Authors : Ndiaye Ndeye Penda, Sow Adama, Ndiaye Saliou, Sembene Mbacke and Sawadogo Germain Jerome
Abstract: In order to discriminate local Senegalese cattle breeds, a survey was conducted in three agroecological areas of Senegal (South of “Bassin Arachidier”, Senegal River Valley, Middle and Upper Casamance). One hundred and twenty six cattle have been described by visual assessment criteria and 75 cows based on dairy performances. These parameters were analyzed by discriminant factor and multiple correspondence factor analysis. The cows were distinguished at best by their format, coat colour and average milk production. They were distributed in 4 genetic types with percentage of cows well classified in order: N’Dama (100%), Djakore (100%), Maure (95%) and Gobra (94.12%). The typology by classification has permitted to divide them in three genotypes identifying in two phenotype groups. The first phenotype is characterized by the presence of thoracic hump and a unique coat colour. Their average daily milk production varied between 2 and 4 L even >4 L. The second phenotype is identified by the absence of hump and a compound coat colour. Their average milk production is <2 L day–1. The first phenotype associating a large size with a good milk production should be most suitable for dairy production in these agroecological areas of Senegal.
Ndiaye Ndeye Penda, Sow Adama, Ndiaye Saliou, Sembene Mbacke and Sawadogo Germain Jerome, 2014. Phenotypical Characterization of Senegalese Local Cattle Breeds Using Multivariate Analysis. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 13: 1150-1159.