Multivariate characterisation of morphological traits in Assaf (Assaf.E) sheep

Seventeen body measurements in a total of 341 adult individuals (61 males and 280 females) in addition to eight udder scores collected during the period of maximum levels of lactation in the 280 females were used to morphologically characterize the Assaf.E breed both in magnitude and variability. Sampling included the two main environmental areas to check if the native dairy sheep breeds, namely Churra and Manchega, leaded to differences in the male-mediated absorption. Standard morphology of the Assaf.E breed was assessed with a live weight of 110.47 ± 12.51 kg and 75.74 ± 11.23 kg respectively for males and females. The sexual dimorphism (m/f) was 1.13 as expected, with males being 46% heavier than females. The coefficient of variation of all traits ranged from 3.73% to 15.00%, showing high uniformity. Canonical analyses and Mahalanobis distances showed that differences in body measurements between regions existed but they were small as expected in a unique breed. The breed has shown itself to be slightly longer than others with deeper udders and more angled teat placement. Some peripheral traits such as ear and tail size, usually considered important in the breed definition, have been shown to have a low, or null, relationship with other morphological traits. Even when homogeneity is found in the breed, there are still some small differences found between geographical areas as a consequence of the short history of the breed in Spain. However, after a 30 year history in Spain, the homogeneity of the Assaf.E breed allows this population to be defined as an authentic breed.