Evaluation of live weight and some body measurements in anatolian and italian buffaloes using multivariate statistical methods

In this study, multiple linear regression analysis was used to estimate body measurements and live weight values of Anatolian and Italian buffaloes raised under Afyonkarahisar conditions. Gradual clustering methods were used to determine the homogeneity and heterogeneity of Anatolian and Italian buffaloes in terms of body sizes. In the study, body measurements and live weight data of 75 Anatolian and 75 Italian buffaloes of different ages in a farm in Afyonkarahisar province were used. Average live weight values for each age group in Italian buffaloes were higher than those of Anatolian buffaloes. Average live weight corrected for age was 612.54 ± 70.47 kg in Anatolian buffaloes and 671.48 ± 53.99 kg in Italian buffaloes. In addition, it was determined that the effect of age on the shoulder height, body depth, rump width and body weight of the Anatolian race was significant at different levels (p <0.05; p <0.001). In the Italian race, the effect of age on shoulder height, body depth, body length, rump width, front nipple length, hip rump width and live weight was found to be significant. According to the results of the multiple linear regression analysis regarding the live weight estimation made using the body measurements of the buffaloes; It has been determined that the variables of wither height, body depth, body length, heel height and rump width have a significant effect on live weight in Anatolian buffaloes. It was determined that body length, anterior nipple length and hip tuber width variables had a significant effect on body weight in Italian buffaloes. When the results and dendrograms of the Full Link Clustering Method and Ward Clustering Method, which are among the phased clustering methods, were examined in the clustering analysis made according to body measurements, it was seen that the Anatolian buffaloes were divided into 5 clusters and the Italian buffaloes into 2 clusters. Findings regarding the gradual clustering methods applied, it was determined that Anatolian buffaloes were more heterogeneous in terms of body size than Italian buffaloes.