Identification of Qualitative Characteristics of Dairy Goats in Abeli and Poasia Districts, Kendari City Identifikasi Sifat Kualitatif Kambing Perah

Abstract

Genes and the environment influence the appearance of qualitative traits and can show variation in a population. The expression of qualitative traits such as coat color and body shape reflects the genetic characteristics of an individual livestock. This study aimed to identify the qualitative characteristics of dairy goats in Abeli and Poasia Districts, Kendari City. The study location was selected purposively based on the availability of Etawah Crossbred and Jawarandu goats, while samples were collected using a census method. A total of 129 dairy goats, consisting of 36 males and 93 females, were observed. The variables included coat color, horn type, ear shape, nose shape, and udder shape. Data were tabulated and analyzed descriptively using percentages. The results showed diverse coat colors, including white, brown, black, gray, and several color combinations such as white-brown, white-black, brown-white, brown-black, black-white, black-brown, and white-black-brown. Most goats were horned, although some had horn bumps or were hornless. Etawah Crossbred goats generally had drooping ears and convex noses, whereas Jawarandu goats commonly had semi-drooping ears and slightly convex noses. Most female goats had symmetrical udders. These findings provide baseline phenotypic information for breeding, selection, conservation, and development of local dairy goat genetic resources in Kendari City.