Caracterización fenotípica de los ovinos de la raza 4M (Marín Magellan Meat Merino) en el núcleo asociativo Pancun Ichubamba de la parroquia Cebadas, cantón Guamote, provincia de Chimborazo.

Abstract

The phenotypic characteristics of 105 4M sheep were evaluated in the Pancun Ichubamba nucleus of the Cebadas parish, Guamote canton, Chimborazo province, and were classified into 4 categories (breeding male, female sheep, male lamb and female lamb), from which 14 variables were obtained with the use of a zoometric stick and a tape measure to record the zoometric characteristics and determine morphological differences, while the observational method was used for the phaneroptic characteristics. For data processing, descriptive statistics and significance tests were used through a general linear model and the separation of means according to Tukey with the Infostat statistical package. The result was significant differences between categories, where most of the zoometric measurements were determined in the producer males, which were superior compared to those obtained in the ewe mothers, male lambs and females. It was concluded that the mother ewes were the most similar to the males, so it is considered that they were the best adapted to the climatic conditions of Ichubamba, also the variables such as height at the withers and rump presented proportional values showing a straight dorsal-lumbar line, demonstrating that they are animals of good qualities. So, it is recommended to carry out a classification of the best specimens of sheep to take advantage in crossbreeding and obtain an offspring of better productive and reproductive characteristics.