International Journal of Zoology Studies

Authors
Pape Madiop Sembène, Pape Mbacké Sembène

Abstract
The process of creating the Ladoum breed, which in its early days was driven by passion and prestige, is now of great importance on the national economic and scientific level. In the breeders' jargon, there are several lineages within this breed, each headed by a male whose reproductive performance has been confirmed by his phenotypic criteria and the performance of his offspring. The aim of this study was to compare the morphometric characters of the four lineages of Ladoum in order to better highlight the qualities of each of them. The shape of the muzzle was appreciated. A series of four (4) morphometric measurements were taken. The height at the withers (HG) was measured using a measuring stick. A tape measure was used for occipito-ischial length (LOI) and chest circumference (TP). Weight (PDS) was assessed using a scale. Each parameter was measured three times by the members of the jury; the mean of each variable was calculated. The data obtained has been collected since 2014 during several fairs such as those organized in Rufisque and Dakar. Multivariate analyzes were performed on the quantitative data using Principal Component Analyses and Discriminant Factor Analysis; correlations were sought between the variables. The muzzle shapes most appreciated by breeders are found in the "Birahim" and "Tyson" lineages. No significant difference between HG, LOI, TP was observed between the four lineages. However, descendants of 'Tyson', 'Gorgui' and 'Birahim' show better performance for measurements of chest circumference and weight. These parameters are strongly correlated. Occipito-ischial length and live weight also show a fairly strong association. Thus, the chest circumference and weight variables made it possible to discriminate the descendants of “Tyson” and “Gorgui” from those of “Batling” and “Birahim”. AFD discriminates "Birahim" from other lineages.