Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
GLOBAL JOURNAL OF ANIMAL
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Journal homepage: www.gjasr.com
Print ISSN:2345-4377
Online ISSN:2345-4385
Original Article
Morphological Characterization and Structural Indices of Indigenous Cattle
in Hadiya Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Tariku Woldeyohannes1*, Amsale Hankamo1 and Sandip Banerjee2
1
Department of Animal Science, Mizan Tepi University, Ethiopia
Department of Animal and Range Science, Hawassa University, Ethiopia
2
ARTICLE INFO
Corresponding Author
Tariku Woldeyohannes
tarikuw52@gmail.com
How to Cite this Article
Woldeyohannes, T., Hankam,
A. & Banerjee, S. 2019.
Morphological Characterization
and Structural Indices of
Indigenous Cattle in Hadiya
Zone,
Southern
Ethiopia.
Global Journal of Animal
Scientific Research, 7(2), 23-38.
Article History
Received: 2019-09-20
Revised: 2019-11-25
Accepted: 2019-11-30
ABSTRACT
The study was conducted to morphologically characterize indigenous cattle
breeds and to develop structural indices to assess type and function of
indigenous cattle in Soro and Misha districts of Hadiya zone Southern
Ethiopia. A total of 660 mature cattle (480 cows and 180 bulls) were
selected for morphological description. Data was collection by using visual
observation and linear measurements and analyzed by Statistical Package
for Social Sciences (SPSS version 20), and compared at the significance
level P<0.05. The result showed individual variation among cattle in both
qualitative and quantitative traits. Most of the cattle in the study area have
plain coat colour pattern, curved horn with upward orientation, small
humped and straight facial head profile. The overall results of
morphometrical measurements in Soro district had higher (P<0.05) values
for their body weight and the chest girth for the bulls in age class 1 and
2PPI. However, body weight, chest girth, height at withers and height at
rump were higher for Misha district when compared to those bulls at Soro
district for age class 3 and 4PPI. For the cows within age group 1 and 2PPI
reared at Soro district have higher (P<0.05) body weight, chest girth, height
at withers, height at rump and rump length. The results of body indices of
the bulls in Misha district were higher values (p<0.05) for body index for
age class 1 and 2PPI and cephalic index and over increase index for age
class 3 and 4PPI. While, body ratio was higher (p<0.05) for Misha district
for age class 3 and 4 PPI. In contrast, body indices for cows in Soro district
was higher (p<0.05) for height index, rump length index, body index, body
weight index and body ratio, in contrasting cephalic index, body index, over
increase index, body weight index, body ration and height slope were
higher(P<0.01) for Misha district for age class 3 and 4PPI. The values for
estimation of body weight using linear body measurements indicated that
chest girth was best predictor body weight. In general, cattle linear body
measurements in the current environmental condition were comparable
with other indigenous breeds. Therefore, designing appropriate
management and breed improvement programme with the participation of
23
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
the community are critical to improve the breed. Morphometrical traits of
the breed have to be complemented by genetic characterization to fully
exploit the potential of the breed.
Key words: Indigenous cattle, morphometrical measurements, structural
indices.
Copyright (c) 2019 Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. All rights reserved.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
INTRODUCTION
imperative to understand the prevailing
production systems and the genetic makeup
of the animals reared in the area.
Morphometric studies are the prelude of any
genetic studies which can be categorized into
both of qualitative and quantitative traits
(Banerjee, 2015). The former are influenced
by a few pairs of genes and their assessment
is grossly subjective and moderately to
highly heritable (FAO, 2012). This category
of traits covers the external physical form,
shape, color and their appearance. The
quantitative traits on the other hand are
greatly influenced by non-genetic factors and
are lowly to moderately heritable (FAO, 2012
& Szabolcs et al., 2007). Morphometrical
traits include culmination of a series of such
measurements is generally used as a first step
to characterize a breed and is also known as
zoometric/ morphometrical/ phenotypic
method of breed classification (Banerjee,
2015 & Delgado et al., 2001). This method of
classification is based on some predefined
measurements of traits since morphometrical
traits are closely correlated with production
characters (FAO, 2012 & Salako, 2006).
However, the livestock in the tropics are
reared for several functions; it becomes
important to classify the strains/breeds
according to their types and functions that
they can perform (Salako, 2006). The
assessment of type and function of livestock
is also important to access when it comes to
understanding of the development goals of
the yesteryears and also provides direction
for their future development (Banerjee et al.,
2014). Globally cattle are classified as dairy,
Ethiopia is endowed with huge livestock
resources of wide-ranging and diversified
genetic pools with a wide range of agro
ecologies. The country is predominantly
agrarian with most of the people residing
directly or indirectly dependent on
agriculture for their day to day activities.
Farm animals as a whole are an integral part
of agricultural systems. It is estimated that
livestock contribute about 12 - 16% of the
total and 47% of the agricultural Gross
Domestic Product excluding the value of
draft power, manure and other such activities
and contributes significantly to the livelihood
of their rearers and those dependent on them
(Muluye, 2016). In most of the rural
households livestock production is at the
subsistence level, where livestock are
selected for adaptive traits with productivity
of individual animals being quite low and the
overall productivity comes through their
sheer numbers and fulfills multiple purposes
that contribute more for food security (Eshetu
and Abraham, 2016 & Ftiwi, 2015).
According to (CSA, 2016/2017), cattle
population in the country is about 59.5
million heads most of which about 98.2% are
of native breed’s ecotypes. Only about 1.62%
and 0.18% of them are crossbreds and exotic
types, respectively. Out of these total cattle
population heifers/cows constitute about
59.5%. The numbers of cattle reared in
Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples
Region (SNNPR) are estimated to be 11.49
million heads which Hadiya zone houses
929,689 heads of cattle (CSA, 2016/2017).
Prior to any specific intervention, it is
24
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
10.35°C. Based on agro-climatic zones, the
Zone can be divided into three broad climatic
zones, namely midland areas of 1500-3000
m.a.s.l., which accounts nearly two third
(64.7%) of the zone, high land >2,300
m.a.s.l., which accounts for 23.7% of the total
land, and lowland which accounts for 11.6%
of the total land of the zone.
beef or dual type and hence these ‘types’ are
generally assessed through the structural
indices (Chacón et al., 2011). Thus, structural
indices are ratios of closely related
morphometrical traits which can provide a
better understanding about the types and
function of the livestock because it
incorporates measure of desirable traits
(Chiemela et al., 2016 & Salako, 2006). It can
be useful to provide potential purchaser with
reliable evaluation of animals and as a
measure in young animals to enable earlier
assessment of breeding animals for selection
and to predict mature rating (Chacón et al.,
2011 & Chiemela et al., 2016).
Morphological characterization can serve as
basis for the sustainable improvement and
conservation of indigenous animal genetic
resources. However, indigenous cattle of
Hadiya Zone have not been characterized and
documented in terms of morphological
characteristics
and
information
on
morphometrical traits and the type and
function for which the cattle were developed
are yet not assessed. Hence, this study was
attempted to morphologically characterize
and to assess the type and function of the
cattle using the structural indices of
indigenous cattle in Hadiya Zone.
Sampling techniques and sample size
Hadiya zone is structured into 10 districts
and one urban town, which was stratified and
two districts were purposely selected based
on their cattle population and accessibility.
Of which two districts was purposively
selected based on the cattle population and
accessibility. From each selected district;
three Rural Kebeles were selected with the
help of the respective district’s agricultural
experts and development agents based cattle
population. We followed the general
phenotypic
characterization
guideline
developed by (FAO, 2012) for cattle
phenotypic characterizations. A total of 110
adult cattle (30 bulls and 80 cows) were
considered from each rural kebele for linear
body measurements. In general, a total of 660
cattle were considered for both qualitative
and quantitative trait studies. Pregnant, sick
and emaciated animals were excluded in the
sampling to avoid bias because of the effect
that can produce on parameters like thoracic
measurements.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Area Description
The study was conducted in Hadiya zone
of the Southern Nations Nationalities and
Peoples Regional State (SNNPRS). Hadiya
zone is one of the thirteen zones and nine
special woredas of the SNNPR of Ethiopia.
Its capital city is Hossana, which is located
232km south of Addis Ababa and 160km
west of Hawassa town. The elevation of the
zone lies between 1500 to 3000 meters above
sea level (m.a.s.l.). The study location is
situated between 7°45"N latitude and
38°45"E longitudes. The mean annual rainfall
ranging between 469.98 and 156.66mm, the
mean maximum annual temperature is
22.54°c and mean minimum temperature is
Data collection on morphological and
linear body measurement
Phenotypic data (body measurement and
visual morphological characteristics) was
collected and recorded based on format
adopted from the standard breed description
list developed by FAO (FAO, 2012).
Fourteen qualitative variables were identified
to phenotypically characterize and describe
the selected cattle populations. The standard
breed descriptor list for the cattle developed
by (FAO, 2012) was closely followed in
selecting morphological variables. Body
measurements were taken for 17 quantitative
traits using scales, calipers, heart-girth tape
25
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
and measuring tapes (FAO, 2011). A
graduated measuring stick was used for the
height measurements, the length and muzzle
circumferences measurements were done
using a flexible tape, heart girth was
measured by using a ‘heart girth’ measuring
tape and calibrated wooden caliper was used
for the width measurements. Body weight of
the animals was measured by using an
instrument called ‘heart girth tape’ which is
designed particularly for tropical cattle to
Indices types
Length Index_1 (LI_1)
Height Index (HI)
Cephalic Index (CI)
Rump Length Index (RLI)
Pelvic Index (PI)
Body Index (BI)
Over Increase Index (OVII)
Width Slope (WS)
Body Weight Index (BWI)
Depth Index (DI)
Balance (Ba)
Body Ratio (BR)
Length Index_2 (LI_2)
Height Slope (HS)
estimate body weight. This tape was
specifically developed for Ethiopian zebu
breeds by JAICA (Japan Agency for
International Cooperation) and was taken on
loan from Adami-Tullu Research Center.
Body measurements were done by the same
person and on the morning to avoid
individual variations and the effect of feeding
and watering on animal’s size on selected
adult cattle of both sexes.
Table 1: Methods of calculating structural indices
Calculation methods
Body length /wither height
Height at withers / body length X 100
Head width / head length X 100
Rump length/ body length X 100
Rump width/ Rump length X100
Body length X 100/Chest girth)
Height at rump/Height at wither X 100
Rump width - chest width
Body Weight X Height at Wither X 100
Chest depth/Withers height
(Rump Width X Rump Length)/(Chest Depth X Chest Width)
Height at withers/Height at rump.
Body length/Chest depth
Height at Rump - Height at withers
Sources: (Banerjee, 2015 & Banerjee et al., 2014 & Chiemela et al., 2016 & FAO, 2011 & Salako, 2006)
Methods of Data Analysis
The data collected from linear body
measurement were subjected to the General
Linear Model (GLM) procedure of statistical
analysis by using Statistical Package for
Social Science (SPSS version 20). The means
were considered significant at P<0.05 and
P<0.01. While the qualitative traits were
analyzed using non parametric methods (chisquare analysis). Calculation was used to
assess the structural indices from the mean of
linear body measurements in the study area
(Table 1). The effect of location on linear
body measurement was analyzed using the
following linear model.
th
i
districts (i =2)
μ = overall mean, є = random error
i
L
i =
th
the effect of i districts (i=Soro,
Misha)
RESULTS AND DESCUSION
Qualitative traits
The results pertaining to the qualitative
traits of bulls and cows reared in the study
areas are presented in Table 30. The findings
show that most of the coat color pattern of
cattle reared in the study areas (about 64.1%)
was plain and the current findings being in
close accordance with those of (Asfaw, 2016)
from Babile district of East Hararge Zone.
Coat color is used as a tool in selection,
identification of ownership and naming of
Model 1: For production parameters
Y = μ ± L ± єi, Where,
i
Y = the observation pertaining to the i
i
26
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
pressure of the yolk from the ploughs thereby
such bulls have a better draftability without
much damage to the hide of the bulls. The
study also indicates that the perpetual sheaths
of the bulls are well developed. The skulls of
most of the cattle are coffin (straight) shaped
which is in close accordance with the
findings of (Asfaw, 2016). Cattle breed
involved in the current study have well
developed tails vary from medium to long
(just at hock or even below the hock). Cattle
with long tails are able to drive away flies and
irritating insects better than their short tailed
counterparts (Banerjee et al., 2014).
However, cattle with too long tail are not
desirable, hence have disadvantage when
they are moving among thorny bushes as
their switch can easily get entangled and get
damaged (Getachew, 2006).
cattle. Among the sampled population the
most dominant coat colors of cattle reared in
the study areas were light red (20.6%), white
and red patchy (19.1%), dark red (15.3%) and
black (13.0%) for both males and females.
The black with white spotty color made up
the lowest proportion of the total population.
Cattle targeted for the current study were
horned and the findings pertaining to the
presence of horns in the cattle too are in close
accordance with the findings of (Genzebu,
2009). Horned cattle in one hand have an
aesthetic appeal while on the other side such
cattle are able to defend themselves and other
herd members against predators (Kugonza et
al., 2011). The study also indicated that the
orientation of the horns are mostly curved
moving upwards and the tips pointed
laterally, this too may be associated with the
character of a breed and also that has an
aesthetic appeal for the producers (Kugonza
et al., 2011). The length of the coat hair is
mostly short to medium which is also in close
accordance with the findings of (Genzebu,
2009). Studies by (Banerjee et al., 2014) have
indicated that the long haired cattle may be
found in the highlands, while short and
medium coated animals are found in the mid
and lowland altitudes to adapt climatic
condition of the environment. The short and
medium coats of hair of the cattle are also
associated with adaptability traits as
suggested by (Mekonnen et al., 2012). The
ear orientation is straight edged besides the
ear are also carried laterally, which too are in
close accordance with the findings of
(Yimamu, 2014). It has also been reported
that animals with lateral ears have well
developed muscles around the region and
hence can move their ears to even listen to
faint noises coming from distant locations
(Asfaw, 2016). The humps of the bulls are
well developed and are mostly medium in
size, while those of most of the cows are
smaller (Tenagne et al., 2016). This may be
ascribed to the fact that bulls with medium
sized and erect humps are able to take the
Variables
Quantitative measurements of cattle
The
results
pertaining
to
the
morphometrical traits of bulls of different age
categories reared in the two studied locations
are presented in Table 3. The findings show
that body weight (BW) of the bulls of age
category 1 (aged 1 and 2 PPI) and reared at
Soro district were heavier (P<0.05) while the
reverse was true for the bulls of age category
2 (aged 3 and 4 PPI). The differences as
observed may be ascribed to the management
of the bulls in the specific locations which
may have resulted in higher muscling and
therefore body weight. The body weight as
observed for the bulls of age category 1 was
in close accordance with those reported by
(Tenagne et al., 2016). The study also
indicated that chest girth (CG) of the cattle
followed similar pattern, this may be because
the two traits CG and BW are significantly
correlated (Lukuyu et al., 2016). The study
further indicates that head length (HDL),
head width (HDW), body length (BL) did not
vary across the locations among the bulls of
both age categories. This might be ascribed
to the breed effect.
Table 2: Qualitative traits of bulls and cows of indigenous cattle in the study area.
Male (%)
Female (%)
Overall (%)
X2
27
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
Coat color pattern
Plain
Patchy
Spotty
Coat color
Black
Dark red
Light red
Grey
Brown
White and red patchy
White and black patchy
Black and white spotty
Red and white spotty
Horn presence
Present
Horn shape
Straight
Curved
Lyre shaped
Loose
Horn Orientation
Tips pointing laterally
Upward
Forward
Downward
Hair length
Medium
Long
Ear orientation
Erect
Lateral
Drooping
Hump size
Absent
Small
Medium
Large
Hump shape
Absent
Erect
Drooping
Perpetual sheath
Absent
Small
Medium
Large
Facial head profile
Straight
Concave
Convex
Tail length
Short
Medium
Long
2.767.
68.3
22.8
8.9
62.3
25.4
12.3
65.3
24.1
10.6
13.9
17.8
18.3
15.0
3.9
19.4
2.8
2.2
6.7
12.7
14.4
21.5
9.6
4.4
19.0
6.9
4.2
7.5
13.0
16.1
19.9
12.3
4.15
19.2
4.85
3.2
7.1
100
100
100
22.2
59.4
14.5
3.6
21.2
64.4
12.9
1.5
21.85
61.9
13.7
2.55
29.0
30.1
24.5
16.4
27.7
31.5
27.3
13.5
28.35
30.8
25.9
14.95
85.6
14.4
79.8
20.2
82.7
17.3
10.0
86.7
3.3
5.4
90.4
4.2
7.7
88.55
3.75
10.616
10.761
3.212
8.142
1.029
58.209
0.0
58.9
32.5
8.6
4.2
73.3
20.2
2.3
2.1
66.10
26.35
5.45
4.4
68.9
26.7
4.2
93.3
2.5
4.3
81.1
14.6
6.7
46.1
36.1
11.1
Absent
Absent
Absent
Absent
6.7
46.1
36.1
11.1
86.7
7.2
6.1
84.0
10.2
5.8
84.7
9.4
5.9
8.3
32.2
59.4
5.6
37.5
56.9
6.95
34.9
58.15
93.149
660
1.373
2.670
29
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
the two studied areas. The HRL as observed
in the study are in close accordance with the
findings of (Ftiwi, 2015). However, lower
HRL was observed in a study by (Taye,
2005). Bulls with longer horns have an
aesthetic appeal and hence are preferred by
many of the cattle producers (Kugonza et al.,
2011). The study pertaining to the Muzzle
Circumference (MC) also indicates that there
was no differences in the traits among the
bulls (of a particular age category), the MC
observed in the current study are in close
accordance with the findings of (Tenagne et
al., 2016). The study further indicates that the
Chest Width (CW) did not vary among the
bulls (of a particular age category) reared in
the two locations. The CW as reported are
lower than the findings reported by (Banerjee
et al., 2014). Bulls with wider chest usually
have better working capacity as the thoracic
cavities of such bulls are usually wider
(Banerjee et al., 2014). This may also be
ascribed to the distances between the two
scapulas. The Height at Rump (HR) also
followed similar pattern as those of the earlier
morphological traits, which was in close
accordance with the findings of (Bekele,
2015). The HR corresponds to the length of
the Ileum, femur, tibia, tarsus, metatarsus and
the phalanges. Cattle with well-developed
bones have a higher height and can travel
long distances (Banerjee et al., 2014).
Moreover, if the HR is high the cattle are able
to tolerate higher temperatures as the vital
organs are further away from the ground and
hence suffer less due to radiation from the
ground (Banerjee et al., 2014). The study also
indicates that the Rump Length (RL) also did
not vary among bulls (of a particular age
category) reared in the two locations. The RL
of the bulls reported in the currents study are
nearly in close accordance with the
observation of (Yimamu, 2014). The Neck
Length (NL) of the cattle corresponds to the
length of the cervical bones beginning from
the Atlas and ending at the last cervical bone.
The NL also did not vary between the study
locations for bulls of a particular age category
and the values as obtained are in close
The HDL of bulls as observed in the study
is in close accordance with those of (Terefe
et al., 2015). While longer HDL was also
reported by (Banerjee et al., 2014) for Boran
bulls of similar age categories. The study
further indicates that the HDW values as
observed in the study are in close accordance
with the findings of (Banerjee et al., 2014) for
Borana breed and (Szabolcs et al., 2007) for
Red Angus breed. While narrower HDW
have been reported by (Szabolcs et al., 2007)
among beef breeds for Limousin breed. The
skull dimension is a breed character and bulls
with wider skulls are usually preferred as the
trait is associated with masculinity (Banerjee
et al., 2014). The results pertaining to the
Height at Withers (HAW) indicated that the
trait did not vary across bulls reared in the
two locations, the skeletal dimension is
associated with the length of the scapula,
humerus, radius, carpus, metacarpus and
phalanges and also the accessory bones
thereof (Banerjee et al., 2014). It has been
reported that cattle with longer fore and hind
limbs length have higher HAW. The cattle
with higher HAW usually have capacity for
grazing for long time and able to walk longer
distances (Banerjee et al., 2014). The HAW
values as reported among the bulls in the
current study are in close accordance with the
findings of (Zeleke et al., 2017) for Gamo
Gofa cattle. However, higher values for
HAW have also been reported by (Terefe et
al., 2015) for Mursi cattle. The Body Length
(BL) of the bulls of different age categories
indicates that the trait is similar across the
bulls (of a particular age category) and reared
in the two areas, this may be ascribed to the
genetic makeup of the breed. The BL of the
bulls as obtained in the study are in close
accordance with the findings of (Tenagne et
al., 2016). The BL as observed are shorter
than those bulls from Arsi highland of
Oromia region reported by (Yimamu, 2014).
However, bulls with long body usually have
higher carcass weight as there are enough
spaces for the internal organs to develop. The
study also indicates that the Horn Length
(HRL) of the bulls of age category 1varied in
29
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
(Genzebu, 2009*) (Taye, 2005). While, the
HDW varied among the heifers with higher
values recorded among the heifers reared in
Misha district, the values as recorded in the
study are in close accordance with those of
(Szabolcs et al., 2007) for Hungarian
Simmental, Aberdeen Angus, Red Angus and
Charolais. The BL of the heifers and cows did
not vary between the studies areas, the values
are in close accordance with those of (Terefe
et al., 2015). The BL of cows correspond
with their uterine capacity, while cows with
shorter BL have decreased uterine capacity
and vice versa. Thus, cows need to be bred
with bulls based on their body capacity. The
HRL varied among the heifers with the
values being higher among those reared in
Soro district. The HRL as observed in the
study are in close accordance with those of
(Alebachew, 2017) and (Tenagne et al.,
2016). However, the HRL as observed in the
current study are lower than those of Mursi
breed as reported by (Terefe et al., 2015) and
Gamo Gofa cattle reported by (Zeleke et al.,
2017). The shorter HRL in the heifers/cows
are desirable as it is linked with the feminity.
The study result indicates that the CW did not
vary among the heifers/cows (within a
particular age category) in the two locations.
The study also indicates that the HR was
higher (P<0.05) among the heifers reared at
Soro district while there were no such
differences recorded among the cows reared
at Misha district. The HR as recorded in this
study is in close accordance with the findings
of (Bekele, 2015). The value obtained for RL
showed that there were no differences
amongst the heifers and cows reared at both
the locations which was in close accordance
with the findings of (Yimamu, 2014) from
Arsi Highland of Oromia region and (Girma
et al., 2016) for Fogera cattle from
Northwestern Amhara region. The study also
indicated that the RW recorded were nearly
in close accordance with the findings of
(Girma et al., 2016). The RW of the heifers is
one of the most important traits as those
heifers with a wider rump have lesser chances
of dystocia (Banerjee et al., 2014). The NL of
accordance with the findings of (Banerjee et
al., 2014). For a bull it is desirable that the
NL is shorter with wider Neck
Circumference (NC) (Kugonza et al., 2011).
The Check Depth (CD) also indicated similar
trends for other skeletal structures. The CD
values correspond to the length of the ribs
emerging of the thoracic vertebrae being
joined together at the sternum. Deeper chest
also has advantages as it has a larger pleural
cavity and therefore helps in the expansion of
the lungs. The CD values as obtained in this
study are lower than the findings of (Banerjee
et al., 2014). The results pertaining to the Ear
Length (EL) of the bulls are also in close
accordance with the findings of (Genzebu,
2009). It has been reported in a study by
(Banerjee et al., 2014), which cattle with
longer EL are better adapted to the warm
climates as the skin is usually thin and have
well developed vagus nerves. The tail length
as observed in the study is also in close
accordance with the observations of (Terefe
et al., 2015). Bulls with longer tails usually
have the ability to drive away the flies and
hence are less prone to attacks of the external
parasites (Banerjee et al., 2014). The NC as
observed in this study are in close accordance
with those of (Banerjee et al., 2014) for
Borana bulls. The bulls should have short but
thick necks (Khargharia et al., 2015).
The findings as presented in Table 4
correspond
to
the
morphometrical
measurements of cows aged 1 and 2 PPI
(category 1) and 3 and 4 PPI (category 2).
The study shows that BW varied among the
heifers and cows (of a particular age
category) reared in the two locations. This
may be ascribed to the differences in
management and nutrition provided to the
heifers/cows provided to the cattle in Soro
district. The BW of the heifers and cows as
recorded in the two locations are lower than
the findings of (Tenagne et al., 2016) and
(Alebachew, 2017). The CG values followed
the above trend, the values as recorded are in
close accordance with the findings of
(Yimamu, 2014). The HDL of the
heifers/cows was similar to the findings of
30
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
bulls have space for the development of the
gut contents and hence can digest fibrous
feed. The RLI values as obtained in the study
are in compliance with the findings of
(Szabolcs et al., 2007). The value for the
Pelvic Index (PI) also shows that the rump
width is more than the rump length. The
wider rump is beneficial especially for the
heifers/cows as it reduces the chances of
dystocia (Banerjee et al., 2014) (Taye, 2005).
The results pertaining to the Body Index (BI)
of the bulls and cows reared in the two
studied locations indicate that the chest girth
is quite well-developed when compared to
the body length. A well-developed CG is
quite important when bulls are expected to be
employed for draft purpose while the trait is
also important to indicate the grazing ability
of the cows especially in the rough terrain
areas (Banerjee, 2015) (Khargharia et al.,
2015). The findings related to the Over
Increase Index (OVII) indicate that the HR is
slightly higher than those of the HAW, the
observations being in close accordance with
those of (Szabolcs et al., 2007). The study
pertaining to the Width Slope (WS) indicates
that the rump width is wider than those of the
chest width, which indicates an angular
shaped body of the cattle, which is quite
beneficial for the heifers and cows
(Khargharia et al., 2015). The findings
regarding the WS indicates that, the RW is
wider than the CW of the cattle and the values
being more among the heifers/cows
(Szabolcs et al., 2007). The results pertaining
to the BWI index indicates that the values are
more or less similar to the actual body weight
for the class of the bulls and cows as assessed
in the study using the measuring tape.
heifers and cows did not vary across the
studied locations (within a particular age
category), the NL values as observed are in
close accordance with those of (Genzebu,
2009). Longer NL and thinner NC is a
feminine trait and heifers/cows are desired
(Taye, 2005). The study also indicates that
there was no variation across the
heifers/cows reared in the two locations.
Similar trend was also recorded among the
heifers/cows for EL. The EL values as
observed in the current study are in close
accordance with the findings of (Bekele,
2015) among indigenous cattle in Bako Tibe
and Gobu Sayo districts of Oromia region.
The study also indicates that TL of heifers
and cows did not vary among the cattle reared
in the two studied locations, the values as
recorded are in close accordance with those
of (Terefe et al., 2015) on South Omo Zone
cattle.
Structural Indices Calculated from
Morphometrical Traits of Cattle
The summary of the structural indices of
the indigenous cattle of different age groups
in the study area are indicated in Tables 7 and
8. The findings show that the Height Index
(HI) did not vary between the study areas in
both the age categories. The HI values show
that the HAW was slightly lower than those
of BL of the cattle, these observations are in
close accordance with the findings of
(Szabolcs et al., 2007). Studies by (Chiemela
et al., 2016) have indicated that the animals
with shorter height and longer bodies are
prone to slip disc problems, however as the
values are not very different hence the
chances of it happening are too less. The
results pertaining to the Length Index (LI_1)
of the cattle supports the above claim; it is in
close accordance with the findings of
(Alderson, 1999). The results pertaining to
the Cephalic Index (CI) indicate that the head
length was longer than those of the head
width which comply with the findings of
(Chacón et al., 2011 & Szabolcs et al., 2007).
The results pertaining to the Rump Length
Index (RLI) indicate that the rump length is
around 30% of the body length, indicating
31
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
Table 3: Summary of body weight (kg) and other body measurements (cm) (Mean±SE) for bulls reared in the two districts
Traits
BW(kg)
CG
HDL
HDW
HAW
BL
HRL
MC
CW
HR
RL
RW
NL
CD
EL
TL
NC
Soro (N = 5)
184.4±7.64*
134.6±2.15*
41.0±31.62
20.2±0.37
106.8±2.22
116.2±3.88
14.2±2.89*
38.4±0.40
36.8±0.97
109.4±2.01
33.6±0.51
38.5±1.03
33.0±1.27
54.0±1.30
18.5±0.22
75.6±1.83
79.2±3.15
Dentition class 1 & 2 PPI
Misha (N = 13)
Overall (N=18)
153.2±1.38
161.89±4.03
125.8±0.41
128.28±1.14
37.8±0.11
38.72±0.36
19.08±0.13
19.39±0.18
101.54±1.19
103.0±1.17
113.15±0.88
114.0±1.22
7.69±0.86
9.50±1.19
37.2±0.13
37.56±0.19
31.58±0.64
33.03±0.77
103.6±1.2
105.25±1.18
31.58±0.86
32.14±0.66
35.0±0.53
35.97±0.58
32.69±1.19
32.78±0.91
49.62±0.78
50.83±0.81
17.5±0.22
17.78±0.20
73.46±0.51
74.06±0.64
70.46±1.14
72.89±1.49
Soro (N = 85)
214.79±1.44
142.4±0.35
41.5±0.12
21.15±0.08*
109.16±0.46
117.96±0.55
19.68±0.55
40.07±0.14
36.58±0.29
111.69±0.44
35.15±0.28
41.01±0.28
35.86±0.35
54.78±0.35
20.14±0.19
75.94±0.49
85.96±0.85
Dentition class 3 & 4PPI
Misha (N = 77)
220.79±2.07*
143.95±0.48*
41.64±0.118
20.90±0.10
110.81±0.38*
118.25±0.57
20.08±0.63
40.99±0.15
37.22±0.33
112.92±0.38*
34.76±0.30
39.66±0.29
36.75±0.33
55.71±0.38
20.26±0.16
77.43±0.33*
79.9±0.82
Overall (N = 162)
217.64±1.26
143.14±0.30
41.59±0.08
21.03±0.64
109.95±0.31
118.10±0.39
19.87±0.42
40.51±0.11
36.89±0.22
112.27±0.30
34.97±0.21
40.37±0.21
36.28±0.24
55.22±0.26
20.19±0.12
76.65±0.31
80.45±0.59
The values in the same row with different superscript are significantly different (p<0.05) for specified class.BW= Body Weight, CG= Chest Girth, HDL= Head Length, HDW= Head Width,
HAW= Height At Withers, BL= Body Length, HRL= Horn Length, MC= Muzzle Circumference, CW= Chest Width, HR= Height at Rump, RL= Rump Length, RW= Rump Width, NL= Neck
Length, CD= Chest Depth, EL= Ear Length, TL= Tail Length, NC= Neck Circumference, SE= Standard Error, N= Number.
32
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
Table 4: Summary of body weight (kg) and other body measurements (cm) (Mean±SE) for heifers/ cows reared in the two districts
Age group 1 and 2 PPI
Age group 3 and 4 PPI
Traits
Soro (N = 11)
Misha (N = 14)
Overall (N =25)
Soro (N = 229)
Misha (N = 217)
Overall (N = 446)
BW
168.45±6.77*
165.71±4.24
166.92±3.73
202.79±1.13**
196.01±0.81
199.49±0.72
CG
130.55±1.96*
130.0±1.33
130.24±1.11
140.14±0.30**
138.44±0.21
139.31±0.19
HDL
38.27±0.38
38.18±0.32
38.22±0.24
39.94±0.09
40.04±0.10
39.99±0.07
HDW
18.73±0.21
19.64±0.33*
19.24±0.22
20.08±0.07
20.53±0.08
20.30±0.054
HAW
104.91±0.78*
102.0±1.34
103.28±0.87
105.56±0.29
104.14±0.32
104.87±0.22
BL
112.91±0.80
110.71±1.19
111.68±0.77
113.31±0.29
113.93±0.29
113.61±0.21
HRL
15.18±2.57*
13.71±0.87
14.36±1.21
21.54±0.43
20.75±0.40
21.15±0.29
MC
38.41±0.56*
37.29±0.32
37.78±0.32
38.71±0.09
39.19±0.09
38.94±0.07
CW
34.27±0.47
34.07±0.52
34.16±0.35
35.75±0.21
35.21±0.23
35.49±0.15
HR
106.82±0.89*
104.5±1.42
105.52±0.89
107.67±0.30
106.74±0.31
107.22±0.22
RL
33.64±0.47*
32.79±0.81
33.16±0.49
34.16±0.23
32.56±0.22
33.38±0.17
RW
38.77±0.78
37.75±0.47
38.20±0.44
39.65±0.19
40.10±0.20
39.87±0.14
NL
29.73±0.52
32.0±0.62
31.00±0.47
35.77±0.26
36.06±0.28
35.91±0.19
CD
52.55±0.59
50.21±0.62
51.24±0.49
53.13±0.15*
53.10±0.18
53.12±0.12
EL
18.27±0.36*
16.93±0.19
17.52±0.23
19.26±0.09
18.92±0.09
19.10±0.06
TL
73.36±0.70
74.0±0.53
73.72±0.43
72.91±0.23
74.83±0.28
73.84±0.18
NC
68.73±0.63
72.21±1.64
70.68±1.004
72.87±0.39
73.53±0.42
73.19±0.29
The values in the same row with different superscript are significantly different (p<0.05) for specified class.BW= Body Weight, CG= Chest Girth, HDL= Head Length,
HDW= Head Width, HAW= Height At Withers, BL= Body Length, HRL= Horn Length, MC= Muzzle Circumference, CW= Chest Width, HR= Height at Rump, RL=
Rump Length, RW= Rump Width, NL= Neck Length, CD= Chest Depth, EL= Ear Length, TL= Tail Length, NC= Neck Circumference, SE= Standard Error, N= Number
33
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
Indices
HI
LI_1
CI
RLI
PI
BI
OVII
WS
BWI
Ba
DI
BR
LI_2
HS
Table 5: Comparison means of body indices (Mean±SE) for bulls with in different age classes
Age class 1 & 2 PPI
Age class 3 and 4 PPI
Soro
Misha
Overall
Soro
Misha
Overall
92.14±2.27
89.77±1.08
90.43±0.99
92.65±0.44
93.80±0.36
93.19±0.3
1.09±0.03
1.12±0.01
1.11±0.01
1.08±0.005
1.07±0.004
1.075±0.01
49.26±0.63
50.41±0.29
50.09±0.3
50.92±0.1*
50.18±0.19
50.57±0.1
29.01±0.79
27.90±0.72
28.21±0.56
29.85±0.27
29.46±0.31
29.66±0.20
114.68±3.5
111.62±2.8
112.47±2.2
117.22±1.15
114.72±1.27
116.03±0.8
86.39±2.98
89.93±0.79*
88.95±0.98
82.87±0.43
82.17±0.34
82.54±0.28
102.46±0.27
102.09±0.14
102.19±0.1
102.33±0.1*
101.90±0.10
102.12±0.1
1.70±0.54
3.42±0.52
2.94±0.44
4.43±0.296
2.44±0.27
3.48±0.21
172.82±7.4
151.14±2.10
157.16±3.4
196.90±1.29
199.24±1.71
198.01±1.0
0.65±0.01
0.71±0.02
0.69±0.02
0.72±0.01
0.67±0.0096
0.70±0.01
0.51±0.01
0.49±0.01
0.49±0.01
0.50±0.003
0.50±0.003
0.50±0.01
0.98±0.003
0.98±0.001
0.98±0.001
0.98±0.001
0.98±0.01*
0.98±0.01
2.151±0.04
2.29±0.03
2.25±0.03
2.16±0.14
2.13±0.012
2.14±0.01
2.60±0.25
2.15±0.14
2.25±0.129
2.524±0.11*
2.10±0.107
2.32±0.079
The values of the same row with in specific age class are significantly different *(P<0.05); HI= Height index, LI_1= Length Index_1, CI=
Cephalic Index, RLI= Rump Length Index, PI = Pelvic Index, BI = Body Index, OVI = Over increase Index, WS = Width Slope, BWI = Body
Weight Index, B = Balance, DI = Depth Index, BR = Body Ratio, LI_2 = Length Index_2.
34
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
Table 6: Comparison of means of body indices (Mean±SE) for cows and heifers with in different age classes
Indices
Age class 1 and 2 PPI
Age class 3 and 4
Soro
Misha
Overall
Soro
Misha
Overall
HI
92.95±0.83*
91.58±3.52
92.03±0.57
93.19±0.19
91.43±0.2
92.34±0.15
LI_1
1.08±0.01
1.09±0.01*
1.09±0.01
1.07±0.002
1.095±0.003
1.08±0.002
CI
48.94±0.34
50.99±0.46
50.32±0.37
50.25±0.11
51.27±0.14**
50.75±0.09
RLI
29.81±0.46*
27.92±0.63
28.53±0.47
30.17±0.22
28.61±0.21
29.41±0.15
PI
115.51±2.86
120.05±2.7
118.6±2.06
117.28±0.96
124.33±1.00
120.71±0.7
BI
86.71±1.59*
86.50±0.73
86.57±0.69
80.93±0.26
82.32±0.21**
81.61±0.08
OVI
101.81±0.13
102.35±0.3*
102.18±0.16
102.003±0.1
102.5±0.17**
102.3±0.06
WS
4.50±0.965
3.24±0.55
3.65±0.49
3.90±0.22
4.88±0.246
4.38±0.17
BWI
160.7±6.8**
157.57±2.5
158.59±2.72
192.41±1.17
188.4±0.8**
190.47±0.7
B
0.73±0.02
0.69±0.02
0.70±0.02
0.72±0.006
0.70±0.007
0.71±0.005
DI
0.50±0.01
0.49±0.01
0.49±0.01
0.50±0.002
0.51±0.0012
0.51±0.001
BR
0.98±0.001*
0.98±0.002
0.98.0.002
0.98±0.001
0.98±0.01**
0.98±0.001
LI_2
2.15±0.026
2.25±0.28
2.22±0.02
2.14±0.007
2.15±0.007
2.14±0.005
HS
1.91±0.15
2.39±0.26*
2.24±0.18
2.11±0.811
2.60±0.08**
2.35±0.58
The values of the same row with in specific age class are significantly different *(P<0.05) and **(P<0.01); HI= Height
index, LI_1= Length Index_1, CI= Cephalic Index, RLI= Rump Length Index, PI = Pelvic Index, BI = Body Index, OVI =
Over increase Index, WS = Width Slope, BWI = Body Weight Index, B = Balance, DI = Depth Index, BR = Body Ratio, LI_2
= Length Index_2.
35
Tariku Woldeyohannes et al., Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research. 7(2), 23-38. 2019
index, body ratio and height slope showed
highly significant (p<0.01) variation
between the two districts.
Even though, cattle give multiple purposes
for mixed crop livestock production,
further and detailed investigations are
needed to be accompanied to find more
comprehensive characterization result to
confirm that linear measurements be
related to production characteristics and to
identify the type and function of the
animal.
Molecular characterization should be done
including the related breeds.
The CW and CD values are higher than the
RW and RL values indicating that the cattle
are slightly off balance. However, the
heifers/cows have a better balance and can
therefore travel for longer distances when
compared to the steers/ bulls of the same age.
The Depth Index (DI) values indicate that the
CD is around half of the withers height which
indicates as good lung capacity of both the
sexes (Banerjee, 2015). The study also
indicates that the Body Ratio (BR) also
indicates that the HAW is slightly lower than
those of the HR therefore such animals are
slightly forward inclined and the
observations are in close accordance with
those of (Chacón et al., 2011).
The length index_2 (LI_2) also indicates
that BL is twice that of the CD which is a
common feature in the cattle, the
observations are in close agreement with the
findings of (Banerjee et al., 2014). The
findings of HS indicate that the height at
rump is more than those of the withers, which
correspond to the earlier findings of the body
ratio (Banerjee et al., 2014). Therefore, the
study indicates that the cattle population
involved in the current study are a dual type
(bulls for light draft and the cows as mothers
for the bulls) and are well suited for moderate
grazing.
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