Analysis of Qualitative Morphological Characteristics of N’Dama Cattle (Bos Taurus Linneaus, 1758) from the Marahoué Ranch and Farming Environment (Ivory Coast)
The physical characteristics of N’Dama cattle are a major issue in the recognition of the breed for both scientists and breeders. To resolve this ambiguity, a comparative study of the physical characteristics of 94 N’Dama cattle from the Marahoué ranch and 107 others farming system in three agro-ecological zones (Central, North-Western and North-East) of C？te d’Ivoire was carried out by the Chi-square test. Analysis showed that the N’Dama from the farming environment has, in addition to the fawn-colored coat (68.2%), other types of coat color (white, black, grey, pi-black). They have mostly lyre horn (58.9%), bicolored horns (91%) and convex back (75.7%). The N’Dama from the Marahoué ranch, on the other hand, has only a fawn-colored coat (100%), a straight back (100%), and ears carried horizontally (100%). It has mostly eyelids (91.5%) and an unpigmented muzzle (91.5%). Multiple correspondence analysis, show that factor 1 with 64.44% of inertia, alone described the essential variability of the population. This factor allows us to qualitatively differentiate cattle through coat color (Rbe), horn shape (Fcn), eyelid color (Cpp) and muzzle color (Cmu). On the basis of discriminating characteristics, the N’Dama studied separated into two (2) groups. The group 1 is made up mainly of cattle from the Marahoué ranch (57.51%). It is characterized by fawn-colored coats (96.73%), lyre-shaped horns (49.67%), unpigmented eyelids (97.38%) and unpigmented muzzles (90.1%). Group 2, on the other hand, is made up of N’Dama farmers (87.5%). They are characterized by other coat colors (60.41%), and crescent horns (52.08%). Their eyelids are pigmented (95.83%), as is their muzzle (97.91%). Projection of the individuals in the factorial planes of the MCA (1; 2) shows that the N’Dama from the ranch and those from the farming environment constitute a more or less physically homogeneous population.
MIRAH (2022) National Policy for the Development of Livestock, Fisheries and Aquaculture (PONADEPA 2022-2026).
[3]
Edouard, N.K., Lacine, B.K., Cyrille, K.N., Etienne, L.N., Guiguigbaza-Kossigan, D., Mamadou, S., et al. (2018) Multivariate Analysis for Morphological Characteristics of N’Dama Cattle Breed in Two Agro-Ecological Zones of Côte d’Ivoire. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 14, 602-621. https://doi.org/10.19044/esj.2018.v14n3p602
[4]
Mattioli, R.C., Pandey, V.S., Murray, M. and Fitzpatrick, J.L. (2000) Immunogenetic Influences on Tick Resistance in African Cattle with Particular Reference to Trypanotolerant N’dama (Bos taurus) and Trypanosusceptible Gobra Zebu (Bos indicus) Cattle. Acta Tropica, 75, 263-277. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0001-706x(00)00063-2
[5]
Sokouri, D.P., Loukou, N.E., Yapi-Gnaoré, C.V., Mondeil, F. and Gnangbe, F. (2007) Caractérisation phénotypique des bovins à viande (Bos taurus et Bos indicus) au centre (Bouaké) et au nord (Korhogo) de la Côte d’Ivoire. Animal Genetic Resources Information, 40, 43-53. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1014233900002182
[6]
Sokouri, D.P., Yapi-Gnaoré, C.V., N’Guetta, A.S.P., Loukou, N.E., Kouao, B.J., Touré, G., Kou-assi, A. and Sangaré, A. (2010) Reproductive Performance of Local Cattle Breeds in Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 36, 2353-2359.
[7]
Camara, Y., Sissokho, M.M., Sall, M., Farnir, F. and Antoine-Moussiaux, N. (2020) Programmes de sélection du bovin N’Dama en Afrique de l’Ouest: Cas du Sénégal, du Mali et de la Gambie. Cahiers Agricultures, 29, Article No. 23. https://doi.org/10.1051/cagri/2020010
[8]
FAO (2012) Phenotypic Characterization of Animal Genetic Resources. FAO Animal Production and Health Guideli, 11, 144. https://www.fao.org/4/i2686e/i2686e00.pdf
[9]
Gbodjo, Z., Michael, K.K., Kouadio, K.I., Soro, B., Banny, K.J.P.K., Kouakou, O.G.E. and Sokouri, D. (2022) Comparative Analysis of Morphological Traits of N’Dama Taurins and Dairy Crossbred Cattle in the Central Region of Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 173, 18020-18030.
[10]
Konaté, S. and Kampmann, D. (2010) Atlas of Biodiversity of West Africa, Volume III: Ivory Coast. Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Geowissenschaf-ten/Geographie.
[11]
INS (2021) Statistical Yearbook of the Bounkani Region, 140.
[12]
Yapi-Gnaoré, C.V., N’Goran, K.E., Fantodji, A. and Ahoussou, N. (2009) Influence des facteurs de production sur l’élevage laitier périurbain des régions de savane et de forêt de Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Applied Biosciences, 19, 1065-1073. https://www.m.elewa.org/JABS/2009/19/5.pdf
[13]
Yao-Kouassi, Q., Adayé, K.A., Kouadio, K.C. and Coulibaly, Y.E. (2021) Observations, Perceptions et Adaptations au Changement Climatique dans la Sous-Préfecture de Séguéla (Côte d’Ivoire). International Journal of Scientific Research and Management, 9, 881-889. https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsrm/v9i12.sh04
[14]
Yapi-Gnaore, C.V., Oya, B.A. and Ouattara, Z. (1996) Revue de la Situation des Races D’Animaux Domestiques de Cote d’Ivoire. Animal Genetic Resources Information, 19, 91-108. https://doi.org/10.1017/s101423390000081x
[15]
Kanh, K.H.M., Sokouri, D.P., Diop, M. and Dieng, A. (2019) La race N’Dama dans le cheptel bovin du Sénégal. International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 13, 2315-2331. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v13i4.35
[16]
Badji, M.N., Diouf, M.N., Ciss, M., Baldé, A.T., Sambe, B.S., Diop, M. and Sembène, M. (2020) Phenotypic study of Ndama bulls from the Centre de Recherches Zootechniques de Kolda (Senegal). European Scientific Journal, 16, 514-534.
[17]
Akouango, P., Mopoundza, P. and Ewomango, R.P. (2014) Study of Measurements of Ndama (Bos taurus) Cattle in Natural Semi-Flooded Pastures Abo Farm in Congo Brazzaville. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 20, 3137-3143. https://www.m.elewa.org/JAPS/2014/20.3/1.pdf
[18]
Desta, T.T., Ayalew, W. and Hegde, B.P. (2010) Breed and Trait Preferences of Sheko Cattle Keepers in Southwestern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 43, 851-856. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-010-9772-2
[19]
Schmutz, S.M. (2012) Genetics of Coat Color in Cattle. In: Womack, J.E., Ed., Bovine Genomics, Wiley, 20-33.
[20]
Traoré, A., Koudandé, D.O., Fernández, I., Soudré, A., Álvarez, I., Diarra, S., et al. (2016) Multivariate Characterization of Morphological Traits in West African Cattle Sires. Archives Animal Breeding, 59, 337-344. https://doi.org/10.5194/aab-59-337-2016
[21]
Doutressoulle, G. (1947) Breeding in French West Africa. Éditions Larose.
[22]
Gueye, E.H., Nicolas, A., Diao, B., Ndiaye, L., Faye, O. and Kandé, M. (1979) Identifica-tion des taurins Ndama en milieu rural: étude de la composition de la structure et de la couleur des robes des troupeaux taurins. Rapport d’activités, Centre de Recherch-es Zootechniques de Kolda, Institut Sénégalais de Recherches Agricoles, Kolda, Senegal, 27.
[23]
Gutiérrez-Gil, B., Wiener, P. and Williams, J.L. (2007) Genetic Effects on Coat Colour in Cattle: Dilution of Eumelanin and Phaeomelanin Pigments in an F2-Backcross Charolais × Holstein Population. BMC Genetics, 8, Article No. 56. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2156-8-56
[24]
Han, S., Cho, I., Kim, J., Ko, M., Kim, Y., Kim, E., et al. (2011) Coat Color Patterns and Genotypes of Extension and Agouti in Hanwoo and Jeju Black Cattle. Journal of Life Science, 21, 494-501. https://doi.org/10.5352/jls.2011.21.4.494
[25]
Kunene, L.M., Muchadeyi, F.C., Hadebe, K., Mészáros, G., Sölkner, J., Dugmore, T., et al. (2022) Genetics of Base Coat Colour Variations and Coat Colour-Patterns of the South African Nguni Cattle Investigated Using High-Density SNP Genotypes. Frontiers in Genetics, 13, Article 832702. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2022.832702
[26]
Wang, X., Xu, L., Zhou, D., Lv, Y., Wu, J., Zhao, Y., et al. (2025) Skin Transcriptomic and Selection Signature Analyses Identify ASIP as a Key Gene in Cattle Coat Color Determination. Frontiers in Genetics, 16, Article 1577647. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2025.1577647
[27]
Almathen, F., Elbir, H., Bahbahani, H., Mwacharo, J. and Hanotte, O. (2018) Polymorphisms in MC1R and ASIP Genes Are Associated with Coat Color Variation in the Arabian Camel. Journal of Heredity, 109, 700-706. https://doi.org/10.1093/jhered/esy024
[28]
Kanh, K.H.M., Soro, B., Kouassi, Y. and Sokouri, D.P. (2025) Phenotypic Characterization of the N’Dama Cattle Breed from the Kolda Region (Senegal) Based on Qualitative Parameters. International Journal of Agriculture and Biosciences, 14, 94-99.
[29]
MacHugh, D.E., Shriver, M.D., Loftus, R.T., Cunningham, P. and Bradley, D.G. (1997) Microsatellite DNA Variation and the Evolution, Domestication and Phylogeography of Taurine and Zebu Cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus). Genetics, 146, 1071-1086. https://doi.org/10.1093/genetics/146.3.1071
[30]
Sokouri, D.P., Yapi-Gnaoré, C.V., N’Guetta, A.S.P., Loukou, N.E., Kouao, B.J., Touré, G., Sangaré, A. and Kouassi, A. (2009) Use and Management of Local Bull Breeds under the Pressure of Crossbreeding with Zebus in the Central and Northern Regions of Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 5, 456-465. https://www.m.elewa.org/JAPS/2009/5.2/1.pdf
[31]
Kanh, K.H.M. (2020) Caractérisation des systèmes d’élevage et des populations de bovins Ndama des régions de Kolda et de Ziguinchor (Sénégal). Master’s Thesis, Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny.
[32]
Coulomb, J. (1976) La race N’Dama. Quelques caractéristiques zootechniques. Revue d’élevage et de médecine vétérinaire des pays tropicaux, 29, 367-380. https://doi.org/10.19182/remvt.8005
[33]
Bovo, S., Schiavo, G., Kazemi, H., Moscatelli, G., Ribani, A., Ballan, M., et al. (2021) Exploiting Within-Breed Variability in the Autochthonous Reggiana Breed Identified Several Candidate Genes Affecting Pigmentation-Related Traits, Stature and Udder Defects in Cattle. Animal Genetics, 52, 579-597. https://doi.org/10.1111/age.13109
[34]
Kim, S.H., Hwang, S.Y. and Yoon, J.T. (2014) Microarray-Based Analysis of the Differential Expression of Melanin Synthesis Genes in Dark and Light-Muzzle Korean Cattle. PLOS ONE, 9, e96453. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0096453
