Characteristics of wool, weight and body condition in Creole sheep from the northwest of the province of Catamarca Argentina

Abstract

Currently the Argentine Creole sheep breed occupies a prominent place in the national livestock production, being the second breed in number after the Merino breed. In the province of Catamarca it is the most important sheep resource, due to its production of meat and wool. An attempt has been made mainly based on public policies (subsidies, free delivery of rams, etc.) substitute it with other specialized breeds, without considering its true productive potential. The northwest of Catamarca is a region where the climate is arid-semi-arid with high temperature ranges, low rainfall, high solar radiation and frequent drying winds, where it is only possible to sustain rational animal production using animal genetic resources adapted to those environmental conditions. The objective is to study some morphological characteristics and the quality of the wool of the Creole sheep in the northwest of Catamarca. Ten flocks of Creole sheep were identified, on the Santa María River (CRSM) and the Agua Amarilla River (CRAA) basins. Fifty seven (57) adult sheep were sampled, determining the variables: Body Weight (PC), Body Condition Score (CC), Fleece Type (TV), Coat Type (TC), Wool Color (CL), Diameter Fiber (DM), Fibre Curvature (CO) and Comfort Factor (FC). The results revealed differences in PC and CC between basins, being greater in CRSM. Regarding the variables that identify the quality of the wool, no differences were observed between the means of both basins. In CRSM, the DM was 27.56 microns and in the CRAA it was 28.02 microns, finding a animal with a DM of 20.97 microns in the Chiñoacán sheepfold. The Creole sheep breed in the northwest of Catamarca reveals a certain morphological heterogeneity that facilitates its interaction with the environment and at the same time produces quality wool that can be used to make various products.