Applicability of an international linear appraisal system in Murciano-Granadina breed: fitting, zoometry correspondence inconsistencies, and improving strategies

Abstract

Linear appraisal systems (LAS) are effective strategies to systematically collect zoometric information from animal populations. Traditionally applied LAS in goats was developed considering the variability and scales found in highly selected breeds. As a result, traditional LAS may no longer cover the different contexts of goat breeds widespread throughout the world, and departures from normality may be indicative of the different stages of selection at which a certain population can be found. The present study aimed to evaluate the distribution and symmetry properties of twenty-eight zoometric traits. After symmetry analysis was performed, the scale readjustment proposal suggested specific strategies should be implemented such as scale reduction of lower or upper levels, determination of a setup moment to evaluate and collect information from young (up to 2 years) and adult bucks (over 2 years), the addition of upper categories in males due to upper values in the scale being incorrectly clustered together. The particular analysis of each variable permits determining specific strategies for each trait and serve as a model for other breeds, either selected or in terms of selection.Highlights Specific strategies must be approached for each particular zoometric trait. Scale levels for limb related traits must be readjusted. An extension of the scale in the stature of males is proposed. Males must be subdivided into two categories (below and over two years). Environment adaptability shapes progress for better dairy-linked zoometry.