Phenotypical and biometrical characterization of Creole goats in northeastern Mexico

ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe the phenotypical and biometrical characteristics of Creole goats on the Tamaulipas Plateau (TP) and San Fernando Valley (SFV) agroecological zones in northeastern Mexico. Eight hundred fifty-eight goats (70 males and 788 females) were studied to collect qualitative and quantitative information. Data were analyzed for male and female goats separately using frequency and general linear models. Pearson’s correlation was used to analyze linear body measurements (LBM) for morpho-structural homogeneity. The canonical discriminant analysis and a multiple correspondence analysis were made for examined the presence of any subpopulations on seven municipalities of the two districts. The northeastern Mexican Creole goats are light-colored with arched horns, large pendulous ears, convex cephalic profile, and dual-purpose productive aptitude. Live weight was higher in SFV than in TP female goats (35.4 + 4.4 kg vs. 30.3 + 4.6 kg, P = 0.0001). No weight differences were observed between male goats. More than 65% of the LBM correlations (regardless of sex or agroecological zone) were positive, indicating balanced physical growth and environmental adaptation. The Creole goat breed predominance in both goat ecotypes is primarily of African origin. The multivariate analysis showed dissimilarities between SFV and TP, but similarities among the sampled localities in each district. Additionally, the morpho-structure of the TP goats is adequate for a dual purpose, whereas the SFV goats are adequate for kid meat production. This study could be complemented by molecular characterization, which could describe the northeastern Mexican Creole goat based on specific genetic background.