (2007) Indigenous kids weight variation with respect to non genetic factors under pastoral mode in Tunisian arid region. J Anim Vet Adv 6:441–450

    Google Scholar 

  • Najari S (2005) Caractéristiques zootechnique et génétique d’une population animale: Cas de la population caprines locale des régions arides tunisiennes. PhD Thesis, Inst. National Agron., Tunisie, Africa

  • Norris D, Brown D, Moela AK, Selolo TC, Mabelebele M, Ngambi JW, Tyasi TL (2015) Path coefficient and path analysis of body weight and biometric traits in indigenous goats. Ind J Anim Res 49:573–578

    Google Scholar 

  • Nsoso SJ, Podisi B, Otsogile E, Mokhutshwane BS, Ahmadu B (2004) Caractérisation phénotypique des races indigènes de chèvres et de moutons Tswana au Botswana : caractèrescontinus. Santé pro Animaux Tropicaux 36:789–800

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ojedapo LO, Adedeji TA, Olayeni TB, Adedeji OS, Abdullah AR, Ojebiyi OO (2007) Influence of age and sex on body weight and some body linear measurements of extensively reared WAD goats in derived savannah zone of Nigeria. J Anim Vet Adv 6:114–117

    Google Scholar 

  • Ouni M (2008) Caractérisation morphométrique des ressources génétiques caprines des régions arides tunisiennes. Mastère en Génétique et Bio ressources. Inst. National Agron., Tunisie, Africa

  • Pesmen G, Yardimci M (2008) Estimating the live weight using some body measurements in Saanen goat. Archivos Zootecnia 11:30–40

    Google Scholar 

  • Raja TV, Venkatachalapathy RT, Kannan A, Bindu KA (2013) Determination of best-fitted regression model for prediction of body weight in Attappady black goats. J Anim Breeding Genetic 1:20–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Rajab MH, Cartwright IC, Dahm PF, Figueireda EAP (1992) Performance of three tropical hair sheep breeds. J Anim Sci 70:3351–3359

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ravimurugan T, Thiruvenkadan AK, Sudhakar K, Panneerselvam S (2012) Sheep genetic resources of Southern Tamil Nadu, India. J Agric Sci 2:81–88

    Google Scholar 

  • Riva J, Rizzi R, Marelli S, Cavalchini LG (2004) Body measurements in Bergamasca sheep. Small Rumin Res 55:221–227

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salako AE (2006) Application of morphological indices in the assessment of type and function in sheep. Int J Morphol 24:13–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sarma L, Nahardeka N, Goswami RN, Aziz UN, Goswami RN, Zaman G, Aktar F (2020) Genetics and non-genetic factors affecting weaning post growth and morphometric characteristics in Assam goat. J Ind Rech Anim 54:761–767

    Google Scholar 

  • Shirzeyli FH, Lavvaf A, Asadi A (2013) Estimation of body weight from body measurements in four breeds of Iranian sheep. Songklanakarin J Sci Tech 35:507–511

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh MK, Rai B, Kumar A, Sisodiya HS, Singh NP (2009) Production performance of Gohilwadi goats under range conditions. Indian J Anim Sci 79:587–593

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh SG, Kaur UN, Kumar B (2020) Predicting the body weight using appropriate regression model in Beetal goat kids. Thériogénologie Insight 10:1–6

    Google Scholar 

  • Tadesse A, Gebremariam T (2010) Application of linear body measurements for live body weight estimation of highland sheep in Tigray region, North-Ethiopia. J Dry Lands 3:203–207

    Google Scholar 

  • Topai M, Macit M (2004a) Prediction of body weight from body measurements in Morkaraman sheep. J Applied Anim Res 25:97–100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Topai M, Macit M (2004b) Prediction of body weight from body measurements in Morkaraman sheep. J Applied Anim Res 25:97–100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Varkoohi S, Bani-Saadat H, Razzagh-Zadeh S (2018) Estimation of genetic parameters for growth and body measurement traits in different ages in Iranian Makuei sheep. Iranian J Applied Anim Sci 8:77–82

    Google Scholar 

  • Yadav JS, Kumar S, Bhasin V, Singh L, Yadav MC, Khan BU (2013) Genetic analysis of factors affecting body weight at different ages in closed flock of Kutchi goats. Ind J Anim Sci 83:554–556

    Google Scholar 

  • Yakubu A (2010) Path coefficient and path analysis of body weight and biometric traits in Yankasa lambs. Slovak J Anim Sci 43:17–25

    Google Scholar 

  • Younas U, Abdullah M, Bhatti JA, Pasha TN, Ahmad N, Nasir M, Hussain A (2013) Interrelationship of body weight with linear body measurements in Hissardale sheep at different stages of life. Journal Anim Plant Sci 23:40–44

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang CY, Xe DQ, Li X, Su J, Yang LG (2009) Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates for growth traits in Boer goat. Livestock Prod Sci 124:66–71

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

Our work was realized through the support provided by the “Livestock and Wildlife Laboratory” at IRA Médenine-Tunisia.

Funding

This research did not receive any external funding.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut Des Regions Arides (IRA), Médenine, Tunisia

    Ahlem Atoui, Maria Jesus Carabano, Samir Tlahig, Aicha Laroussi, Mouldi Abdennebi, Farah Bensalem & Sghaier Najari

Authors
  1. Ahlem Atoui
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Maria Jesus Carabano
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Samir Tlahig
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Aicha Laroussi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Mouldi Abdennebi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Farah Bensalem
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Sghaier Najari
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

Conceptualization, methodology, and validation were undertaken by A.A., M.J.C., and S.N. Investigation, data collection, and analysis were carried out by A.A., M.J.C., S.N, S.T, A.L, F.S, and M.A. A.A., and S.N. prepared the original draft. A.A., M.J.C., and S. (project supervision) conducted the review, and editing and administration were handled by M.J.C. and S.N. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ahlem Atoui.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors affirm that no conflicts of interest exist.

Ethical approval

This study does not involve human or animal testing, only routine management practices in animal husbandry.

Consent to participate

No human subjects were involved, and consent was not deemed necessary.

Consent to publication

Not applicable.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Giulia Guerriero.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Atoui, A., Carabano, M.J., Tlahig, S. et al. Establishment of local caprine population genetic improvement plans to ensure environmental integration in Mediterranean arid zones. Euro-Mediterr J Environ Integr (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41207-024-00543-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41207-024-00543-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation