Assessment of Morphological Differences in Taurine Breeds of Burkina Faso

Abstract

This study aims to assess the morpho biometric characteristics of Gourounsi and Lobi cattle populations in
Central-South, Central-West and South-West regions of Burkina Faso. These breeds were described using
visual appraisal criteria and measurements. A total of twenty-three quantitative traits (such as muzzle
circumference, horn length, withers height) and twenty-one qualitative parameters (such as horn shape, coat
colour) were investigated within a sample of 159 cattle aged at least 5 (05) years. Quantitative data were
analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses, while qualitative characteristics were
assessed in terms of percentage of occurrence. The results indicate that the most distinguishing
characteristic among the animals is their physical size. Typology through classification allowed for their
separation into three distinct groups, but they are identifiable by two phenotypes: the small-sized Lobi cattle
and the large-sized Gourounsi cattle. Analysis of the qualitative parameters does not provide enough
information that would differentiate the three populations studied.