2020 SCIENCELINE

O nline J ournal of A nimal and F eed R esearch

Volume 10, Issue 6: 259-267; November 27, 2020

ISSN 2228-7701

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2020.35

BODY MORPHOMETRIC MEASUREMENTS IN HARMO

CATTLE (RAYA-AZEBO CATLTLE) IN SOUTHERN TIGRAY OF

ETHIOPIA



Amine MUSTEFA¹, Teklewold BELAYHUN¹, Awoke MELAK¹, Mulata HAYELOM², Abebe HAILU¹

and Abraham ASSEFA¹

¹Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, P. O. Box 30726, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

²Mekelle Biodiversity Center, P. O. Box, 30726, Mekelle, Ethiopia

^Email: aminemustefa32@gmail.com;

: 0000-0003-3788-4156

^Supporting Information

ABSTRACT: Twenty-four qualitative and nine quantitative variables on a total of 251 adult cattle from two

purposively selected districts were recorded to characterize Harmo cattle at its natural production environment

in 2019. Effect of sampled district, sex and age on the quantitative measurements and qualitative

characteristics were analyzed using General linear model (GLM) procedure and non-parametric (Chi-square) test

of Statistical Analysis System (SAS 9.0) respectively. The qualitative characteristics and quantitative

measurements of Harmo cattle were partially affected by district, sex and age categories. Majority of Harmo

cattle were horned (100%) with lyre shaped (83.73%) upward orientation (92.46%) and wide horn spacing (≥ 30

cm) (96.03%). They also possess straight edged ear (97.22%). Harmo cattle hump was erected (98.81%), and

small (88.1%) and found at cervical thoracic (78.57) position. The results also revealed that Harmo cattle were

characterized by flat face (99.21%), straight back profile (88.49%), long tail (95.24%) and large dewlap (75%).

Body color pattern of Harmo cattle was uniform (61.11%), spotty (26.98%) and others (11.9%). Red and light-red

were the body and head color of the majority of the studied cattle populations. Beside their large horns Harmo

cows also possess medium (38.8%) and large (42.4%) naval flap. Similarly, the oxen also possess medium

(46.4%) and large (50%) preputial sheath. The overall measurements of body length, Heart girth, Height at

withers, Pelvic width, Muzzle circumference, Ear length, Horn length, Canon bone length, Hock circumference for

Harmo oxen and cows were 127.8±1.22, 146.7±1.37, 121.7±0.92, 35.5±0.45, 39.5±0.35, 21.2±0.31,

65.5±2.08, 25.0±0.30, 33.0±0.28 and 121.3±0.43, 138.9±0.48 116.5±0.32, 35.0±0.16, 36.9±0.12,

21.3±0.11, 61.8±0.73, 24.0±0.11, 31.3±0.10, respectively. These results show Harmo cattle possess long and

thin body and long ear and horn in comparison with most of the Ethiopian cattle breeds. The thin body of Harmo

cattle might be due to shortage of available feed in and around the breeding tract of the breed. The long ear and

horn may help them to adapt the hot bushy grazing land environment and protect themselves from the enemy

existed in their natural habitat.

Keywords: Biometry, Breeding, Harmo Cattle, Morphometric characterizes, Raya-Azebo.

INTRODUCTION

Ethiopia have the largest cattle population size in Africa (60.39 million heads) without counting some zones of the highly

populated Regions (Afar and Somali) (CSA, 2018). Majority of the cattle population are indigenous breeds, which are

found in the rural part of the country, while some exotic and crossbreds also exist mainly in the urban and peri-urban

areas (Roessler et al., 2018; Abebe et al., 2020 ). Beside the large population size distributed widely throughout the

country, farmers and pastoralists get multiple functions from their productions and services. Cattle genetic resources

serve as sources of meat, milk, hide, manure, draft power and nutrient recycling (Getachew and Gashaw, 2001).

Diversity in animal genetic resource is important for current and future research and development works. Diversity

allows the indigenous genetic resources to adapt and produce in a more diversified agro ecologies. Variation with in and

among breeds is also one of the key inputs in genetic improvement and conservation programs (Delgado Bermejo et al.,

2019 ). It is more likely to bring genetic improvement in a population with high variation than low variation. This increment

in production and productivity will in turn help us to answer the food security problems; market requirements and

nutritional gaps. Similarly, as the variation within and among breeds increase it brings a good opportunity to find

adaptable breeds to the changing agro ecology due to different factors including the climate change. Therefore, to better

understand the level of diversity and potential of our indigenous animal genetic resources, proper characterization works

are crucial (EBI, 2016). However, in Ethiopia there is a gap of harmonizing the characterization works, keeping proper

production and reproduction records and positivity towards conservation of the indigenous animal genetic resources.

259

Citation: Mustefa A, Belayhun T, Melak A, Hayelom M, Hailu A and Assefa A (2020). Body morphometric measurements in Harmo cattle (Raya-Azebo cattle) in Southern

Tigray of Ethiopia. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10 (6): 259-267. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2020.35

Even if there are different sources of information like Domestic Animal Genetic Resources Information System

(DAGRIS) of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), based on the current available information from the

country’s focal institute for Animal Genetic Resources (Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute) and the website Domestic Animal

Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation (FAO), there are 28

recognized indigenous cattle breeds in Ethiopia (EBI, 2016). However, only a small number of recognized cattle breed

types have a fair description of their physical appearance, indications of their level of production, reproduction and

genetic attributes (Ayalew et al., 2004). With some general information, cattle of the present study area are generally

referred as Raya-Azebo (Raya) cattle in the existing literature. Raya-Azebo cattle also locally known as ‘Harmo’ cattle

breed found in Southern Tigray which is one of the cattle breeds classified under the Sanga breed group. Harmo cattle is

known for its long horns and adaptation to hot environment (Zerabruk et al. 2007).

Most of the Ethiopian indigenous animal genetic resources are facing more threats including the indiscriminate

crossbreeding with exotic breeds for the sake of genetic improvement for production traits (EBI, 2016). Harmo cattle is

one of the breeds which is under risk due to indiscriminate crossbreeding with Holstein Frisian and interbreeding with the

highland zebus. For the purpose of designing conservation and sustainable utilization program to the breed, updated

information on phenotypic characterization (quantitative, qualitative and performance records) is required. Unfortunately,

the information we have currently on the breed is the studies of Zerabruk et al. (2007) on few morphometric traits which

is done twelve years ago. Therefore, it is important to update the results through routine characterization and inventories

due to the dynamism of genetic resources (Hoffmann, 2010; Lozano-Jaramillo et al., 2019 ). Thus, the current study is

planned to characterize the morphology and qualitative characteristics of Harmo cattle under the farmers’ condition and

to relate it with different production and adaptation traits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Description of the study areas

This study was conducted in Raya Azebo and Alamata districts of Southern Tigray Zone in Northern Ethiopia in 2019

(Figure 1). Raya Azebo is situated in latitude of 12° 39' 59.99" N and longitude of 39° 44' 59.99" E, similarly, Alamata is

also situated in latitude of 12° 19' 60.00" N and longitude of 39° 29' 59.99" E. The selected study sites (three sites

“Kebeles” within each district) are categorized as lowland (500 – 1500 m.a.s.l) with 20 – 30 ⁰C and dry with mean annual

rainfall 633 – 770 ml. Mixed crop-livestock production system is the main farming practices with crops being more

dominant (Taddese et al., 2013; Bewket et al., 2015).

260

Citation: Mustefa A, Belayhun T, Melak A, Hayelom M, Hailu A and Assefa A (2020). Body morphometric measurements in Harmo cattle (Raya-Azebo cattle) in Southern

Tigray of Ethiopia. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10 (6): 259-267. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2020.35

Figure 1- Map of the study areas

Site selection and sampling method

In defining sampling frame, available background information on the existence Raya cattle in the study area was

captured through short pilot survey and focus group discussions done by a team of Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute

researchers and livestock experts from Southern Tigray zone, Raya Azebo and Alamata districts. Additionally, the

information (origin of Harmo cattle, its unique features and densely populated areas) of the earlier study done by

Zerabruk et al. (2007) was also taken as an input to select study areas. For the purpose of selecting pure Harmo cattle,

the cattle populations from the high and mid altitude areas within the districts were not considered, as they did not show

distinct features due to the interbreeding with the highland cattle populations. Therefore, samples were not taken from

high and mid-altitude areas. Six study kebeles were selected purposively taking into account the cattle population size,

dominant agro-ecology, and indigenous knowledge on cattle population types. Male to female ratio (28 oxen and 223

cows) of the sampled animals were adapted from FAO guideline for Animal Genetic Resource Characterization (FAO,

2012 ). Animals were randomly selected from herds of representative households.

Table 1 - Sampled number of animals by district and by age and their proportion.

Age

District /Location

Total

Proportion

3 – 5 years

6 – 7 years

50

≥ 8 years

32

Raya Azebo

Raya Alamata

Total

44

35

126

125

251

1.00

0.50

1.00

-

50

40

79

100

72

Proportion

0.31

0.40

0.29

Data collection

Twenty-four qualitative traits (horn presence, horn spacing, horn shape, horn orientation, body color pattern, body

color, head color, muzzle pigment, eyelid pigment, hoof pigment, ear shape, hump shape, hump size, hump position,

udder size, teat size, face profile, back profile, rump profile, testes size, tail length, naval flap width, preputial sheath and

dewlap width), and nine quantitative measurements (body length, heart girth, height at wither, pelvic width, muzzle

circumference, ear length, horn length, canon bone length and hock circumference) were recorded from 251 mature

261

Citation: Mustefa A, Belayhun T, Melak A, Hayelom M, Hailu A and Assefa A (2020). Body morphometric measurements in Harmo cattle (Raya-Azebo cattle) in Southern

Tigray of Ethiopia. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10 (6): 259-267. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2020.35

animals under the effect of district, sex and age of each sampled animal. For the purpose of analysis age groups were

categorized in to three; group one 3 – 5 years, group two 6 – 7 years and group three 8 years and above as per the

grouping of Tatum (2011). For the body measurements, animals were carefully handled by trained laborers and stand

properly on flat grounds with parallel legs. Animals which were aggressive and did not stand properly were not measured.

The measurements were carried out by two researchers: one measuring while the other recording data. On the same

time, two other researchers handle the qualitative data recording. To minimize the subjective error, all the measurements

were taken by the same researcher throughout the study. Quantitative measurements were taken using textile tape

measurement in centimeter unit, and early in the morning before the animals were fed and watered.

Data management and analysis

Data were entered and managed using Microsoft Excel© worksheet. Outliers were corrected after running normality

test procedure of Statistical Analysis Software 9.0 (SAS, 2002 ). Analysis of data on quantitative measurements was

carried out using the General Linear Model procedure of SAS 9.0 software. Means were separated using the adjusted

Tukey-Kramer test (SAS, 2002 ). Similarly, analysis of qualitative data was carried out using the frequency procedure (chi-

square test) of SAS 9.0 software. The model used for the analysis was: Yijk = μ + Ai + Bj + Ck + eijk, Where Yijk is an

observation, μ is the overall mean, Ai is the fixed effect of district, Bj is the fixed effect of the sex, Ck is the fixed effect of

age group and eijk is the random error attributed to the nth observation. Due to the non-significant effects of the

interactions among the above factors, it was removed from the analysis and results. Traits like udder size, teat size and

naval flap width were analyzed for females only by eliminating the males and fitting district and age as fixed factors while

traits like testes size and preputial sheath were analyzed for males only by eliminating the females from the analysis

fitting district and age as fixed factors.

RESULTS

Quantitative measurements

The overall mean, standard error (SE), standard deviation (SD), minimum, maximum and coefficients of variation

(CV) of the measured quantitative traits are presented in Table 2. For all morphometric traits measured the coefficient of

variation was within the range of 4.26 and 7.80. Relatively higher coefficient of variation (18.87%) was calculated for

horn length implying higher variation in terms of horn length. The difference between the minimum and maximum value

is sizeable in most cases. A range of 54 cm for heart girth, 37 cm for body length, 28 cm for height at withers, and a

range of about 62 cm for horn length were observed. The results show there were high variations among Harmo cattle

over the measured quantitative traits which is a better ground for genetic improvement due to selection.

Least square means, standard error (SE), and pairwise comparison of the measured quantitative traits under the

effects of district, sex and age are presented in Table 3 and 4. Sampled district had a significant (p<0.01) effect on five of

the total nine measured traits and it is indicated that four of the body measurements were higher for the cattle

population of Alamata. Based on this, cattle population of Alamata district had larger muzzle and hock, and longer ear

and horn than the cattle populations of Raya Azebo. However, the canon of the cattle from Raya Azebo was longer than

those of Alamata. Similarly, sex of the cattle populations affected six out of the nine measured traits indicating oxen had

longer body, height at wither, canon and heart girth measurements than the cows. Significant differences were not

recorded between the two sexes in pelvic width, ear length and horn length.

The results also revealed that four out of the nine measurements were affected by age of the cattle population.

Based on this, slight increment in pelvic width, muzzle circumference, ear and horn length was observed as the age of the

cattle population increases.

Table 2 - Overall mean (cm), SE, SD, CV, Minimum and Maximum body measurements of Harmo cattle breed.

Variables

Body length

Heart girth

Height at withers

Pelvic width

Muzzle circumference

Ear length

Horn length

Canon bone length

Hock circumference

Overall mean ± SE

122.0±0.42

139.8±0.46

117.1±0.31

35.0±0.15

SD

6.65

7.45

4.98

2.42

2.01

1.66

11.72

1.66

1.55

Minimum

106

114

102

28

Maximum

143

168

130

42

CV

5.45

5.33

4.26

6.90

5.41

7.80

18.87

6.90

4.91

37.2±0.13

21.3±0.11

62.1±0.74

24.1±0.11

31

16

30

19

44

25

92

29

31.5±0.10

28

35

SE = Standard Error, SD = Standard Deviation, CV = Coefficient of variation

262

Citation: Mustefa A, Belayhun T, Melak A, Hayelom M, Hailu A and Assefa A (2020). Body morphometric measurements in Harmo cattle (Raya-Azebo cattle) in Southern

Tigray of Ethiopia. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10 (6): 259-267. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2020.35

Table 3 - Least square means (cm) with standard error and pairwise comparison of body measurements in each district

and sex category

District

Alamata

Sex

Female

Variables

Raya Azebo

p - value

Male

p - value

N

126

125

28

223

BL

124.2±0.72

142.4±0.80

119.0±0.54

35.39±0.27

37.91±0.21

21.00±0.18

61.53±1.22

24.91±0.18

31.85±0.16

125.1±0.81

143.3±0.91

119.1±0.61

35.0±0.30

38.9±0.23

21.5±0.21

65.8±1.37

24.1±0.20

32.4±0.18

0.3086

0.3049

0.8021

0.2376

0.0150

0.0226

0.0024

<0.0001

0.0016

127.8±1.22

146.7±1.37

121.7±0.92

35.5±0.45

39.5±0.35

21.2±0.31

65.5±2.08

25.0±0.30

33.0±0.28

121.3±0.43

138.9±0.48

116.5±0.32

35.0±0.16

36.9±0.12

21.3±0.11

61.8±0.73

24.0±0.11

31.3±0.10

<0.0001

0.2652

<0.0001

0.6493

0.0889

0.0024

<0.0001

HG

HW

PW

MC

EL

HL

CBL

HC

N = number of observations, BL= Body length, HG = Heart girth, HW = Height at withers, PW = Pelvic width, MC = Muzzle circumference, EL =

Ear length, HL = Horn length, CBL = Canon bone length, HC = Hock circumference.

Table 4 - Least square means (cm) and pairwise comparison of body measurements with standard error in each age

category

Age

Variables

p - value

3 – 5 years

79

6 – 7 years

100

≥ 8 years

72

N

Body length

Heart girth

123.5±0.83

142.1±0.93

118.6±0.62

34.3±0.31^b

37.6±0.24^b

20.9±0.21^b

57.8±1.41^c

24.5±0.21

31.9±0.19

124.5±0.83

143.0±0.93

119.4±0.62

35.6±0.31^a

38.2±0.24^b

21.5±0.21^a

64.6±1.41^b

24.4±0.21

32.1±0.19

126.0±0.93

143.3±1.04

119.2±0.70

35.8±0.34^a

38.8±0.27^a

21.3±0.23^ab

68.6±1.58^a

24.6±0.23

32.4±0.21

0.0548

0.5625

0.4873

0.0001

0.0003

0.0246

<0.0001

0.7706

0.1530

Height at withers

Pelvic width

Muzzle circumference

Ear length

Horn length

Canon bone length

Hock circumference

N = number of observations

Qualitative characteristics

The overall Harmo cattle qualitative characteristics by district, sex and age are presented under Tables 5 – 7.

Majority of the cattle population were horned (100%) with lyre shaped (83.73%) upward orientation (92.46) and wide

horn spacing (≥ 30 cm) (96.03%). They also possess straight edged ear (97.22%). Harmo cattle hump was erected

(98.81%), and small (88.1%), and found at cervical thoracic (78.57) position. The results also revealed that Harmo cattle

population had flat face (99.21%) and straight back profile (88.49%), long tail (95.24%) and large dewlap (75%). Body

color pattern of Harmo cattle population was uniform (61.11%), spotty (26.98%) and others (11.9%). Red and light-red

body and head color was observed on majority of the cattle. Beside their large horns Harmo cows also possess medium

(38.8%) and large (42.4%) naval flap. Similarly, the oxen also possess medium (46.4%) and large (50%) preputial sheath.

The qualitative characteristics of Harmo cattle were partially affected by district, sex and age categories.

Table 5 - Qualitative characteristics of Harmo cattle under district and sex effect

District

Sex

Variables

Raya Azebo

Alamata

P-value

Male

Female

P-value

Horn spacing

Narrow

1.00

0.9092

4.0

3.6

4.0

Wide

96.0

96.4

96.0

Horn shape

Curvy

0.8645

0.2329

0.0073

0.7629

0.3989

0.0067

15.9

84.1

16.7

83.3

14.3

85.7

16.5

83.5

Lyre

Horn orientation

Forward

Upward

5.6

94.4

9.5

90.5

3.6

96.4

8.0

92.0

Ear shape

Round edged

5.6

0.0

10.7

1.8

263

Citation: Mustefa A, Belayhun T, Melak A, Hayelom M, Hailu A and Assefa A (2020). Body morphometric measurements in Harmo cattle (Raya-Azebo cattle) in Southern

Tigray of Ethiopia. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10 (6): 259-267. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2020.35

Straight edged

Hump shape

94.4

100

89.3

98.2

0.2227

0.0368

0.0003

No Hump

Erect

0.8

99.2

0

0.5

99.5

0

98.4

1.6

92.9

7.1

Dropping

Hump size

<0.0001

No Hump

Small

0.8

92.8

6.4

0

0.5

90.1

9.4

0

83.3

14.3

2.4

71.4

17.9

10.7

Medium

Large

Hump position

No Hump

Thoracic

<0.0001

0.3649

<0.0001

0.0170

0.8

0

0.5

33.3

65.9

8.7

78.6

21.4

13.8

85.7

Cervical thoracic

91.3

Face profile

Flat

Concave

Convex

Back profile

98.4

0.8

100

0

96.4

0

99.5

0.5

0

0.8

0

3.6

<0.0001

0.3995

0.0176

0.2069

Curved

19.8

80.2

3.2

25.0

75.0

9.8

Straight

96.9

90.2

Tail length

Short

Medium

Long

0.8

3.2

96.0

0.00

5.56

94.44

0.00

10.71

89.29

0.45

3.57

95.98

Dewlap width

Small

0.6625

0.6434

0

Medium

Large

23.8

76.2

26.2

73.8

21.4

78.6

25.5

74.5

District effect

The study shows effect of district on four out of the twenty-four qualitative traits recorded. Based on this, some

round edged ear shape was found in Raya Azebo while all the cattle populations from Alamata had straight edged ear.

One third of the cattle populations from Raya Azebo possess thoracic hump position while almost all the cattle from

Alamata had cervical thoracic hump position. One fifth of the Raya Azebo cattle’s back profile was curved while straight

back profile was observed on almost all Alamata cattle populations.

Table 6 - Qualitative characteristics of Harmo cattle under age effect

Age

Variables

Overall % (N)

3 – 5

6 – 7

≥ 8

P-value

Horn spacing

Narrow

0.0721

4.0(10)

0.0

5.0

95

6.9

Wide

96.0(242)

100

93.1

Horn shape

Curvy

0.0284

0.0286

0.9796

0.2111

16.3(41)

83.7(211)

25.0

75.0

14.0

86.0

9.7

90.3

Lyre

Horn orientation

Forward

Upward

7.5(19)

92.5(233)

13.7

86.3

6.0

94.0

2.8

97.2

Ear shape

Round edged

Straight edged

Hump shape

2.8(7)

2.50

3.0

2.8

97.2(245)

97.50

97.0

97.2

No Hump

Erect

Dropping

0.4(1)

98.8(249)

0.8(2)

0

1.0

99.0

0

100

0

97.5

2.5

Hump size

No Hump

0.1849

0.4(1)

0

1.0

0

264

Citation: Mustefa A, Belayhun T, Melak A, Hayelom M, Hailu A and Assefa A (2020). Body morphometric measurements in Harmo cattle (Raya-Azebo cattle) in Southern

Tigray of Ethiopia. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10 (6): 259-267. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2020.35

Small

Medium

Large

88(222)

10.3(26)

1.3(3)

81.2

16.3

2.5

89.0

9.0

1.0

94.4

5.6

0

Hump position

No Hump

Thoracic

0.2224

0.3626

0.4(1)

21(53)

78.6(198)

0

28.8

71.2

1.0

18.0

81.0

0

16.7

83.3

Cervical thoracic

Face profile

Flat

Concave

Convex

Back profile

99.2(250)

0.4(1)

97.5

1.3

1.2

100

0

100

0

0.7988

0.4592

Curved

11.5(29)

11.3

88.7

13.0

87.0

9.7

Straight

88.5(223)

90.3

Tail length

Short

Medium

Long

0.4(1)

4.4(11)

95.2(240)

0.00

3.75

96.25

0.00

6.00

94.00

1.39

2.78

95.83

Dewlap width

Small

0.9383

0 (0)

0

Medium

Large

25.0(63)

75.0(189)

25.0

75.0

24.0

76.0

26.4

73.6

Sex and age effect

The study also revealed that cattle sex affects six out of the twenty-four qualitative traits recorded. Based on this,

some of the Harmo oxen had round edged ear and dropping hump shape while almost all cows had straight edged ear

and erect hump shape. About one third of the oxen had medium to large hump while almost all cows possess small

hump. Most oxen possess hump at the thoracic position while most cows had cervical thoracic hump position. Curved

back profile was observed on one fourth of the oxen while most of the cows possess straight back profile. The results also

show effect of age categories (five out of twenty-four) on the recorded qualitative traits. Based on this, horn of the cattle

populations tends to be upward lyre shape as they get aged. Similarly, naval flap width, udder and teat size of the cows

becomes large and long as their age progress. Harmo oxen possess small testes and medium to long preputial sheath,

while, the cows had medium udder and teat size and medium to large naval flap width.

Table 7 - Body color and sex-limited characteristics of Harmo cattle under the effect of district, age and sex.

District

Raya Azebo Alamata

P=0.7515

57.9

Age

6 – 7

Sex

Overall %

(N)

Variables

3 – 5

≥ 8

Male

Female

Body color pattern

Uniform

P=0.1069

P=0.1253

61.1(154)

27.0(68)

7.1(18)

64.3

25.3

6.4

57.5

31.2

6.3

67.0

17.0

56.9

36.1

4.2

46.4

63.0

26.7

6.3

Spotty

28.6

7.9

28.6

14.3

10.7

Pied

10.0

Shaded

4.8(12)

5.6

4.0

5.0

6.0

2.8

4.0

Body color

Red

P=0.9460

P=0.6168

42.0

P=0.4588

38.9(98)

14.3(36)

8.7(22)

16.3(41)

7.1(18)

11.5(29)

3.2(8)

39.7

12.7

7.1

38.1

15.9

10.3

15.1

6.4

37.50

11.25

7.50

36.1

13.9

12.5

18.1

4.2

42.8

3.6

38.4

15.6

9.4

Light red

Black

17.0

7.0

3.6

Black + White

Black + Red

Red + White

White

17.5

7.9

20.00

6.25

12.0

25.0

10.7

3.6

15.2

6.7

10.0

11.9

3.2

11.1

3.2

13.75

3.75

8.0

13.9

1.4

11.6

3.1

4.0

Testes size

Small

P=0.2062

P=0.2734

88.9

67.9(19)

21.4(6)

10.7(3)

71.4

23.8

4.8

57.1

14.3

28.6

50.0

28.6

21.4

80.0

20.0

0

Medium

11.1

Large

0

Preputial sheath

P=0.4002

P=0.5359

265

Citation: Mustefa A, Belayhun T, Melak A, Hayelom M, Hailu A and Assefa A (2020). Body morphometric measurements in Harmo cattle (Raya-Azebo cattle) in Southern

Tigray of Ethiopia. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10 (6): 259-267. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2020.35

Short

3.6(1)

4.8

0

11.1

33.3

0

Medium

Long

46.4(13)

50.00(14)

52.4

42.8

28.6

71.4

57.1

42.9

40.0

60.0

55.6

Udder size

P=0.7393

P<0.0001

4.4

Small

8.9(20)

62.5(140)

28.6(64)

7.6

10.1

60.5

29.4

22.7

68.2

9.1

1.5

Medium

Large

64.8

27.6

75.8

38.8

59.7

19.8

Teat size

P=0.6911

P<0.0001

3.3

Short

Medium

Long

8.0(18)

58.5(131)

33.5(75)

6.7

9.2

21.2

69.7

9.1

1.5

61.0

32.4

56.3

34.5

68.1

34.3

64.2

28.6

Naval flap width

Absent

P=0.9323

P<0.0279

2.2

3.1(7)

3.8

2.5

3.0

4.5

Small

15.6(35)

38.8(87)

42.4(95)

16.2

39.1

40.9

15.1

38.7

43.7

18.2

47.0

31.8

16.5

11.9

23.9

59.7

Medium

Large

44.0

37.3

DISCUSSION

Quantitative measurements

Oxen were dominant over cows on most of the measurements, which follow the Rensch's rule (Rensch, 1950) where

the males of a particular species are usually larger than the females. The differences between the oxen and cows may be

further ascribed to the testosterone hormones secreted within the oxen which leads to enhancement of muscle mass and

skeletal development (Baneh and Hafezian, 2009 ). The sexual dimorphism of the animals may be ascribed to the

differences in the endocrine system of the two sexes; estrogen hormone has a limited effect for growth in females (Chriha

& Ghadri, 2001; Baneh and Hafezian, 2009). The results were in line with the results of Genzebu et al. (2012) on Arado

cattle and Endashaw et al. (2015) on Mursi cattle who reported that oxen were larger than cows. Similarly, dominance of

bucks over does were reported in Ethiopia (Mustefa et al., 2019 ).

Figure 2- Harmo Oxe (left). Harmo Cow (right)

Even if, Raya Azebo (Figure 2) was the reported origin of Harmo cattle populations, most of the quantitative

measurement results show cattle populations from Alamata district were larger than those of Raya Azebo. This might be

due to the long term interbreeding with the Ethiopian highland breeds. These results were also in line with the results of

Endashaw et al. (2015) on Mursi cattle who reported differences within the same cattle breed among different districts.

Age differences count a little on the observed differences in quantitative measurements which might be due to the nature

of the sampling (selecting adult animals only), however, increment in horn length was observed as the animals get aged.

Harmo cattle breed had longer and tall body than Horro, Sheko, Arado and Ogaden cattle breeds however some

other cattle breed like Begait possess longer and taller body than Harmo cattle (Takele et al., 2007; Dessalegn et al.,

2012; Fasil et al., 2014 and Mulugeta, 2015 ). Hearth girth measurements of Harmo breed was lower than Ogaden, Arsi

and Begait cattle breeds. However, Harmo cattle were one of the Ethiopian indigenous cattle genetic resources which

266

Citation: Mustefa A, Belayhun T, Melak A, Hayelom M, Hailu A and Assefa A (2020). Body morphometric measurements in Harmo cattle (Raya-Azebo cattle) in Southern

Tigray of Ethiopia. Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10 (6): 259-267. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2020.35

possess large horns and ears. These results also show Harmo cattle breed possess long and thin body, and long ear and

horn in comparison to most of the Ethiopian cattle breeds. The thin body of Harmo cattle might be due to shortage of

available feed in and around the breeding tract of the breed. The long ear and horn may help them to adapt the hot bushy

grazing land environment and protect themselves from the enemy existed in their natural habitat.

Qualitative characteristics

Too much significant differences in qualitative characteristics was not observed among the two sampling districts

and the three age categories, which shows how unique characteristics the cattle populations from the different district

and age categories share. These results are in line with the results of Endashaw et al. (2015) who observed similar

qualitative characteristics among the different sampling location within the Mursi cattle breed. On the other hand, some

effects of sex on the qualitative characteristics was observed which might be due to the sexual dimorphism which follow

the Rensch's rule (Rensch, 1950).

Conclusion

Harmo (Raya-Azebo) cattle populations were characterized in 2019 based on FAO guidelines to update the available

information for in-situ conservation purpose. Accordingly, two districts were covered; Raya Azebo and Alamata. Sizable

variations were recorded among the sampled animals, which may help the further in-situ conservation and genetic

improvement program. Partial effects of district, sex and age were observed. Based on these results, the cattle population

from Alamata district were partially dominant over their Raya Azebo counterparts in some quantitative variables.

Similarly, males were dominant over females in most of the studied variables. On the other hand, slight increment in the

quantitative variables were recorded as the age of the cattle increases. The overall results show Harmo cattle possess

long and thin body, and long ear and horn in comparison with most of the Ethiopian cattle breeds. The thin body of Harmo

cattle might be due to shortage of available feed in and around the breeding tract of the breed. The long ear and horn

may help them to adapt the hot bushy grazing land environment and protect themselves from the enemy existed in their

natural habitat.

DECLARATIONS

Corresponding Author

E-mail: aminemustefa32@gmail.com

Authors’ Contribution

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. AM, TB, AM, and MH collect data. Amine Mustefa

contribute on data analysis and the write up of the manuscript. AH and AA review the manuscript. All authors read and

approved the final manuscript.

Conflict of interests

The authors have not declared any conflict of interests.

Acknowledgements

The authors are highly indebted to the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) for covering all the budget needs of the

work. Our special appreciation also goes to the smallholder farmers /breeders for providing their animal to this work for

free. We also take this opportunity to thank the animal science experts and development agents in the district for their

endless help during the data collection. A special word also goes to our friend and work partner Mr. Tadesse Hunduma for

mapping the study area.

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