Characterization of Cyprus Native Hair Goat breed / Arsoy et al. ___________________________________________________________________
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INTRODUCTION
Sustainable development represents a comprehensive approach
that seeks to balance environmental preservation, economic
advancement, and social equity to ensure the well–being of present
and future generations [1]. Within the context of animal breeding, the
genetic diversity of Goat (Capra hircus) breeds assumes a pivotal role
in facilitating climate adaptation and considering geographical factors
[2]. Indigenous Goat breeds, specically those local to a particular
Region, are of utmost importance as they possess unique adaptability
to local climates, contribute to sustainable land management practices,
safeguard cultural heritage, foster research and genetic enhancement,
and bolster resilience against the impacts of climate change. The
preservation of a diverse array of Goat breeds is therefore indispensable
for ensuring the long–term sustainability and rural livelihoods of
agriculture and the overall equilibrium of ecosystems [3].
In Cyprus, Goat and Sheep (Ovis aries) farming have been of
signicant historical importance, exerting a positive impact on
the socio–economic development of the population. Particularly
noteworthy is the substantial role played by Goat milk and meat in
traditional Cypriot nutrition, such as in the production of "Halloumi"
cheese (Χαλλουµι, Halloumi, Hellim) and oven kebap (Kleftico, Thief
Kebab, Hırsız Kebap), which hold vital culinary and cultural signicance
in the Region. Notably, the production of Halloumi, a cheese with
historical mention dating back to a Venetian manuscript from 1554
as "Calumi," thrives on the island due to its compatibility with the
local climate conditions [4].
In Northern Cyprus, the main native Goat breeds reported are
Damascus, Native Hair Goat breeds, and some crossbreeds [4].
Concurrently, the production of traditional Halloumi cheese, a
signicant dairy product with substantial economic importance in
contemporary Cyprus, relies primarily on the milk obtained from Cyprus
Sheep (Fat–tailed Cyprus Sheep, Awassi, Chios) and Goat breeds. The
substantial importance of Halloumi has prompted an application
for the registration of its names 'Χαλλουµι' (Halloumi)/'Hellim' as a
Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) under the Quality Regulation
(EU) No 1151/2012. This registration application underscores various
critical factors, including the specic geographic origin, the presence of
Sheep and Goats, breed characteristics, feed, geographical Region, the
quality of vegetation impacting milk production, and the milk's overall
quality, which collectively contribute to the unique characteristics
of Halloumi cheese. As a result, the PDO stipulates the utilization of
local Sheep and Goat breeds and regionally sourced feed resources
for Halloumi cheese production, further accentuating the signicance
of preserving indigenous breeds. This registration process has had
profound implications for livestock production in the Region.
The production of Native–Hair Goats has held a signicant role for
smallholder farmers in Cyprus, as it sustains their economic well–being
by providing a reliable source of income till now [5, 6]. Besides of this,
the Cyprus Native Hair Goat breed bears historical signicance and
requires stringent protection due to its critical role in the Country's
Goat ock composition. Nonetheless, the breed faces the peril of
extinction primarily because of uncontrolled crossbreeding practices
today. The preservation of genetic diversity assumes paramount
importance for ensuring the viability of breeding programs in the future
and safeguarding the existence of the Cyprus Hair Goat breed [7].
Notably, Cyprus Native Hair Goats are found in the mountainous
Regions of the island and some nearby farms, where they roam freely
amidst high temperatures and severe scarcity of pasture and water
in the Bes Parmak / Trados mountain. In light of 'climatic changes'
adverse effects on production parameters, many Cypriot farmers
are integrating these Native Hair Goats into their herds to counter
these challenges effectively. Due to their disease resistance, high
milk fat content, and ease of breeding, Cyprus Native Hair Goats are
specically sought for breeding purposes or to solely obtain Hair Goat
progeny. The morphological characterization of indigenous breeds,
including the Cyprus native Hair Goat, holds utmost signicance in the
establishment of conservation programs for zoo–genetic resources
[8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13]. Accurate identification and comprehensive
understanding of the breed requires the quantification and
expression of morpho–structural characteristics through precise body
measurements. Morphometrics provides a robust toolkit for analyzing
morphological variation, thus contributing invaluable insights to
comparative studies and developmental research in this context.
This study aims to scientifically identify the physical and
morphological traits of the Cyprus Native Hair Goat breed for
the rst time, thus supporting its genetic conservation and PDO
application process.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study area
The study was conducted on the region of Kyrenia, Northern Cyprus;
where there are goat production farms. The farm where the study was
performed, was located in the Beş Parmak mountain range. Goats
were in a free extensive rearing system in this area with harsh weather
conditions (FIGS.1A, 1B, 1C and 1D). The stockowner has a small open
barn for milking the goats. Only at milking time we were able to have
access to the animals and take their body measurements. Finding
and keeping animals was quite dicult. Therefore, the number of
animals used in this study was small. There are Hair Goats on some
farms, but most of them are crossbred. For this reason, hair Goats
that have owners but roam free in the mountains and mate only among
themselves were selected. The research was approved by the Near
East University Animal Ethics Committee, (2019/04, 17.04.2019/73).
Northern Cyprus has the typical Mediterranean climate with prolonged,
warm, and dry summers starting from mid–May to mid–October. The
Winter, from December to February, is mild and wet. And completing
the seasons of the year with short Autumn and Spring periods. The
temperature reaches 34°C and even 40°C in the hottest months (July
and August) and ranges from 7 to 15°C in the coldest months.
Data collection
The animals had ear tags for identication. There were 7 qualitative
traits: presence of horn, horn shape, presence of wattle, beard, and
topknot (FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1D), coat color, and presence of feathered
feet, and 10 quantitative morphological traits: body weight, ear length,
head length, withers height, heart girth, chest depth, chest width,
body length, hip height, and cannon circumference (TABLE I), which
were recorded according to procedures described by FAO and ICAR
[12, 13]. In this research, there were a total of 60 Cyprus Native Hair
Goats, all the measurements on the animals were performed by the
same group of people in order to minimize errors during the data
collection phase of the research.