Phenotypic characterization of cattle breeds in Southern Ethiopia: Implications for breed differentiation and conservati

This study aimed to characterize and quantify the phenotypic relationship between Gamo and Gofa cattle breeds using nine morphometric measurements and 11 morphological traits. A total of 600 adult cattle (486 females and 114 males) were randomly selected from six purposively chosen districts. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using Statistical Analysis Software. The univariate analysis revealed the morphometric values and morphological characteristics of both cattle breeds but did not show significant variations between them. The majority of the cattle exhibited uniformly patterned coat colour, upward-oriented, straight-shaped horns with black colour, laterally oriented ears with rounded edges, straight face profiles, small hump sizes, short coat hair, and medium tail length. In accordance with the phenotypic similarities observed in the univariate analysis, multivariate analysis also failed to identify significant differences between the two breeds. These results suggest that the two cattle breeds are phenotypically inseparable. However, these phenotypic similarities do not necessarily indicate genetic similarities. Therefore, further genetic characterization is recommended to assess the degree of genetic relationship between the breeds. In the meantime, it is advised to design breed-specific in situ conservation and genetic improvement programmes without separating the cattle breeds.