Morphological and phaneroptic characterization of Sudan female Colombian Creole Hair Sheep "OPC"

Objective. The objective of this research was to describe the qualitative morphology and phaneroptic of Sudan Colombian creole woolless sheep (OPC). Materials and methods. Six phaneroptic and seven qualitative morphological characteristics were evaluated in a total of 115 Sudan Bayo and Sudan Blanco ewes, from the departments Cordoba, Cesar and La Guajira. The data obtained were analyzed through the statistical program InfoStat (R), relative and absolute frequencies were estimated for each evaluated trait. Results. Sudan Bayo OPC were distinguished by being yellow coat color. Sudan Blanco were white-and-chestnut spotted coat color, but white always predominated over chestnut. These ovines usually had black-rosy mucosae and in lesser amount there were individuals with rosy mucosae. Besides, they presented horizontal ears always, sub-convex profile in more than 80% of cases, generally medium-sized and scant muscled necks, usually inclined rumps, partially pigmented and depigmented udders as well. Likewise, they were characterized by showing marbled hooves mostly, but with a high percentage of clear hooves in Sudan Blanco sheep. Conclusions. This research has allowed to characterize specifically. Sudan OPC sheep from morphology and phaneroptic; thus, important information has been obtained to delimit the parameters of belonging to this group and for proposing the creation of a breed standard.