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

Abstract

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.