Multivariate Morphometric Characterisation and Phenotypic Diversity of Local, Exotic and Crossbred Rabbit Populations in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Rabbit production is an important short-cycle livestock activity in Burkina Faso, but the morphological diversity of local, exotic and crossbred populations remains insufficiently quantified. This study assessed phenotypic diversity and morphometric structuring of rabbit populations to support sustainable management and genetic improvement. Field data were collected from September to December 2023 in the Kadiogo and Guiriko regions. A total of 302 adult rabbits were initially sampled from 60 breeders, and, after data cleaning and outlier removal, 266 rabbits were analysed using 16 quantitative variables and 14 qualitative traits. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering on principal components, multiple correspondence analysis, linear discriminant analysis, analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance were applied. The first two principal components explained 52.60% of the total variance. The first component was mainly associated with body size traits, including body length, body weight and ear length, whereas the second component was related to conformation traits such as chest depth and hip width. Hierarchical clustering identified three morphological groups, but their partial overlap indicated a continuous phenotypic structure rather than clearly separated populations. Multiple correspondence and discriminant analyses also showed moderate differentiation among groups, with misclassification particularly evident among crossbred rabbits. Breed had a significant effect on most morphometric traits, and the multivariate analysis confirmed overall differences among populations (Wilks' lambda = 0.1693; p < 0.001). Local rabbits generally showed smaller body measurements, improved breeds showed higher values, and crossbreds occupied intermediate and variable positions. These findings indicate that rabbit populations in Burkina Faso are organised along a body size gradient, with substantial admixture. Morphometric characterisation therefore provides a useful basis for breeding decisions, although complementary molecular analyses are needed to refine population assessment.