ISSN 2360-7971
Abstract: The study was conducted to describe and document the phenotypic characterisation of Short-eared Somali and Hararghe Highland goat breeds reared at Haramaya University goat farm based on their morphological characteristics assessment. Both primary and secondary sources of data were collected on phenotypic characteristics of Short-eared Somali and Hararghe Highland goat breeds. Ten qualitative and twelve quantitative traits were evaluated from 40 goats (10 males and 10 females) from each breed. Based on linear live body measurements The Hararghe Highland and Short-eared Somali Goat breeds have a strong positive relationship between body length and heart at wither, but a weak positive relationship between ear length and pelvic width. They also have a strong positive relationship between body weight and height at wither (r = 0.933), body length (r = 0.863), and ear length (0.996). They also have a moderate positive relationship between body weight and heart girth (0.350) and chest width (0.223). The pelvic width. Haramaya University managed the Short-Eared Somali and Hararghe highland goat breeds through an extensive (free range) production system, keeping the flocks whole together without any age or sex separation
.Keywords: Characterization, Correlation, Linear Body Measurement, Phenotypic