Evaluations of Phenotypic Diversity of the Arsi Cattle Populations Reared in the Sidama Region, Ethiopia

The present study aimed to assess the phenotypic diversity of Arsi cattle populations in the Sidama region, Ethiopia, using multivariate analysis and structural indices. A total of 360 cattle across three location/agroecological zones (highland [HL], midland [ML], and lowland [LL]) were sampled, from both sexes and age groups. From the sampled cattle, sixteen morphometric traits were measured. General linear model, multivariate analysis, and conformation indices were applied to evaluate cattle populations in the three locations/agroecologies. Results showed that morphometric traits varied ( p < 0.05) across sex, age, and location/agroecology, with males, older animals, and LL cattle showing larger body sizes. Cluster analysis revealed two separate clusters; cattle populations from ML and LL agroecologies were grouped in one cluster, while cattle from HL agroecology were separately clustered in one group. Morphometric traits of hump length, muzzle circumference (MC), ear length (EL), face length (FL), horn length (HL), chest depth (CD), and height at wither (HW) were identified as the most discriminating variables. Canonical analysis displayed that the first canonical function (CAN1) clearly separated LL cattle, whereas the second canonical function (CAN2) best discriminated HL cattle. All Mahalanobis distances were significant ( p < 0.01), with the shortest distance observed between ML and LL cattle (0.364) and the longest between HL and LL cattle (1.297). Moreover, the discriminant analysis classified 65.8%, 53.3%, and 45% of HL, LL, and ML cattle, respectively. Structural and functional indices showed that indigenous cattle populations reared in the Sidama region are predominantly dual‐purpose in conformation. In conclusion, the study showed substantial phenotypic diversity, highlighting the adaptive potential of these cattle and their importance for improvement and conservation programs.