Phenotypic and morphometric characterization of indigenous cattle in Gokwe North, Zimbabwe, using multivariate...

Indigenous cattle are central to livelihoods, climate resilience, and cultural systems in semi-arid regions, yet their phenotypic diversity is often insufficiently documented to support effective conservation and sustainable use improvement. The study aimed to classify officially recognized indigenous cattle breeds (Afrikaner, Mashona, and Tuli) based on their phenotypic characteristics. The study animals were selected randomly among the animals present at the plunge dip tank (a tick-control practice in which cattle are immersed in an acaricide solution) for three consecutive dipping's, morphological and morphometric traits were observed and documented using a standardized breed characterization guideline. Three breeds (Afrikaner, Mashona, Tuli) and three classes (Cows, Heifers, Steers) were considered for this study, and a maximum of 9 animals for each class and breed was used. A stepwise discriminant analysis procedure was used to select the most significant variables, while canonical discriminant analysis was applied for breed classification. The morphometric data underwent factor analysis to capture the principal sources of variation, prioritizing factors with the highest variance. Multivariate statistical approaches, were applied as exploratory tools to identify traits contributing most strongly to phenotypic differentiation, while acknowledging sampling limitations The results showed that the morphometric trait variability was much higher (P < 0.001), the most essential traits for easy identification of cattle were HL, DBH, BW, RL HG, and EW, as evidenced by their partial discrete R² values. The study produced two statistically significant canonical variables (P < 0.001), with CAN1 explaining 72.3% and CAN2 25.9% of the total variation, respectively. The Tuli cattle were the most distinct breed, separated from Afrikaner and Mashona along CAN1, while Mashona is moderately separated from Afrikaner. The breeding programs for indigenous cattle breeds is premised on body weight, body length, and muzzle circumference, and these should be prioritized. These results provide a baseline phenotypic description of indigenous cattle in Gokwe North and demonstrate the value of multivariate phenotypic analysis for supporting conservation planning and sustainable use, rather than intensive selection that could compromise adaptive traits.