Local breeds in environmental emergencies: performance and contributions from the repopulation with Neuquén Creole Goats in Patagonia, Argentina.

Abstract

Río Negro’s Southern Line (Argentinean Patagonia) is an area characterized by its arid and semiarid climate and subject to extreme natural events, such as droughts, heavy snows and volcanic eruptions which generated ashes deposit. These factors sharply decreased livestock production (extensive animal husbandry is the main productive activity) compromising peasant’s persistence.Towards this situation, a restocking initiative with Neuquén Criollo goats has been developed from public institutions and producers’ associations. This breed was selected by its rusticity and ability to produce in conditions of fodder shortages and extreme climate and they were available in a near area (Northern Neuquén). Even there were productive records in the region, species and breeds historically predominant have been Merino sheep and Angora goats. In this paper we analysed this restocking initiative, particularly the productive changes, the labour organization, and the contributions to the peasant families’ economy. Results show that Neuquén Criollo Goats have adapted to the zone and did not generate management problems, as they were based on their own peasants’ knowledge and the one shared with Neuquén’s herders. They contributed to provide meat for home consumption, caused new incomes from kids allowing economy diversification with new products, as cashmere, milk (cheese) and leather. Peasant’s highlight the possibility to maintain the productive activity in a family level, including the return of members that have migrated. Thus, it is evident that local breeds can give an immediate response to achieve food security and contribute to the persistence of the rural population.