Abstract

The study was conducted to describe the morphological and weight characteristics of Sahelian goats in the urban and peri-urban areas of N'Djamena city. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from April 1 to July 10, 2023, in N'Djamena city, Dourbali, and Linia. The study involved 160 Sahelian goats from 15 herds. Various body and weight measurements, along with animal pictures, were taken to collect data on both qualitative characteristics and quantitative parameters. XLSTAT software (1.9.6) was used to analyze the collected data. This study indicates that Sahelian goats have a white coat, lack a mane, possess a long head with wide, drooping ears, straight horns pointing backward, and goatees in male goats. Sahelian goats are slender and straight, with long bodies, long legs, and an average weight of 31 ± 0.71 kg (ranging from 16 to 63 kg). They are raised in an extensive breeding system, where uncontrolled matings expose them to genetic erosion. A genetic characterization study would provide the basis for measures to preserve this breed.

Key words: Sahelian goats, morphology, weight, N'Djamena, Chad.