Application of multifactorial discriminant analysis in the morphostructural differentiation of Andalusian caprine breeds

Out of 634 adult females of five caprine breeds of Andalusia, we have monitored ten zoometrical variables to contrast their validity as breed discriminants, Different types of discriminant analysis: simple; canonical; and stepwise, were applied. According to Mahalanobis distances and assignment error levels from simple discriminant analysis, in addition to canonical graphs, we found two groups whose internal elements were coincidental in productive capacity and cephalic profile type: on the one hand the Malaga and Granada, and on the other, the Andalusian White, Florida, and Andalusian Black breeds. The greatest distance was between Florida and Malaga (26.329), and the least between Malaga and Granada (2.042). The canonical discriminant analysis and stepwise discriminant analysis determined that the differences between breeds, with regard to production level and degree of wildness, were indicated by head length (the most discriminate variable in all breeds) and shin circumference and rump length (the most discriminant variables in groups based on productive ability and cephalic profile). This study also shows chest girth, chest depth and rump width as parameters of limited discriminant value in the caprine breeds studied. Assignment error levels and areas of intersection in the graphic presentation of the canonical discriminant analysis are explained by the genetic exchange that has existed between the races at each aptitude.