Phenotypic diversity in buffalo cows of the Jafarabadi, Murrah, and Mediterranean breeds

Abstract

The objective of this work was to estimate the phenotypic diversity in Jafarabadi, Murrah, and Mediterranean buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis). Thoracic perimeter, withers-and-rump height, body length, and biiliac, external biischiatic, external ilioischiatic, sacropubic, and mean biiliac diameters were measured. The following indexes were calculated: anamorphosis index, pelvic index, withers-to-rump ratio, body index, lateral-body index, relative body index, body capacity indexes 1 and 2, transversal pelvic index, longitudinal pelvic index, and thoracic-perimeter-to-withers ratio index. The effect of breed was evaluated using univariate (mean tests) and multivariate (size-free discriminant analysis and Fisher’s linear discriminant function) analyses. The diversity among the breeds and their correlation with the variables were also evaluated using biplot graphs developed from principal component analysis. The breeds evaluated show a rectilinear, midline body model with similar capacity of muscular tissue development in body parts from which the most valuable cuts are extracted, and intermediate suitability for meat and milk production. The Jafarabadi breed has a larger body size, with a rear portion wider than longer, while the Murrah and Mediterranean breeds show similar biotypes, mainly differentiated in the pelvic region.