Morphometric characterization of Pirot pramenka

The strategy of conservation of endangered sheep populations implies morphological and genetic characterization, as basic preconditions for their conservation. The aim of this study was to determine the morphometric characteristics, their correlations and the index of physical development of Pirot pramenka, which has the status of the most endangered population in Serbia. The measuring was performed on 30 sheep, aged 3 years, reared in the area of Stara Planina. The descriptive statistical procedure was performed using the statistical package Statistica (version 8). The average height at the withers was 56.31 cm, body length 62.93 cm, chest width 18.37 cm, chest depth 25.96 cm, chest circumference 77.59 cm, shin circumference 6.70 cm. The strongest and significantly positive correlation (P <0.05) was found between chest depth and height at withers (0.65), body length (0.58) and body weight (0.56). Pirotska pramenka has slightly higher indices of format, chest and massiveness, in relation to breeds Vitoroga Zuja and Travnik Pramenka. These morphometric traits suggest that, compared to previous research, the body frame of Pirot pramenka sheep did not change significantly, which means that there were no crosses with other breeds due to geographical isolation and enthusiasm of breeders to preserve the indigenous Pirot pramenka which was the starting point for following authentic brands: Pirot lamb, cheese and carpet. Hence the biological and moral imperative: to preserve this highly endangered population.