The Application of Structural Indices to Assess Type and Function of Indigenous Goat Population in Ethiopia: Review

Abstract

This review is aimed to provide well-organized information on structural and functional indices of indigenous goat population in Ethiopia to assess their type and function.  Ethiopian goat populations are managed under different production systems and vary with their type and function. The review indicated that goat types in Jimma zone of Ethiopia were characterized as medium in dactyl thorax, small in weight; longer at the rump than at wither and their general body conformation was intermediary meat type. Central Highland goat in Ataye farm was also classified as meat type animals. In the Gamo Gofa zone, Arba Minch Zuria district goats were categorized as medium-sized and long-shaped body frames, with meat type animals along with signs of adaptation to its environment. On the other hand, Mirab Abaya goats were characterized as medium-sized with dairy type. In the Sidama zone, Bucks age groups 3 and 4 reared in Lokabaya have good thoracic development than any other age and sex group across the districts. Goats in the East Gojjam zone are short-bodied, long linear, curved, less compacted with poor thoracic development, balanced, light, and dairy type animals. However, the Dactyl thorax and Relative cannon thickness index showed that bucks have the better muscling ability and possess meat type. Similarly, these goat types are lower at the whither than the rump thus may be prone to dust infestation. In general, indigenous goat populations in Ethiopia may be settled as both meat and dairy type animals. So, this review could serve as a baseline for the classification of Ethiopian goats into type and function and it requires further studies on goat structural indices.