Abstract
The study was conducted to assess multivariate characterization of cephalic traits of Red Sokoto goat population. Morpho-structural traits of 100 Red Sokoto goats were collected, these traits were the head width, head length, head depth, face width, face length, skull width, skull length neck length, neck width, horn length, horn circumference and horn space. Data collected on these traits were used to estimate a cephalic index of the Nigerian goat breed. Data were subjected to Univariate and Multivariate analysis using General Linear Model and MEANS procedures of SAS (v.9.13). Results showed a significant difference between sexes in all traits measured with buck having higher values of the cephalic index than the doe. The result further revealed that buck was brachycephalic (short-headed) while the doe was mesaticephalic (medium-headed). Based on the result of the study, it is concluded that cephalic trait of goats (in terms of head or skull conformation) serves as adaptation mechanism for animals to a different production environment where they are found. The cephalic trait of goats is important and should be considered for selection in the genetic improvement programs.