https://doi.org/10.52973/rcfcv-e33241
Received: 23/03/2023 Accepted: 27/03/2023 Published: 27/04/2023
1 of 7
Revista Científica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIII, rcfcv-e33241, 1 – 7
ABSTRACT
The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of variation in
number and diversity of colors, coat pattern, and skin color and
its effect on longevity and etnological indices in local goats from
Northern Mexico. Two hundred fty-one adult goats were chosen. The
aforementioned variables were recorded in addition to age, live weight
(LW), body condition (BC), and fteen zoometric traits. Seventeen
indices were calculated. The group with two colors was different
(P<0.05) in age and BC. Skin color was different in LW and BC (P<0.05).
BC was higher in white coat mottled animals (P<0.05). The one-color
group presented the highest Facial Index. Flat-coated Animals had
higher Index of horns. Cephalic, pelvic, facial, compactness, relative
chest depth, substernal slenderness, and relative shortness indices
were different in coat color. It is concluded that this population was
phaneroptically heterogeneous and the number, diversity of colors,
coat pattern, and skin color inuence the longevity and ethnological
and functional indices.
Key words: Characterization; conservation; morphostructure; arid
zones; goats
RESUMEN
El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto que tiene la variación en
número y diversidad de colores, patrón de la capa y color de piel y sus
efectos sobre longevidad, índices etnológicos y funcionales en cabras
locales de la Comarca Lagunera, al norte de México. Se eligieron al
azar 251 caprinos locales adultos. Se registraron las variables antes
mencionadas además de edad, peso vivo (PV), condición corporal (CC)
y 15 variables zoométricas. Se calcularon 17 índices: Corporal (ICor);
cefálico (ICF); pelviano (IPV); torácico (ITo); facial (IF); de cuernos
(ICur); de compacidad (IComp); peso relativo (IPR); proporcionalidad
(IProp); profundidad relativa de tórax (IPRT); grupa transversal
(IGT); grupa longitudinal (IGL); diferencia de alturas (IDA); orejas
(IO); torácico auricular (ITA); esbeltez subesternal (IES) y cortedad
relativa (ICR). Los datos fueron analizados con ANOVA y la prueba de
Tukey. El grupo con dos colores fue diferente (P<0,05) en edad y CC.
Color de piel fue diferente en PV y CC (P<0,05). No se encontraron
diferencias (P>0.05) en edad, peso y CC debido al patrón de capa.
Animales con capa marrón y marrón con parche tuvieron la mayor
edad dentro de los hatos (P<0,05). La CC fue mayor en animales con
capa blanca moteada (P<0,05). El grupo de un color presentó el mayor
IF. Animales con capa plana tuvieron mayor ICur. ICF, IPV, IF, IComp,
IPRT, IDA, IES e ICR fueron diferentes en color de la capa. IO e ITA
tuvieron mayores valores en animales con dos colores, IO en animales
de piel rosada, ITA en ejemplares de piel negra y rosada (P<0,05) e IES
en animales con piel rosada y blanca (P<0,05). Se concluye que esta
población es fanerópticamente heterogénea y el número, diversidad
de colores, patrón de capa y color de piel inuyen en la longevidad,
índices etnológicos y funcionales de esta población.
Palabras clave: Caracterización; conservación; fenotipo;
morfoestructura; zonas áridas; caprinos
Effect of coat and skin color variation on longevity, ethnological and
functional indices in local goats
Efecto del color de capa y piel en la longevidad e índices etnológicos y funcionales del ganado caprino
local
Jorge Alonso Maldonado-Jáquez
1,2
, Glaro Torres-Hernández
1
, Yuridia Bautista-Martinez
3
, Pablo Arenas-Baéz
4
y Lorenzo Danilo Granados-Rivera
5
*
1
Colegio de Postgraduados, Campus Montecillo, Montecillo, Estado de México, México.
2
Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Campo Experimental La Laguna. Matamoros, Coahuila, México.
3
Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, México.
4
Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Unidad Regional Universitaria de Zonas Áridas. Bermejillo, Durango, México.
5
Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, Campo Experimental General Terán. General Terán, Nuevo Léon, México.
*Autor para correspondencia: granados.danilo@inifap.gob.mx
FIGURE 1. Measurement of body measurements in local goats from
Northeast Mexico
Skin color variation and coat on functional parameters in local goats / Maldonado-Jáquez et al. ___________________________________
2 of 7
INTRODUCTION
The main challenges for the genetic improvement of local breeds
are the implementation of selection schemes and classical breeding
of small populations [4]. However, before planning such schemes to
increase the productivity, it is essential to know the available genetic
resources [12], through phenotype characterizations of the racial
prole of individuals, including productive function, and genetic
characterizations to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) level that reveals the
extension of genetic diversity and the relationships among breeds [3].
Since the phenotypic variation arises from the combination of
the genotype and enviroment along with their possible interaction,
the evaluation of the magnitude of such phenotypic variability is
important due differences between environments and breeds. In a
conventional breeding scheme, two suites of traits have been used
to evaluate the phenotype variability, one related with phaneroptic
traits and the other one related with morphological traits. Both
are essential components of phenotype characterization in local
populations [6]. In this sense, the coat color in goats (Capra hircus) is
known as a genetic adaptation propelled by environmental conditions
[10], therefore, the changes that are perceived in the climate suggest
a deeper interaction between traits such as skin and hair color with
productive and reproductive aspects and the general behavior of the
animals [7]. However, the studies that consider these characteristics
and their effect in both productive and reproductive traits in local
goats are scarce, particularly in Mexico, since all these studies are
merely descriptive [9, 14, 15].
Therefore, the objectives of this research were to evaluate the
effects of the number and diversity of colors; coat pattern, and skin
color of goats on longevity; ethnological and functional indices in
local goats from Comarca Lagunera in Northern Mexico.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was carried out in the of Coahuila State, in Northern
Mexico, located at 24°22' N and 102°22' W, at an average altitude of
1,139 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). The climate is desert, semi-warm
with cool winter, and average annual rainfall of 240 milimeters (mm).
Two hundred fty-one local adult goats (46 males and 205 females)
were randomly chosen from a core of 2,980 animals from 26 production
units located in four Municipalities of Coahuila: San Pedro de las
Colonias (n=49), Francisco I. Madero (n=38), Torreón (n=73) and Viesca
(n=91). The sample size of each region was not uniform and was relatively
unbalanced due to the characteristics of the herds chosen randomly
from each place. The phaneroptic variables recorded included: number
of coat colors (1, 2, or 3); coat color diversity (9 variants); coat pattern
(at, patchy, mottled) and skin color (black, pink, white), as well as age of
life (months), live weight (LW; kilograms –kg–), body condition score (BC)
and 15 zoometric variables. All zoometric measurements were recorded
in centimeters (cm) with a soft measuring tape (Selanusa, México). The
body condition score (BC), dened according to the scale described by
Rivas-Muñoz et al. [13]. The LW was taken fasting with an electronic
hanging scale (model BAC-300, Rhino, México) with a capacity of 300
kg ± 100 grams –g– ). The zoometric measures considered were: skull
length (SL), skull width (SW), horns length (HL), mean perimeter of
horns (MPH), face length (FL), face width (FW), bicoastal diameter (BiDi),
body length (BL), chest girth (ChG), height at the withers (HAW), rump
length (RL), rump width (RW), sacro-lumbar height (SLH), ears length
(EL) and chest depth (CD) (FIG. 1).
Seventeen indices were calculated (6 ethnological and 11 functional),
which express relationships between two linear dimensions. The
ethnological indices were:
• body index (BI=BL/ChG*100);
• cephalic (CI=SW/SL*100);
• pelvic (PI=RW/RL*100);
• thoracic (THI=BiDi/CD*100);
• facial (FI= FW/FL*100);
• horns (HI=MPH/HL*100).
The functional indices were:
• compactness (CompI=LW/BL*100);
• relative weight (RWI=LW/HAW*100);
• proportionality (PropI= BL/HAW*100)=;
• relative chest depth (RCDI=CD/HAW*100);
• transverse rump (TRI=RW/HAW*100);
• longitudinal rump (LRI=RL/HAW*100);
• height difference (HDI=SLH/HAW*100);
• ears (EI=EL/HAW*100);
• atrial thoracic (ATI=EL/CD*100);
• substernal slenderness (SSI=HAW+CD/HAW);
• relative shortness (RSI=HAW/BiDi*100).
Analysis of variance were performed using the statistical package
SAS v9.4 [16]. Differences between means were calculated through
the Tukey test (α=0.05).
FIGURE 2. Color types and coat pattern of local goats in Northeastern
Mexico
______________________________________________________________________Revista Cientifica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIII, rcfcv-e33241, 1 – 7
3 of 7
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
An effect (P<0.05) of the number of colors of the coat was found
for the variable age and BC. The highest values were found in the
two-color group (FIG. 2).
point for purposes of breeding, but at the same time it represents a
valuable resource in terms of germplasm protection.
Likewise, the skin color was different (P<0.05) in LW and BC. The
highest weight was found in animals with white skin and the highest
BC in the group of animals with pink skin. No differences (P>0.05)
were found in age, weight and BC due to the coat pattern (TABLE I).
The results showed a high degree of heterogeneity in the population
since the coecients of variation were high and had the possibility of
having been inuenced by the numerous crosses between different
breeds in the population [3]. This suggests the development of
unique phenotypic characteristics related to biological adaptation
to the environment and the management they receive [12]. Thus, the
variability found in local goats of this study was higher than those
found by Bravo and Sepúlveda [3] for different zoometric indices
in Araucano creole sheeps, this variability is interesting depending
on use since a variation between 5 and 9% is an important starting
TABLE I
Number of colors, coat pattern and skin color by
age, weight and body condition of local goats from
Comarca Lagunera in Northern Mexico
Variable
Number of colors
P-value R
2
CV
One
color
Two
colors
Three
colors
Age
(months)
37.0 ± 2.6
b
44.3 ± 2.0
a
40.1 ± 4.1
ab
0.0168 0.09 40.25
Weight
(kg)
48.1 ± 1.6 48.2 ± 1.2 49.8 ± 2.5 0.7368 0.08 21.82
BC 1.9 ± 0.1
b
2.2 ± 0.1
a
1.9 ± 0.2
ab
0.0412 0.06 36.48
APG 82 146 23 - - -
Coat pattern
Flat Patched Mottled
Age
(months)
42.8 ± 2.1 40.4 ± 2.4 43.6 ± 4.2 0.8309 0.09 40.25
Weight
(kg)
48.1 ± 1.3 49.0 ± 1.5 46.4 ± 2.5 0.2923 0.08 21.82
BC 2.1 ± 0.1 2.1 ± 0.1 1.9 ± 0.2 0.3112 0.06 36.48
APG 111 119 21 - - -
Skin color
Black Pink White
Age
(months)
42.9 ± 1.7 41.5 ± 2.8 35.5 ± 6.6 0.4060 0.09 40.25
Weight
(kg)
47.3 ± 1.0
b
48.1 ± 1.7
b
57.8 ± 3.8
a
0.0111 0.08 21.82
BC 1.9 ± 0.1
b
2.3 ± 0.1
a
2.3 ± 0.3
ab
0.0452 0.06 36.48
APG 177 66 8 - - -
APG: Animals per group.
abc
: Different letters between columns indicate
difference (
P<0.05), R
2
: Determination coecient, CV: Coecient of variation.
Differences (P<0.05) were found due to the diversity of the coat
color. The highest values for age were found in the animals with a
brown and patchy brown coat. In BC, it was found that the animals
with a mottled white coat had the highest averages (TABLE II).
Regarding the coat color, Lee et al. [7] found results with similar
trends in Holstein cattle (Bos taurus) and where animals with a
mostly black coat present greater longevity and therefore a greater
milk production, determining a positive relationship between
these variables, since greater longevity presents an increase in the
productivity of animals. On the other hand, Ozoje and Mgbere [11]
suggested that black goats take up more heat, drink more water, lose
less weight in the dry season and gain more weight than light-colored
animals, all of which is directly related to productivity.
Skin color variation and coat on functional parameters in local goats / Maldonado-Jáquez et al. ___________________________________
4 of 7
Regarding the ethnological indices, differences were found in the
number of coat colors only for face index (IF), where goats of one and
three colors had the highest values and where goats of one and two
colors were different (P<0.05). According to the coat pattern, HI had
the highest value (P<0.05) in the at coat animals (TABLE III). Findings
of this study could be used in the design and establishment of practical
selection schemes into conventional breeding strategies. In particular,
the brown color predominated over other colors similar to that reported
by Adalsteinsson et al. [1]; it means to provide to the producer a practical
tool to select specimens based on their appearance in order to improve
productivity. It has been reported that the genes that determine coat
color have an impact on the zoometric traits of animals and could
be used as biomarkers to perform ecient selections in breeding
programs [10]. Thus, a genetically xed condition (coat color) would be
chosen, which would favor survival in a particular environment [2] and
the identication of breed attributes for a specic environment [17].
On the other hand, no trend was found regarding to the number
of colors in the local goats of Northern Mexico. This resembles that
reported by Mashner et al. [8], who point out that the local goat
populations in Moldova were characterized by high heterogeneity in hair
color, which is common in non-improved local breeds. This information
differs from the study of Hossain et al. [6], which indicated that certain
genotypes, such as Black Bengal goats, present a relative homogeneity,
since 80% of their population were black, but a small portion included
white, brown, moor, and mottled specimens, however, it is unknown
whether the animals were subjected to any genetic improvement
program, which would strengthens the previous argument.
Related to ethnological indices, differences were found (P<0.05) for
the CI, PI, and FI indices for coat color (TABLE IV). For CI, the highest
values were found in animals with white and white mottled coats,
without differences with the rest of the colors (P>0.05), except for black
color (P<0.05). In PI, the highest value was found in patchy brown coat
animals, without differences among the other colors (P> 0.05), and in
TABLE II
Means ± Standard Deviations for: Age; Weight and Body Condition
for local goats from the Comarca Lagunera in Northern Mexico
Coat color
Variable
N
Age
(Months)
Weight
(kg)
BC
Black 19 42.0 ± 4.4
ab
48.1 ± 2.7 1.9 ± 0.2
b
Brown 26 48.8 ± 3.9
a
50.5 ± 2.4 2.0 ± 0.2
b
White 38 45.9 ± 3.8
ab
51.3 ± 2.3 1.9 ± 0.2
b
Moor 5 47.6 ± 7.9
ab
47.1 ± 4.8 1.8 ± 0.3
b
Mottled white 11 39.4 ± 5.6
ab
45.4 ± 3.4 3.1 ± 0.2
a
White / patch 31 40.9 ± 3.8
ab
46.6 ± 2.3 1.8 ± 0.2
b
Brown / patch 58 48.4 ± 2.9
a
49.3 ± 1.8 2.0 ± 0.2
b
Mottled brown 11 35.2 ± 5.3
b
46.3 ± 2.1 2.0 ± 0.2
b
Black / patch 29 35.4 ± 3.7
b
50.5 ± 2.3 2.0 ± 0.2
b
Three colors 23 40.1 ± 4.1
ab
49.8 ± 2.5 1.9 ± 0.2
b
P-value 0.0420 0.3957 0.0141
TABLE III
Ethnological indices for number of colors, coat pattern and skin
color in local goats from Comarca Lagunera in Northern Mexico
Index
Number of coat colors
P-value R
2
CV
One
color
Two
colors
Three
colors
IB 59.9 ± 1.4 59.8 ± 1.1 60.0 ± 2.2 0.8640 0.04 15.30
IC 85.9 ± 2.3 88.8 ± 1.8 86.4 ± 3.7 0.9009 0.06 17.35
IP 70.3 ± 1.4 70.5 ± 1.1 70.0 ± 2.2 0.7185 0.06 13.01
ITh 29.1 ± 0.6 29.1 ± 0.5 29.5 ± 0.9 0.8119 0.03 14.1
IF 50.9 ± 1.5
a
47.7 ± 1.1
b
49.4 ± 2.3
ab
0.0148 0.08 19.86
IH 54.4 ± 8.9 55.9 ± 6.5 69.8 ± 12.6 0.2379 0.07 86.60
Coat pattern
Flat Patched Mottled
IB 59.8 ± 1.1 59.6 ± 1.3 60.71 ± 2.2 0.9707 0.04 15.30
IC 89.3 ± 1.9 88.6 ± 2.1 84.3 ± 3.8 0.9009 0.06 17.35
IP 69.8 ± 1.1 70.6 ± 1.3 71.3 ± 2.2 0.9609 0.06 13.01
ITh 29.2 ± 0.5 29.4 ± 0.6 28.8 ± 0.9 0.8879 0.03 14.1
IF 49.5 ± 1.2 49.6 ± 1.3 46.6 ± 2.3 0.7413 0.08 19.86
IH 67.4 ± 7.3
a
48.0 ± 7.7
b
52.9 ± 12.6
ab
0.0218 0.07 86.60
Skin color
Black Pink White
IB 59.9 ± 0.8 59.7 ± 1.5 60.1 ± 3.27 0.9661 0.04 15.30
IC 86.4 ± 1.5 90.2 ± 2.4 87.8 ± 5.5 0.9009 0.06 17.35
IP 70.7 ± 0.9 70.9 ± 1.5 66.0 ± 3.3 0.3310 0.06 13.01
ITh 29.4 ± 0.4 28.6 ± 0.7 29.4 ± 1.5 0.3740 0.03 14.1
IF 48.8 ± 1.0 49.6 ± 1.6 47.1 ± 3.5 0.4918 0.08 19.86
IH 56.8 ± 5.4 54.0 ± 9.5 76.4 ± 22.3 0.7882 0.07 86.60
ab
: Different letters between columns indicate difference (P<0.05), R
2
:
Determination coecient, CV: Coecient of variation, IB: body index,
IC: cephalic index, IP:pelvic index, ITh: thoracic index, IF: facial index, IH:
horns index.
FI, black, brown, patchy white and a combination of three colors had
the highest values with no differences between colors (P> 0.05) except
with brown animals (P<0.05). In terms of ethnological characteristics,
these are important because their variation is not influenced by
environmental or management factors [5]. These indices indicate
the racial homogeneity degree on their structure and proportions
(compactness, height and length), and in this study they mostly do not
differ, showing that goats have a common genetic origin, which means
that they maintain similar proportions [12] and regardless of color, goats
have the same conformation [8]. However, if the variation within each
index is considered, the possibility of formation (through an evolutionary
process) of a different local breed could be explored. But this must be
done by comparing different genotypes, identifying divisions between
groups, and the participation of different breeds, which can be done
with the support of ethnological and functional indices, as well as with
the support of molecular tools. The above information is essential to
develop actions that guarantee the conservation of genetic variability
and the reduction of the erosion that strongly impact the adaptation
characteristics of these local populations [14].
______________________________________________________________________Revista Cientifica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIII, rcfcv-e33241, 1 – 7
5 of 7
TABLE IV
Coat color by ethnological indices and functional indices in local goats from the Comarca Lagunera in Northern Mexico
Ethnological índices
Black Brown White Moor
Mottled
white
White /
patch
Brown /
patch
Mottled
brown
Black /
patch
Three
colors
P-value
IB 57.2 ± 2.0 59.6 ± 2.1 57.2 ± 2.0 61.3 ± 4.13 63.1 ± 2.9 62.9 ± 2.0 58.1 ± 1.5 57.3 ± 2.8 60.7 ± 1.9 60.0 ± 2.2 0.8640
IC 81.9 ± 3.9
b
87.3 ± 3.5
ab
93.9 ± 3.4
a
82.7 ± 6.9
ab
95.9 ± 4.9
a
84.7 ± 3.4
ab
87.3 ± 2.6
ab
87.4 ± 4.7
ab
90.1 ± 3.3
ab
86.7 ± 3.4
ab
0.0238
IP 69.2 ± 2.3
abc
73.1 ± 2.1
bc
67.6 ± 2.0
b
70.4 ± 4.2
abc
72.1 ± 2.3
abc
70.3 ± 2.0
abc
73.1 ± 1.5
a
69.5 ± 2.8
abc
68.4 ± 1.9
ab
70.0 ± 2.2
abc
0.0197
ITh 29.9 ± 1.1 28.1 ± 0.9 29.7 ± 0.9 30.8 ± 1.9 28.7 ± 1.3 29.0 ± 0.9 28.7 ± 0.7 28.7 ± 1.3 28.9 ± 0.9 29.5 ± 0.9 0.9197
IF 51.8 ± 2.5
a
44.7 ± 2.2
b
47.9 ± 2.2
ab
55.0 ± 4.4
a
45.0 ± 3.1
ab
50.2 ± 2.1
a
48.2 ± 1.6
ab
46.4 ± 2.9
ab
49.2 ± 2.1
ab
50.4 ± 2.3
a
0.0114
IHr 48.0 ± 15.5 58.4 ± 13.2 45.3 ± 12.8 42.6 ± 22.3 51.6 ± 17.9 63.5 ± 11.9 69.8 ± 9.5 56.5 ± 17.6 58.1 ± 14.0 69.8 ± 12.6 0.9561
Functional Indices
IComp 95.9 ± 4.7
ab
95.1 ± 4.4
ab
99.3 ± 4.3
a
92.6 ± 8.9
ab
86.0 ± 6.3
b
89.4 ± 4.3
b
97.3 ± 3.3
ab
93.4 ± 6.0
ab
100.3 ± 4.2
a
95.9 ± 4.7
ab
0.0371
IRW 67.9 ± 3.8 70.1 ± 3.4 73.8 ± 3.3 67.0 ± 6.8 63.6 ± 4.8 65.2 ± 3.3 70.9 ± 2.5 65.9 ± 4.6 74.0 ± 3.2 68.7 ± 3.6 0.1994
IProp 70.8 ± 2.3 74.1 ± 2.0 75.1 ± 1.9 72.5 ± 4.1 74.5±.2.9 72.5 ± 1.9 73.2 ± 1.5 70.8 ± 2.8 74.9 ± 1.9 71.9 ± 2.1 0.6613
IRCD 82.2 ± 0.9
bc
82.4 ± 0.8
bc
81.0 ± 0.8
c
83.9 ± 1.6
ab
84.1 ± 1.1
a
83.5 ± 0.8
ab
82.6 ± 0.6
bc
82.0 ± 1.1
bc
82.6 ± 0.8
bc
83.2 ± 0.8
ab
0.0345
ITR 22.5 ± 0.8 23.3 ± 0.7 22.5 ± 0.7 22.0 ± 1.4 23.8 ± 1.0 22.1 ± 0.7 22.9 ± 0.5 21.4 ± 0.9 22.8 ± 0.7 22.1 ± 1.4 0.3986
ILR 25.0 ± 1.0 24.5 ± 0.9 24.8 ± 0.9 23.3 ± 1.8 25.1 ± 1.3 24.7 ± 0.9 23.1 ± 0.7 23.1 ± 1.2 24.3 ± 0.9 24.1 ± 0.9 0.8645
IHD 99.8 ± 2.5
ab
101.3 ± 2.2
ab
102.4 ± 2.2
a
102.8 ± 1.6
ab
98.4 ± 3.2
ab
97.4 ± 2.2
b
102.8 ± 1.6
a
94.3 ± 2.9
b
101.8±2.
ab
98.5 ± 2.3
ab
0.0175
IE 10.5 ± 0.5 10.7 ± 0.5 10.8 ± 0.5 11.1 ± 0.9 11.8 ± 0.7 11.0 ± 0.5 11.5 ± 1.0 11.6 ± 0.7 10.7 ± 0.5 10.6 ± 0.5 0.9818
IAT 0.26 ± 0.02
b
0.29 ± 0.02
ab
0.27 ± 0.02
ab
0.31 ± 0.03
ab
0.32 ± 0.02
a
0.28 ± 0.02
ab
0.29 ± 0.02
ab
0.30 ± 0.02
ab
0.26 ± 0.01
b
0.27 ± 0.01
ab
0.0468
ISS 69.9 ± 1.4
ab
71.0 ± 1.2
ab
68.7 ± 1.2
ab
69.2 ± 2.4
ab
69.8 ± 1.7
ab
69.7 ± 1.2
ab
68.9 ± 0.9
ab
64.2 ± 1.6
b
68.2 ± 1.1
b
71.3 ± 1.2
a
0.0371
IRS 272.9 ± 9.5
ab
287.5 ± 8.5
bc
257.4 ± 8.3
b
277.6 ± 17.1
abc
296.7 ± 12.1
bc
303.3 ± 8.3
a
280.9 ± 6.3
bc
284.4 ± 11.5
abc
276.0 ± 8.0
ab
285.2 ± 8.9
bc
0.0126
abc
: Different letters between columns indicate difference (P<0.05), IB: body index, IC: cephalic index, IP: pelvic index, ITh: thoracic index, IF: facial index, IH:
horns index, IComp: compactness index, Iprop: proportionality index, IRCD:: relative chest depth index, ITR: transverse rump index, ILR: longitudinal rump
index, IHD: height difference index, IE: ears index, IAT: atrial thoracic index, ISS: subesternal slenderness index, IRS: relative shortness index
Regarding the functional indices, CompI, RCDI, HDI, ATI, SSI,
and RSI indices were different (P<0.05) when the coat color was
evaluated. CompI was higher in black coat and was different only
from animals with white mottled and patchy white coats (P<0.05).
IRCD and ATI presented the highest value in white mottled coat
animals, and where ATI was different from black and patchy black
animals (P<0.05). HDI was higher in animals with a white and patchy
brown coat and differences were found only with white patchy and
brown mottled animals (P<0.05). SSI was higher in animals with a
three-color coat and differed only from brown mottled and black
patchy animals (P<0.05) and RSI in white patchy animals (TABLE
IV). The relationship between body measurements can indicate
the productive aptitude of the animals, in this regard indices such
as PI indicates the relationship between width and length of the
pelvis, and CI allows classifying dolichocephalic animals (width
predominates overhead length) and mesocephalic (head width and
length are similar), IRCD relates the diameter sternal back and raised
to the withers; and IRS indicates that the lower the value the closer
the animal is to a rectangle, the predominant shape in animals with
meat aptitude [12], which according to the obtained results, suggest
animals with merely dairy aptitude. The measurements related to
height (withers and rump), allow identifying the productive prole
of the animals. When the external iliac tuberosities are raised and
contribute to a greater inclination of the rump and a slight narrowing
of the buttock musculature [5] and refers to animals prone to meat
tness. Therefore, considering these ndings, the functional indices
suggest that the dimensions of the animals in all groups correspond
to animals with an aptitude for milk production, as indicated above,
but with considerable intra-population variability [12].
Regarding the functional indices, EI and ATI were higher in two-color
animals which differed only from one-color animals (P<0.05). Likewise,
EI was higher in the group of animals with pink and black skin and
where only the pink-skinned group was different from the white-
skinned group (P<0.05), ATI in the groups of black and pink skin
(P<0.05) and SSI was higher (P<0.05) in the groups of animals with
pink and white skin (TABLE V). Finally, indices such as IRCD, IE, IAT,
and ISS, are considered as indicators of adaptation to heat and the arid
environment. Therefore, the knowledge of these indices is of utmost
importance in the phenotype characterization of local populations,
since the evolutionary mechanisms that these genetic groups have
developed to carry out more ecient thermoregulation processes,
Skin color variation and coat on functional parameters in local goats / Maldonado-Jáquez et al. ___________________________________
6 of 7
that include morphological adaptations such as the increase in
surface skin exposure, histology adaptations for increasing blood
ow to the extremities, and color adaptations to better dissipate
heat deserve special attention particularly in the context of climate
change [6]. Higher value in these indices is indicative of a better
adaptation to environmental conditions, which coincides with the
ndings of the present study in all groups studied.
CONCLUSIONS
The local goats of Northern Mexico, specically from Comarca
Lagunera, are phaneroptically heterogeneous.
The number of coat colors, their diversity of coat colors, coat
pattern, and skin color inuence longevity, as well as the ethnological,
and functional indices.
This preliminary study a suitable tool for animal breeding based
on phenotype qualications of productive traits (indices) for the
identication of outstanding breed genotypes well-adapted to desert
conditions of northern Mexico.
These results are part of a pioneering study of genetic
characterization of local populations of goats in Comarca Lagunera,
the main goat milk-producing region under extensive grazing in
Northern Mexico, where goats are key species for food security in
rural communities into climate change scenario, for which its study
and characterization should be considered a priority.
Conict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conict of interest.
REFERENCES BIBLIOGRAPHICS
[1] ADALSTEINSSON, S.; SPONENBERG, D.P.; ALEXIEVA, S.; RUSSEL
J.F. Inheritance of goat coat colors. J. Hered. 85(4): 267–272.
1994. https://doi.org/gpc6qd.
[2] BERNANBUCCI, U.; LACETERA, N.; BAUMGARD, L.H.; RHOADS,
R.P.; RONCHI, B.; NARDONE, A. Metabolic and hormonal
acclimation to heat stress in domesticated ruminants. Anim.
4(7): 1167–1183. 2010. https://doi.org/fnm3t9.
[3] BRAVO, S.; SEPÚLVEDA, N. Índices zoométricos en ovejas criollas
Araucanas. Internat. J. Morphol. 28(2): 489–495. 2019. https://
doi.org/ds48rw.
[4] GANDINI, G.; TURRI, F; RIZZI, R; CROTTA, M; MINOZZI, G.; PIZZI,
F. Economic evaluation of genetic improvement in local breeds:
the case of the Verzaschee goat. Ital. J. Anim. Sci. 16(2): 199–207.
2017. https://doi.org/f986r3.
[5] HERRERA, M.; LUQUE, M. Morfoestructura y sistemas para el
futuro en la variación morfológica. En: Valoración morfológica de
los Animales Domésticos. Sañudo, A.C: (Ed.). Madrid, Ministerio
de Medio Ambiente Rural y Marino. Pp 864. 2009.
[6] HOSSAIN, S.M.J.: AFROZ, M.F.; HABIB, M.A.; MIRAZ, M.F.H.;
JALIL, M.A. Genetic and phenotypic performance of three coat
color variants of Black Bengal goat in closed nucleus ock at
BLRI. Glob. J. Anim. Breed. Genet. 8(3): 499–508. 2020.
TABLE V
Functional indices for number of colors, coat pattern and skin
color in local goats from Comarca Lagunera in Northern Mexico
Variable
Number of colors
P-value R
2
CV
One
color
Two
colors
Three
colors
IComp 93.4 ± 2.9 94.4 ± 2.3 95.9 ± 4.6 0.3463 0.01 20.60
IRW 67.4 ± 2.3 68.9 ± 1.8 68.7 ± 3.6 0.2981 0.08 21.65
IProp 72.3 ± 1.4 73.4 ± 1.1 71.9 ± 2.1 0.5523 0.03 12.25
IRCD 82.9 ± 0.5 82.7 ± 0.4 83.2 ± 0.8 0.2251 0.06 4.24
ITR 22.8 ± 0.5 22.6 ± 0.4 22.1 ± 0.8 0.4282 0.05 13.82
ILR 24.8 ± 0.6 24.1 ± 0.5 24.1 ± 1.0 0.5553 0.04 16.54
IHD 98.3 ± 1.5 100.4 ± 1.1 98.5 ± 2.3 0.7292 0.06 9.77
IE 10.3 ± 0.3
b
11.4 ± 0.3
a
10.6 ± 0.5
ab
0.0478 0.06 19.26
IAT 0.25 ± 0.01
b
0.30 ± 0.01
a
0.27 ± 0.02
ab
0.0340 0.08 24.45
ISS 70.5 ± 0.8 69.1 ± 0.6 71.3 ± 1.3 0.1721 0.07 7.74
IRS 288.8 ± 5.6 280.9 ± 4.4 285.2 ± 8.9 0.6204 0.10 13.42
Coat pattern
Flat Patched Mottled
IComp 93.2 ± 2.4 96.4 ± 2.7 91.1 ± 4.7 0.5435 0.01 20.60
IRW 67.3 ± 1.8 70.4 ± 2.1 66.4 ± 3.6 0.4850 0.08 21.65
IProp 72.4 ± 1.1 73.5 ± 1.2 73.2 ± 1.2 0.9093 0.03 12.25
IRCD 82.9 ± 0.4 82.6 ± 0.5 83.5 ± 0.8 0.4404 0.06 4.24
ITR 22.3 ± 0.3 22.8 ± 0.5 21.7 ± 1.1 0.7489 0.05 13.82
ILR 24.±0.5 24.3 ± 0.6 23.6 ± 1.0 0.8645 0.04 16.54
IHD 99.5 ± 1.2 99.1 ± 1.4 101.5 ± 2.3 0.4813 0.06 9.77
IE 11.1 ± 0.3 10.9 ± 0.3 11.3 ± 0.5 0.2817 0.06 19.26
IAT 0.29 ± 0.01 0.29 ± 0.01 0.28 ± 0.02 0.7785 0.08 24.45
ISS 70.3 ± 0.7 69.1 ± 0.7 69.1 ± 0.7 0.2883 0.07 7.74
IRS 284.8 ± 4.6 277.5 ± 5.2 290.6 ± 8.9 0.5807 0.05 13.82
Skin color
Black Pink White
IComp 92.8 ± 1.9
b
93.9 ± 3.1
ab
107.0 ± 7.0
a
0.0094 0.01 20.60
IRW 67.4 ± 1.5 68.0 ± 2.4 77.9 ± 5.4 0.1039 0.08 21.65
IProp 72.9 ± 0.9 72.8 ± 1.4 72.9 ± 3.2 0.8557 0.03 12.25
IRCD 82.9 ± 0.3 82.9 ± 0.6 82.4 ± 1.3 0.8267 0.06 4.24
ITR 22.8 ± 0.3 22.3 ± 0.5 21.9 ± 1.1 0.3221 0.05 13.82
ILR 24.2 ± 0.4 23.7 ± 0.6 26.4 ± 1.4 0.1435 0.04 16.54
IHD 99.2 ± 0.9 100.5 ± 1.6 99.4 ± 3.5 0.7919 0.06 9.77
IE 11.0 ± 0.2
ab
11.4 ± 0.3
a
9.6 ± 0.8
b
0.0139 0.06 19.26
IAT 0.29 ± 0.01
a
0.29 ± 0.01
a
0.22 ± 0.02
b
0.0085 0.08 24.45
ISS 69.3 ± 0.5
b
69.6 ± 0.9
a
73.6 ± 1.9
a
0.0073 0.07 7.74
IRS 281.5 ± 3.7 287.5 ± 6.0 281.9 ± 13.5 0.2371 0.05 13.82
ab
: Different letters between columns indicate difference (P<0.05),
R
2
: Determination coefficient, CV: Coefficient of variation, IComp:
compactness index, Iprop: proportionality index, IRCD: relative chest
depth index, ITR: transverse rump index, ILR: longitudinal rump index,
IHD: height difference index, IE: ears index, IAT: atrial thoracic index, ISS:
substernal slenderness index, IRS: relative shortness index
______________________________________________________________________Revista Cientifica, FCV-LUZ / Vol. XXXIII, rcfcv-e33241, 1 – 7
7 of 7
[7] LEE, C.N.; BAEK, K.S.; PARKHURST, A. The impact of hair coat
color on longevity of Holstein cows in the tropics. J. Anim. Sci.
Biotechnol. 58:41. 2019. https://doi.org/j644.
[8] MASHNER, O.; LYUTSKANOV, P.; CIOBANU, E. Several phenotypic
indexes of goats of local population and its compliance with
standards of selection. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci. 22(1): 71–75. 2016.
[9] MOYAO-ARIZA, F.; MALDONADO-JÁQUEZ, J.A.; GRANADOS-
RIVERA, L.D.; MARTÍNEZ-ROJERO, R.D.; TORRES-HERNÁNDEZ, G.;
DOMÍNGUEZ-MARTÍNEZ, P.A.; BAUTISTA-MARTÍNEZ, Y.; SÁNCHEZ-
GUTIÉRREZ, R.A. Variabilidad morfoestructural, zoometría y
faneróptica de machos cabríos locales del norte de México. ITEA‑Inf.
Tec. Econ. 118(3): 361–376. 2022. https://doi.org/j645.
[10] ONASANYA, G.O.; DECAMPO, J.S.; ANWO, O.T.; IKEOBI, C.O.;
AYOTUNDE, A.S. Impact of coat color genes and coat types on
zoometric traits of African dwarf sheep bred under traditional
extensive system. 51th Annual Conference of the Agricultural
Society of Nigeria. River State, 04/23-26l, Nigeria. Pp 641–647.
2017.
[11] OZOJE, M.O.; MGBERE, O.O. Coat pigmentation effects in West
African Dwarf goats: Live weights and body dimensions. Niger.
J. Anim. Prod. 29(1): 5–10. 2002. https://doi.org/j646.
[12] PEÑA, S.; LÓPEZ, G.A.; ABBIATI, N.N.; GÉNERO, E.R.; MARTÍNEZ,
R.D. Caracterización de ovinos criollos argentinos utilizando
índices zoométricos. Arch. Zoot. 66(254): 263–270. 2017.
[13] RIVAS-MUÑOZ, R.; CARRILLO, E.; RODRIGUEZ-MARTINEZ, R.;
LEYVA, C.; MELLADO, M.; VÉLIZ, F.G. Effect of body condition
score of does and use of bucks subjected to added articial
light on estrus response of Alpine goats. Trop. Anim. Health
Prod. 42(6): 1285–1289. 2010. https://doi.org/brwfc6.
[14] SÁNCHEZ-GUTIÉRREZ, R.A.; GRANADOS-RIVERA, L.D.; SALINAS-
GONZÁLEZ, H.; MALDONADO-JÁQUEZ, J.A.; HERNÁNDEZ-LEAL,
E.; CIGARROA-VÁZQUEZ, F.A. Selección preliminar de cabras
Blanca Celtibérica mediante una técnica multivariada. Zoot.
Trop. 39: e4484416. 2021. https://doi.org/j647.
[15] SÁNCHEZ-GUTIÉRREZ, R.A.; GUTIÉRREZ-LUNA, R.; FLORES-
NÁJERA, M.J. Caracterización morfológica de un rebaño de
conservación de cabras criollas en Zacatecas, México. Arch.
Zoot. 67(257): 73–79. 2018.
[16] STATISCAL ANALYSIS SYSTEM INSTITUTE (SAS). Users guide.
Statistcs. Versión 9.4 Cary, NC. U.S.A. 2013.
[17] VILLARREAL-ARELLANO, H.R.; FUENTES-MASCORRO, G.;
RAMÍREZ-BIBRIESCA, E.; TORRES-HERNÁNDEZ, G.; RICARDI
DE LA CRUZ, C.; VARGAS-LÓPEZ, S. Morphostructural variability in
the Pastoreña goat in different regions of the Mixteca of Mexico:
A phenotypic study to establish the racial prole. Rev. Fac. Cien.
Agrar. 52(2): 360375. 2019.