Estimating Genetic Parameters and Principal Component Analysis of Breeding Values for Morphometric Traits in Indonesian Etawah Goats

The Indonesian Etawah (PE) goat breed significantly supports smallholder farmers. This study evaluated fixed factors (year of birth, season, sex, housing system, and birth type) affecting morphometric traits, estimated genetic parameters, and assessed phenotypic correlations. Data from 325 PE goats (142 males, 183 females) at weaning age from BPTU-HPT Pelaihari, South Kalimantan, were analyzed. Eight traits were measured: body weight (BW), body length (BL), withers height (WH), chest girth (CG), chest depth (CD), hip height (HH), ear length (EL), and ear width (EW). Analyses included descriptive statistics, T-tests, ANOVA, and multivariate mixed models. Variance components were estimated using AI-REML in the DMU software. Heritability estimates (<(U)double over dot>(2)) varied, with high values for EW (0.64 +/- 0.17), EL (0.59 +/- 0.18), and BW (0.35 +/- 0.15). Strong genetic correlations (r(a)) were observed between BW and HH (0.81 +/- 0.16), while phenotypic correlations (r(p)) were high between BW and BL (0.83 +/- 0.04), indicating robust growth relationships. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted BW, ear dimensions, and BL as key contributors to genetic variation. Spearman correlation analysis supported consistent breeding value rankings. In conclusion, genetic improvement of PE goats can be achieved by selecting traits with high heritability and integrating PCA and Spearman findings into breeding strategies, while considering environmental influences.