Variability in body weight and morphology of Uganda's indigenous goat breeds across agroecological zones.

ABSTRACT: Indigenous goat breeds in Uganda are classified based on average body size parameters and coat color. However, variations in the body size of animals may be influenced by several factors, including management and the environment. To understand the effect of the agroecological zone on the physical characteristics and live weight of Uganda's indigenous goats, this study evaluated the body size characteristics of the three indigenous goat breeds of Uganda across ten agroecological zones. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in 323 households from the ten zones, where 1020 goats composed of three breeds (Mubende, Kigezi, and Small East African) were sampled and measured for body weight, linear body size, and age. We confirmed that Mubende and Kigezi goats from the original homeland had a h

SUBMITTER: Nantongo Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10760760 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature