GOATS (Capra hircus) OF LA CAÑADA IN THE MOUNTAIN OF GUERRERO, MEXICO

Abstract

Objective: To characterize and identify goat populations (Capra hircus) in the area of La Cañada in the state of Guerrero, Mexico.
Methodology: In a sample of 263 two-year-old goats, live weight, nine qualitative racial variables and 17 body measurements were determined. The information was analyzed with descriptive statistics, canonical discriminant analysis and variance to define and characterize goat groupings.
Results: The goat populations (Capra hircus) were Creole, with red and black coat colors, and live weight of 19.5 to 62.6 kg. The canonical discriminant analysis showed that the thoracic perimeter, height at the withers, height of the ischium and ileum, face width, encounter diameter, cane perimeter, length and width of the rump presented greater discriminant power of the populations. Four types of goats were identified: crossed goats, hill Creole goats, Creole goats, and piedmont Creole goats. The hill and piedmont Creole goats are corpulent and have strong legs, whereas the crossed and Creole goats are of small size.
Implications: Environmental differences and the genetic goat type used in the crosses explain the ecotypes differences of local goats.
Conclusions: The morphotype of the goats was determined by the biophysical conditions of the territory and the origin of the progenitors. The raising of goats in hills areas provided the conditions to produce larger goats compared to flat areas that had smaller goats.