Abstract:
The study encompassed quantitative traits of the Shaka cattle reared in Shaka zone, Anderacha and Masha
weredas of south western, Ethiopia. The study covered quantitative parameters which were taken from 240 cows
and 120 bulls from randomly slected120 households. The means for the quantitative traits were compared using
Duncan’s Multiple Range test, the values were considered significant at P < 0.05 and P < 0.01. The results of
morphometrical measurements of bulls reared at Masha wereda had wider (P < 0.05) values for their pelvic width
and the Chest Depth for the bulls aged 7 years was higher (P < 0.01). While the canon bone circumference was
also wider when compared to the bulls reared at Anderacha wereda. Contrary the bulls aged 5 years and reared
at Anderacha wereda had higher (P < 0.05) for Body Weight, Height at Withers and Chest Depth. Morphometrical
measurement for cows 5 year age group and reared at Masha wereda have longer (P < 0.05) Neck Length and
for cows 7 years have wider (P < 0.05) Hock Bone Circumference and Pelvic Width. Contrary the cows aged 5
years raised at Anderacha wereda has wider (P < 0.05) for Cannon Bone Circumference, and (P < 0.01) for Chest
Girth, higher Body Weight, Rump Length, Ear Length, Neck Circumference and Chest Depth. Among the cows
aged 7 years have longer (P < 0.01) face length and deeper (P < 0.05) Chest. There is a significant difference in
the length index (LI2) and body ratio (BR) (P < 0.05) throughout the research locations, with Anderacha wereda
having the higher result, and Masha wereda having the higher depth index (DI) and transverse pelvic index (TPI)
(P < 0.05).The results of body indices of both sex indicate that, the cattle is suited for grazing in the forest areas
and are of dual type.
