Abstract

DZIB, C.A.; ORTIZ DE MONTELLANO, A.  and  TORRES-HERNANDEZ, G.. Morphostructural variability of Blackbelly sheep in Campeche, Mexico. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2011, vol.60, n.232, pp.1291-1301. ISSN 1885-4494.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0004-05922011000400044.

In order to study the body conformation of Blackbelly sheep, a random sample of 220 females and 36 males was taken in flocks of the municipality of Campeche, Mexico. Zoometry was the base of the study and it was evaluated with 14 body measurements and live weight of one, two and three years old sheep. Analysis of variance and correlation were performed, as well as a clustering test in ewes and rams one and three years old. Body measurements had significant (p<0.05) changes throughout three years of age. Differences between males and females were higher after one year of age, especially live weight. All measurements were significantly correlated (p<0.01), particularly live weight with thoracic perimeter, height at withers, and testicular perimeter. One year old animals had a considerable body variability; a portion of them had zoometric values very close to the maximum limits that were estimated in the three-year-old group. Based on their body patterns as adults, Blackbelly sheep show a tendency to be meat producer animals.

Keywords : Body measurements; Tropical sheep; Conservation; Breed characterization.

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