(131) Association Between Body Morphometry and Udder Traits in Bapedi Ewes

Marble Nkadimeng^1; Caswell T. Chokoe²; Julius P. Sebei³; Thomas Raphulu³; Fhulufhelo V. Ramukhithi¹

¹Agricultural Research Council, Department of Germplasm Conservation and Reproductive Biotechnologies, South Africa

² Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Johannesburg, South Africa.

³Limpopo Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Mara Research Station, Polokwane, South Africa.

Abstract Text:

The Bapedi sheep is an indigenous South African breed known for its adaptability to harsh environments. Conservation of this breed is critical for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring sustainable livestock production. Therefore, understanding the phenotypic and functional traits of the Bapedi sheep is essential for improving the development of targeted conservation strategies and productivity of this breed. This study evaluates the effect of udder (udder attachment and general udder appearance) and body morphometrics (body weight, height, length, depth, rump width, body condition score, age, teat length) in contributing to essential knowledge for maternal efficiency of the Bapedi sheep. A total of 81 Bapedi ewes (≥1 year old) raised in an extensive production system were sampled from Limpopo and Gauteng Provinces. Udder morphometrics (Udder attachment and general appearance) were recorded using visual observation. Udder attachment was classified as poor, average and good, while udder general appearance was classified as small, average and big. Quantitative traits (body weight, height, length, depth, heart girth, rump width and teat length) were measured using weighing belts and measuring tapes. Body condition score was recorded on a scale of 1 to 5. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MONOVA) was conducted to determine the associations between udder and body morphometrics. The MANOVA results revealed that udder attachment and general appearance were associated with body weight (p < 0.0001), height (p < 0.0001), length (p < 0.0001), depth (p = 0.0021) and heart girth (p < 0.0001). Teat length was significantly influenced by udder general appearance (p = 0.0016) however, not udder attachment. Age, body condition score and hip width were not significantly influenced by udder traits. The findings provide valuable selection criteria in the Bapedi ewes suggesting that good udder conformation is associated with larger body frames and heavier ewes. Moreover, the results emphasize the importance of udder traits as selection criteria in conservation programs for Bapedi sheep.