Morphometric characterization and zoomometric indices of the bovine racial groups existing in the western cantons of the province of Azuay

Abstract

The objective of the present investigation is to categorize the racial groups of bovines that exist in the Western towns of the Azuay province, trough phenotypic parameters of 799 cows. For the evaluation of the morphometric characteristics were considered 20 lineal characters, 4 of udder; 19 phaneroptic variables, 11 zoometric indeces. We performed principal component analysis (PCA), correlations were established between morphometric variables, conglomerates test determinated racial groups and subgroups, we used a confidence level of 95%. It was established the existence of 4 racial genotypes of productive importance Holstein (73.2%), Brown Swiss (4.5%), Jersey (2.1%) and Criolla (1.3%), in total 10 clusters were determinated. Five main components (ACP) explained 71.69% of the total variance. Correlations greater than (> 0.566) and significant (P <0.05) were found between the variables weight, thoracic perimeter and length of the animal. The zoomometric indeces showed statistical difference (P <0.05) among the 10 clusters, with the exception of facial indece (IFC) and pelvic indece (IPE). When comparing the Holstein genotypes (7 subgroups), with internationally and nationally established parameters are considered as low and intermediate animals of height, their rump angle (GA) had a desired inclination, and excellent external intersquiatic width ( AIIE), udder characters were scored as intermediate. The Criollo genotype was compared at national level with Criollo Lojano cattle described by Aguirre et al., (10) establishing the presence of similar colors layers; However, they were animals of greater height, body length, length and width of rump; and lower thoracic perimeter.