Patagonian Creole cattle of Argentina

Abstract

The Patagonian Creole cattle from Argentina is a zoogenetic resource formed in Patagonia, with the biological characteristics that are required to live and produce in such beautiful environments, how harsh and changing . The diversity of their fur and their morphology (favorable condition for extensive Patagonian production), was punished by the market, which has preferred to use uniform breeds. Also in the academic field there were and still are today advocates of uniformity against diversity. Today we know that biological evolution is impossible without genetic and phenotypic diversity and animal production (especially extensive and in extreme and changing environments) needs to evolve. Currently, Creole cattle are present in all Patagonian provinces, in some there are feral populations in protected areas or public lands, and there are also private producers who develop different productive approaches with Creole cattle. The rational use of this genetic resource, considering its adaptive advantages, could have an important positive impact in improving livestock productivity in the entire Patagonian region, through the contribution of genes and gene combinations related to fertility, rusticity, meekness, longevity and all those attributes that the bovine species requires to develop in extensive productions with difficult and changing environments, as occurs throughout the Patagonian region.