Multivariate Analysis of Spatial Patterns of Morphological Traits in West African Dwarf Goats in Three Agro-ecological Zones of Nigeria

A multivariate analysis of phenotypic trait distribution across agro-ecological zones (tropical rainforest, guinea savanna and sudan savanna zones) in Nigeria was carried out on 302 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Most of the morphometric traits of rainforest and guinea savanna goats were higher (P<0.05) than those of the sudan savanna zone. Abdominal circumference, rump width, ear length, chest depth and cannon circumference were the most discriminating variables among the goats of the three zones. Based on Mahalanobis distances, the least differentiation was observed between rainforest and guinea savanna goats. Only 24.38% of rainforest and 22.86% of guinea savanna goats were classified into their source population. The relatively low morphometric distances as well as intermingling between the three goat populations indicate that they are homogenous and share similar genetic identities. This could aid in their conservation and formulation of appropriate breeding and selection strategies.