Unique and Valuable Sheep Genetic Resources Identified in the Peripheral Isolated Areas of the North Western Lowlands of Ethiopia

This study was carried out to assess sheep genetic resources diversity in the peripheral isolated areas of north-western lowlands of Ethiopia. Four districts namely Metema, West Armacheho, Kafta Humera and Guba along the Sudan border were selected purposely with the aim of dealing with previously untouched areas. A total of 71 sheep owners and 455 sheep were involved in this study. Quantitative measurements and morphological characters were measured, observed and recorded for 357 adult sheep. In addition, body weight of 98 young sheep at mean age of 5.9 months were recorded. PROC FREQ, PROC GLM, PROC CANDISC and PROC DISCRIM in SAS were used to analyse the data. Similar morphological characters like convex face, presence of dewlap, large body size, long ears and long tail were observed in all locations. Both sexes were mostly polled. However, significant (p<0.05) locational variations were found in coat colour and most of the quantitative measurements. Sheep flocks in Kafta Humera and Guba were dominated by white color, while in Metema and West Armacheho red colour was dominant. Mean body weight of mature females and males were 43.3±0.75 and 54.3±1.43 kg, respectively. The largest bodyweight was found in West Armacheho (46.9±1.00 kg) followed by Guba, Metema and Kafta Humera with body weight of 43.6±1.50, 41.8±1.14 and 40.7±1.44, respectively. The overall six months weight was 31.3±1.47 kg which was not affected by location, sex and management (p>0.05). The multivariate discriminant analysis revealed two separate populations: Metema and west Armacheho in one cluster and Kafta Humera and Goba population in the other cluster. The name Begayit and Men Amer have been used for the sheep population in Kafta Humera and the name Felata was used for sheep population in Guba. Whereas the name Rutana has been widely used for red-colored sheep mostly found in Mentema and West Armacheho adjacent districts. The study revealed the presence of unique and valuable sheep genetic resources in the peripheral isolated areas which would be further improved and exploited through a structured breeding program.