Criollo Breed Research Articles

Physicochemical composition of Criolla and Criolla x Saanen goat milk according to age and parity in the central highlands of Peru

Present study aimed to analyze the physicochemical composition of goat milk based on the type of animal, age, and parity in Chupuro, Junin region in the country of Peru. A total of 24 goats were randomly selected, and divided into two groups: 12 native goats and 12 native goats crossed with Saanen. These groups (G1, G2, and G3) included three age categories (1.8, 2.5, and 3.2 years) and three parity levels (first, second, and third parity). The animals were monitored and fed considering their conversion and nutritional requirements. Before the morning milking, 100 ml of milk was extracted in sterile bottles, followed by agitation for 3 to 5 minutes, and the samples were transported using conservation and cooling techniques in a thermal box with ice cubes. These samples were analyzed in the special laboratory. Measurements of pH, acidity, density, lactose, total solids, fat, and protein were conducted using milk analyzer. The findings for the Criollo breed revealed a pH of 6.35 ± 0.31, a lactose concentration of 4.35%, total solids of 11.62 ± 1.31%, protein content of 4.12 ± 0.35%, and fat content of 3.40 ± 0.91%. In comparison, the Criollo x Saanen crossbreed exhibited a pH of 6.43 ± 0.13%, a lactose concentration of 4.45%, total solids of 12.63 ± 0.92%, protein content of 4.26 ± 0.28%, and fat content of 3.95 ± 0.69%. The results indicated that there were no significant differences in the types of milk from native goats and native goats crossed with Saanen. However, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in density, lactose, total solids, fat, and protein between groups of different ages and parity levels. Crossbreeding with the Saanen breed is well received in the region, as it serves to improve milk production, with favorable percentages of fat, protein, lactose, and total solids.

Genomic insights into the population history and adaptive traits of Latin American Criollo cattle.

Criollo cattle, the descendants of animals brought by Iberian colonists to the Americas, have been the subject of natural and human-mediated selection in novel tropical agroecological zones for centuries. Consequently, these breeds have evolved distinct characteristics such as resistance to diseases and exceptional heat tolerance. In addition to European taurine (Bos taurus) ancestry, it has been proposed that gene flow from African taurine and Asian indicine (Bos indicus) cattle has shaped the ancestry of Criollo cattle. In this study, we analysed Criollo breeds from Colombia and Venezuela using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array data to examine population structure and admixture at high resolution. Analysis of genetic structure and ancestry components provided evidence for African taurine and Asian indicine admixture in Criollo cattle. In addition, using WGS data, we detected selection signatures associated with a myriad of adaptive traits, revealing genes linked to thermotolerance, reproduction, fertility, immunity and distinct coat and skin coloration traits. This study underscores the remarkable adaptability of Criollo cattle and highlights the genetic richness and potential of these breeds in the face of climate change, habitat flux and disease challenges. Further research is warranted to leverage these findings for more effective and sustainable cattle breeding programmes.

Genotypic and allelic variability of the calpain CAPN1-316 gene in the Tropical Milking criollo breed and indication of its meat tenderness

Background: Genes and their variants related to milk and beef production in cattle can be identified through molecular markers. In particular, the Calpain gene CAPN1-316 has been linked to meat tenderness. The males of the Tropical Milking Criollo cattle not assigned as breeding animals are destined for commercial beef production. Objective: To estimate the genotypic and allelic frequencies in the calpain gene CAPN1-316 and its relation to meat tenderness in the Tropical Milking criollo breed. Methods: Molecular marker microsatellites of single sequence repeats (SSR) from DNA were extracted from blood samples of 423 purebred animals from three farms to identify the variants of the CAPN1-316 gene using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genotypic and Allelic frequencies within populations, genetic distance, heterozygosity, and Xi squared (X2) test were performed using Pop Gene V.4. Results: The genotypic frequencies of the whole population were CC 0.31, GG 0.18, and CG 0.51. The allelic frequencies of variant C per farm were 0.62, 0.60, and 0.52. The genotypic and allelic frequencies of the CAPN1-316 polymorphisms were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (X2, p>0.05). The CC genotype showed indication of greater tenderness. Conclusion: In the Tropical Milking criollo cattle, the C variant of the CAPN1-316, favorable to meat tenderness, had a bigger frequency than the G variant.

10 What Role Could Old/Heritage Genetics Play in Climate adaptation?

Abstract Creole or Criollo breeds descend directly from cattle introduced by the Spanish and Portuguese conquerors in the XVth century, being the only cattle breeds in the Americas that have endured 500 years of natural selection to local conditions. Their genetic background includes Iberian and African taurine breeds. This ancestry combined with local adaptations to a very wide variety of environments throughout all the continent created the wide spectrum of American Criollo breeds that we see today, from USA to the Patagonian region. Criollo cattle was the basis of colonial times livestock industry until they were displaced by more specialized European and cebuine type cattle breeds at the end of the 19th century. Efforts by local producers and research institutions helped to preserve Criollo populations and to avoid their extinction. Most of Criollo animals were relegated to marginal regions unsuitable for commercial breeds, which reinforced their ability to adapt to unfavorable environments. Their adaptation to different environments allowed the expression of high levels of genetic variability, being a source of hidden alleles of potential use in animal production and thus very important to study and preserve. The analysis of nuclear and cytoplasmic markers, such as SNP, microsatellites and mitochondrial DNA, has allowed estimations of genetic diversity, admixture events with other breeds, and the elucidation of genetic relationships within Criollo breeds and with European and African breeds. Criollo breeds differ considerably from each other, and most have their own identity or group with others from neighboring regions. These results indicate that Criollo breeds represent important reservoirs of cattle genetic diversity and that appropriate conservation measures should be implemented for these heritage breeds to minimize inbreeding and uncontrolled crossbreeding. Several studies have demonstrated that these animals can produce high quality meat, are more resistant to diseases and heat stress, and emphasize their high fertility, calving ease, longevity and ability to adapt to harsh environments, including arid regions. More studies are needed to elucidate the genetic basis of these traits. Properly managed, Criollo cattle “old genetics” can certainly be part of the solution to modern livestock production problems.

Cardiovascular training adaptations in Criollo breed horses: biochemical markers and morphofunctional parameters

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the cardiovascular morphofunctional and biochemical training adaptations of Criollo breed horses. Thirty-one animals were evaluated, arranged in two groups – untrained horses, used as a control group (n = 17); trained horses, in training for the Freio de Ouro competition (n = 14). The means and standard deviation of echocardiographic, electrocardiographic and biochemical variables were measured and, subsequently, compared between groups of trained and untrained animals using Student’s t test, considering . Trained horses had lower biochemical levels of CK, CKMB and cTnI I when compared to untrained animals. The echocardiographic variables interventricular septum during diastole (IVSd), left ventricular free wall during systole (LVFWs), left ventricular free wall during diastole (LVFWd), left ventricular mass (LVMass), diameter of the aorta (Ao) and diameter of the left atrium (LA) have shown higher values in trained horses compared to untrained. Duration of the T wave was the only electrocardiographic variable that was influenced by training, showing higher values for untrained animals. Therefore, there is influence of training on biochemical variables, in addition to on morphological and functional echocardiographic/electrocardiographic characters in trained Criollo breed horses, characterised by concentric cardiac hypertrophy, when compared to untrained individuals. In addition, a majority of normal sinus heart rhythm was observed in the animals evaluated.

Síndrome metabólico equino y laminitis Estudio de caso

The equine metabolic syndrome is one of the most prevalent endocrine pathologies in the equine species. This syndrome that involves obesity, insulin resistance/dysregulation and laminitis, causes substantial losses to the equine industry. Insulin resistance is described as the lack of response from the tissues to insulin, developing a consequent endogenous hyperinsulinemia. There is a classic predisposition in animals described as “easy keepers”, such as the Criollo breed. The objective of this paper is to report for the first time in our country a clinical case of an equine Criollo female with clinical diagnosis of laminitis associated with obesity and overfeeding. Insulin, glucose and other biochemical and hematological parameters were determined and compared with females of the same breed, environment and similar body condition score. Insulin concentration and insulin/glucose ratios confirmed the diagnosis of Equine Metabolic Syndrome and these variables reverted one month after the initiation of the treatment.

Ovarian and Uterine Dynamics During the Estrous Cycle in Criollo Breed Mares

After having been brought to America 400 years ago, the Criollo horse reproduced freely for centuries in the southern part of the American continent. Roughness, resistance, and endurance are typical characteristics of this breed of horses. Although the natural selection that occurred over the centuries may have positively influenced the fertility and longevity of this breed, information regarding ovarian function and other reproductive aspects of Criollo breed mares under natural or controlled management conditions is scarce. The objectives of the present study were to (1) characterize the follicular dynamics of Criollo breed mares, (2) characterize growth and regression of the corpus luteum, and (3) study the cervical and uterine tone and ultrasonographic echotexture changes during two consecutive estrous cycles. In this study, 26 interovulatory intervals (IOI) were evaluated in 13 mares. Spontaneous estrous cycles were characterized by the following: (1) the IOI length was 21 days; (2) dominant and subordinate follicles emerged together at day 5 (ovulation = day 0), and their growth rates were slower until the day of deviation; (3) the deviation in growth rates between the two largest follicles of the ovulatory wave occurred when the dominant and subordinate follicles reached 22 and 21 mm in diameter, respectively; (4) the mean diameter of the preovulatory follicle at the day before ovulation was 43 mm; (5) different combinations of follicular waves were observed in each interovulatory interval; (6) the corpus luteum reached its maximum diameter about 2 days after ovulation and decreased gradually afterward; (7) after ovulation, the cervical and uterine tones were positively correlated and remained elevated until the onset of the expected luteolysis (days 12–14); and (8) after the expected luteolysis, the endometrial echotexture started to increase and reached maximum values 5–3 days before ovulation, when it started to decrease. Moderate-to-strong positive correlations between IOIs revealed repeatability within animals for the diameter of the preovulatory follicle at maximum and at the day before ovulation, cervical and uterine tones, endometrial echotexture, and corpus luteum diameter. The findings herein presented are of fundamental importance for a better understanding of the reproductive physiological patterns of the estrous cycle in the Criollo breed mare.

A high-throughput DNA sequencing study of fecal bacteria of seven Mexican horse breeds.

Horses are non-ruminant, herbivorous mammals, been used through history for various purposes, with a gut microbiota from cecum to the colon, possessing remarkable fermentative capacity. We studied the fecal microbiota of Azteca, Criollo, Frisian, Iberian, Pinto, Quarter and Spanish horse breeds living in Mexico by next-generation DNA sequencing of 16S rRNA gene libraries. Dominant phyla Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Spirochaetes, Fibrobacteres, Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia have different relative abundances among breeds, with contrasted alpha and beta diversities as well. Heatmap analysis revealed that Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Mogibacteriaceae families, and order Clostridiales are more abundant in Spanish, Azteca, Quarter and Criollo breeds. The LEfSe analysis displayed higher abundance of order Bacteroidales, family BS11, and genera Faecalibacterium, Comamonas, Collinsella, Acetobacter, and Treponema in Criollo, Azteca, Iberian, Spanish, Frisian, Pinto, and Quarter horse breeds. The conclusion is that dominant bacterial taxa, found in fecal samples of horse breeds living in Mexico, have different relative abundances.

Genetic and productive background of Criollo cattle in Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay and the United States

Cattle were first introduced to the Western Hemisphere in 1493 and by subsequent introductions from the Iberian Peninsula, providing the genetic background of the American Criollo cattle, with influences from Spanish, Portuguese and African breeds. Criollo's high adaptive capacity enabled them to spread and colonize a wide variety of environments. Their ancestry combined with local adaptations created the wide spectrum of American Criollo breeds that we see today, many currently at risk of extinction. We review the existing genetic and production data on the Argentinian, Mexican, Uruguayan and US Creole cattle that form the basis of the current and future research described in this special issue. In these countries, Criollo cattle became the basis of the livestock industry for the supply of meat, hides and animal work, until they were displaced by more specialized European and cebuine type cattle breeds at the end of the 19th century. Since then, Criollo herds remained mostly in marginal regions unsuitable for commercial breeds. Efforts by local producers and research institutions helped to preserve Criollo populations. Several studies have demonstrated that these animals can produce high quality meat and are more resistant to diseases, and emphasize their high fertility, calving ease, longevity and ability to adapt to harsh environments. Mexican Criollos have high genetic diversity but lack strong conservation programs. More detailed genetic characterization within each regional Criollo population is needed to establish appropriate conservation strategies. In US, Texas Longhorn cattle are closely related to Mexican Criollos, while Pineywoods show a stronger relationship with Iberian breeds. Variable levels of genetic diversity were found among all North American Criollos, probably due to crossbreeding. Criollos from Argentina and Uruguay showed clear divergence due to genetic isolation but clustered together, representing the southernmost expansion of bovine cattle in the Americas.

Estatus proteico en Bovinos criados en los Humedales de Paraguay durante tres periodos del año

Livestock activities, mainly those related to livestock rearing, are generally carried out in special and specific environments, susceptible to alterations, with particular and inherent characteristics of soil, vegetation and climate, not conducive to the development of the farming. Paraguay is no exception, because more than half of its territory is made up of semi-arid and wetlands, one of the most representative being the Ñeembucú wetlands and its areas of influence. In this area, the presence of certain genetic groups made up of local or naturalized bovines and bovines of transnational or exotic genetics stands out. The aim of this work was to assess protein status in cattle during the summer, fall, and winter as an indicator of adaptation to the wetlands of Ñeembucú, Paraguay. The study compared local and exotic breeds in an extensive cattle farming system, grouped by genotype into Criollo Ñeembucú; Criollo Pilcomayo; Nelore; Brangus, and Brahman. Blood levels of urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, and body condition were analyzed. The local criollo breeds had higher urea concentrations, total protein, and globulin values, most markedly in the summer. The exotic breeds had elevated creatinine levels. Nelore had the lowest marks for body condition both in the summer and winter. The analysis of main components explained over 60 % of the variation. Globulin and total protein integrated the first component in all three seasons. The most dissimilar breed pairs were Criollo Ñeembucú and Brahman, and also Criollo Pilcomayo and Nelore. The results suggest an adaptation process in the metabolic pathways of nitrogenated compounds and the potential capacity for immune response in local breeds. The results suggest that exotic breeds have mechanisms that compromise tissue protein integrity and renal function in the specific environments particular to the wetlands of Ñeembucú.

A phenotypic characterization of Rarámuri Criollo cattle introduced into the Southwestern United States

Our objective was to describe key phenotypic characteristics of a population of Rarámuri Criollo (RC) cattle introduced from the Copper Canyon of Chihuahua, México into the Southwestern United States almost two decades ago. We recorded 26 phenotypic traits of 37 RC individuals including mature cows, first-calf heifers, and mature bulls raised at the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range in southern New Mexico. This herd of RC cattle exhibited intermediate body sizes compared to the smaller Corriente and larger Texas Longhorn and Florida Cracker cattle. Coat colors were similar to those described for other Criollo biotypes but horn shape and size of RC appear to be different than that of other US-based Criollo breeds. Though smaller than commercial beef breeds, RC cattle appear to be well-matched to the Southwestern US environments as evidenced by previous studies that evaluated their grazing behavior, weight gains, and carcass quality. Rarámuri Criollo cattle are a genetic resource whose conservation could be critically important for climate change adaptation of ranches in the desert Southwest.

On the origins of American Criollo pigs: A common genetic background with a lasting Iberian signature.

American Criollo pigs are thought to descend mainly from those imported from the Iberian Peninsula starting in the late 15th century. Criollo pigs subsequently expanded throughout the Americas, adapting to very diverse environments, and possibly receiving influences from other origins. With the intensification of agriculture in the mid-20th century, cosmopolitan breeds largely replaced Criollo pigs, and the few remaining are mostly maintained by rural communities in marginal areas where they still play an important socio-economic and cultural role. In this study, we used 24 microsatellite markers in samples from 1715 pigs representing 46 breeds with worldwide distribution, including 17 American Criollo breeds, with the major focus of investigating their genetic diversity, structure and breed relationships. We also included representatives of the Iberian, Local British, Hungarian, Chinese and Commercial breeds, as well as Wild Boar, in order to investigate their possible influence in the genetic composition of Criollos. Our results show that, when compared with the other breeds, Criollo pigs present higher levels of genetic diversity, both in terms of allelic diversity and expected heterozygosity. The various analyses indicate that breed differentiation overall explains nearly 21% of the total genetic diversity. Criollo breeds showed their own identity and shared a common genetic background, tending to cluster together in various analyses, even though they differ from each other. A close relationship of Criollos with Iberian breeds was revealed by all the different analyses, and the contribution of Iberian breeds, particularly of the Celtic breeds, is still present in various Criollo breeds. No influence of Chinese breeds was detected on Criollos, but a few were influenced by Commercial breeds or by wild pigs. Our results confirm the uniqueness of American Criollo pigs and the role that Iberian breeds have played in their development.

Yield and chemical composition of milk of grazing and supplemented Tropical Milking criollo cows

Milk production under grazing conditions is carried out in the intertropical region of hot climates due to its low production cost. The Tropical Milking criollo breed (LT) is characterized by its hardiness in this region, and its high milk quality and cheese yield. Grazing supplementation can increase milk production; however, it can also change its chemical composition. The effect of supplementation with commercial feed in LT cows was evaluated concerning the quantity and physicochemical traits of their milk by lactation. The treatments used were feeding based only on grazing para grass (Brachiaria mutica) and grazing plus 1 kg supplementation with 20 % protein commercial feed for every 5 kg of milk produced daily. The daily milk production per cow increased from 5.82 ± 0.18 to 7.10 ± 0.18 kg due to supplementation. Dry matter intake was similar in both treatments. The concentration of fat, protein, lactose, non-fat, and total solids did not suffer modifications (p > 0.05), but the daily production of each component per cow increased in animals supplemented due to the multiplicative effect of the amount of milk. The number of calvings affected milk production, fat, and ureic nitrogen in milk, and somatic cell count (p ≤ 0.05). It can be concluded that the supplementation used in this study was enough to increase milk production by 22 %, without modifying its chemical composition.

Conservation of criollo livestock in the United States: challenges and solutions

Conservation of criollo breeds in the USA provides for the survival of unique genetic resources that remain productive in challenging environments. Conservation is difficult because most criollo breeds are local and have no formal organization of breeders. Successful conservation has depended on establishing accurate breed definitions and investigations of phenotype, history, and genetics. Organization of breeders and of breeding has been essential for the final success of conservation efforts. Each specific breed has met its own unique challenges. Among cattle breeds, Texas Longhorns needed an accurate breed definition as well as genetic investigations, whereas Florida Crackers needed organization. Spanish goats required definition, organization, and research into their productive potential. This has led to the Spanish goat now being secure as a popular choice for extensive production of goat meat. Navajo Churro sheep are maintained by ongoing phenotypic evaluation at each generation and careful attention to the frequency of phenotypic characteristics within the population. The other criollo sheep breeds in the USA (Louisiana, Gulf Coast, and Florida) have benefitted from genetic studies that demonstrate differences among the breeds and guide conservation of each of these related types in isolation one from the others. The organization of criollo swine has lagged behind the others, with the Duroc standing out as an exception that has become one of the main breeds in commercial hog production.

Composition of milk and mammary gland health in Criollo breed mares during lactation

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the components of milk and mammary gland health of Criollo mares. A total of 12 mares coming from a farm in southern Brazil were used. Samples of milk were taken from each mare every two weeks up to 180 days of lactation. The characteristics analyzed were fat, protein, lactose, total solids, somatic cell count (SCC) and total bacterial count (TBC). In relation to the health of the udder and the milk of the mares, the SCC was 24.1 x 103cells / ml and TBC was 44 x 103CFU / ml, while the average of milk components was 0.57% fat, 1.95% protein, 6.71% lactose and 9.24% total solids. Stage of lactation and individual characteristics may influence the level of milk components. The low SCC and TBC found in the Criollo breed mares’ milk ensure the quality of their milk compared to other species.

Biometric evaluation of Criollo horses participating in the Freio de Ouro competition, Brazil

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to quantify linear and angular morphological measurements of male and female horses participating in the Freio de Ouro competition. This study represents the first scientific evaluation of the biometrics of the Criollo breed, providing essential information for the evaluation of the development of the breed and supporting objective selection. We examined linear and angular measurements of 634 Criollo horses participating in the Freio de Ouro competition in 2011 and 2012, including height, chest [...]

Convergent Evolution of Slick Coat in Cattle through Truncation Mutations in the Prolactin Receptor.

Evolutionary adaptations are occasionally convergent solutions to the same problem. A mutation contributing to a heat tolerance adaptation in Senepol cattle, a New World breed of mostly European descent, results in the distinct phenotype known as slick, where an animal has shorter hair and lower follicle density across its coat than wild type animals. The causal variant, located in the 11th exon of prolactin receptor, produces a frameshift that results in a truncated protein. However, this mutation does not explain all cases of slick coats found in criollo breeds. Here, we obtained genome sequences from slick cattle of a geographically distinct criollo breed, namely Limonero, whose ancestors were originally brought to the Americas by the Spanish. These data were used to identify new causal alleles in the 11th exon of the prolactin receptor, two of which also encode shortened proteins that remove a highly conserved tyrosine residue. These new mutations explained almost 90% of investigated cases of animals that had slick coats, but which also did not carry the Senepol slick allele. These results demonstrate convergent evolution at the molecular level in a trait important to the adaptation of an animal to its environment.

Morphofunctional diversity of equine of varied genetic compositions raised in the Pantanal biome of Brazil

Evaluating phenotypic diversity makes it possible to identify discrepancies in aptitudes among animals of different genetic bases, which is an indicator of adaptive or selective differences between populations. The objective of this work was to evaluate the morphofunctional diversity of 452 male and female adult equines (Arabian, Quarter Mile, Pantaneiro, and Criollo breeds, and undefined crossbreeds of horses and mules) raised in the Pantanal biome (Brazil). Linear measurements were performed to estimate conformation indexes. Initially, a discriminant analysis was performed, regardless of the animal's size, followed by factor analysis. The factors were characterized and used as new variables. The diversity among equines and their relationship with the factors were evaluated using multivariate analysis. The factors were classified according to their decreasing importance: balance, rusticity, and robustness for the measurement factors; and load, ability, conformation, and equilibrium for the index factors. The genetic groups of equines have well-defined morphofunctional characteristics. The main differences are based on the rusticity and ability typologies in relation to those based on performance. Equines introduced to the Pantanal biome presented a more robust and compact body with good conformation. As a result, these horses may have superior athletic performance during equestrian activities when compared to the Pantaneiro local breed. However, this biotype may represent less rusticity (less adaptive capacity). Therefore, the regional breed can be equal or better in equestrian activities than breeds introduced to the Pantanal biome. Thus, breeders may cross horses from local breeds as an alternative to those introduced. Undefined crossbred male equines presented a different profile from the Pantaneiro breed, which may indicate little use of crossbreeds in breeding.

Serum concentration of sex-steroids, endometrial expression of their receptors, and endometrial morphology during the estrous cycle in Bos taurus Criollo and crossbred cows

ABSTRACTRomosinuano (Romo) and Costeño con cuernos (CCC) are Bos taurus criollo breeds (adapted to the conditions of the tropics) that presented higher plasmatic Progesterone (P4) concentration during the luteal phase compared to non-adapted genotypes. The central hypothesis was that these P4 concentrations could modulate the uterine receptivity. Blood and endometrial biopsy samples were obtained on days 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 of the estrous cycle (day 0 = estrus) of animals of different genotypes [Romo (n = 14), CCC (n = 14), and Crossbreed Brahman × Holstein (Cross, n = 13)]. Tissue-samples were used for morphometry and immunohistochemistry analyses. Data analyses were performed with Proc Mixed of SAS. The criollo breeds have higher P4 concentrations on days 5 and 15, higher values of superficial glandular area (all days) and density (days 0, 5, 10, and 15) than Cross cows (P < 0.05). ESR1 and PGR immunostaining were higher on days 0, 5, and 15 and on days 0 and 15, respectively for CCC and Romo when compared to Cross (P < 0.05). In conclusion, tropical adapted bovine breeds possess more receptive to embryo uterine environment than non-adapted breeds. This is mediated by a higher serum progesterone concentration, a strong P4 signaling, and greater developed uterine-gland morphology.

La diversidad de los animales criollos en el mercado de San Francisco El Alto, Totonicapán

El Mercado de San Francisco El Alto ofrece la mayor oferta pecuaria de la Región del Occidente de Guatemala,funciona los días viernes de cada semana, con asistencia de comerciantes nacionales y de países vecinos, en ventas al mayoreo de los productos. El archivo de la Municipalidad reporta un movimiento de diez a doce millones de quetzales semanales. Correspondiendo más de la mitad de dicho ingreso a la compra venta de animales. La ubicación del municipio es estratégica, comunicada por la Carretera Interamericana, a distancias cortas de los municipios y departamentos de Totonicapán; a quien pertenece; Quetzaltenango, Huehuetenango y San Marcos, por estudios realizados se conoce que los vendedores “intermediarios” de animales vivos, se movilizan en todas las plazas de mercadeo pecuario del Occidente, dentro de un calendario semanal que lo permite. El sondeo inicial consistió en 3 visitas al mercado de San Francisco, pudiendo documentar la mayor oferta en porcinos, aves (gallinas, pavos y patos),ovinos, vacunos, caprinos, equinos y caninos de varias razas y encastes en ese orden; prevalecen los fenotipos de razas modernas en los mamíferos y criollas en las aves, de las cuales también se ofrecen huevos fértiles y los productos de especies marinas deshidratados o en harina. si se compara la presencia de las razas modernas o “mejoradas”de 30 años a la fecha, se observa un incremento, debido a la erosión de las Razas Criollas Locales; animales que fenotípicamente muestran su origen y tienen preferencia especial por degustación de personas conocedoras,además se considera resistencia a algunas enfermedades. Sin embargo, se observan problemas de parasitosis,nutrición y consanguinidad que limitan la expresión del verdadero potencial de las razas criollas locales, como se observa en las fotografías del estudio. La procedencia de los vendedores-compradores de razas domésticas, se puede determinar para propósitos de asistencia técnica o rescate de Recursos Zoogenéticos Locales de cara a proyectos específicos. Esta comunicación pretende promover estudios y proyectos a entidades de investigación, educación yde transferencia tecnológica. Considerando las razas locales criollas un patrimonio para ser desarrollado e insertarlo dentro de sus programas, además realizar actividades en mercados similares en Guatemala.