Morphostructural characterization and zoometric indices of Sudan females Colombian Creole Hair sheep “OPC”

Objective. This study aimed to describe body measurements and zoometric indices of Colombian creole woolless sheep (OPC), in two of its varieties, Sudan Bayo and Sudan Blanco. Materials y methods. This research was carried out in the states of Córdoba, Cesar, and La Guajira. Two farms were visited in Córdoba and Cesar and one in La Guajira. In each state were evaluated 21, 75, and 14 animals, respectively. In 110 Sudan sheep were studied 29 morphostructural variables and body weight; with these variables, 15 zoometric indices were estimated. To the collected information, descriptive statistics were applied through the InfoStat® software. Results. Sudan Bayo presented higher values in body weight than Sudan Blanco sheep (40.8 and 40.57 kg), as in the zoometric measurements related to head, limbs, and most of the trunk; for the first sheep variety 83 ewes were used and 27 animals for the second variety. Regarding the zoometric indices, Sudan sheep were characterized for being dolichocranial,dolichocephalic, eumetric, with a thorax of elliptical tendency, with convex rumps, and of longilineal body according to two ethnological indiceswhile brevilineal based on one functional index. Conclusions. Through this research, the current morphometric status of Sudan OPC was known in detail, as well as the proportionality between the body regions, whose inclination is towards the meat biotype. This data is important for knowledge, breed characterization, biotype definition, conservation, promotion, and genetic improvement of the OPC.