Description of the production and management system of the Creole cattle from Pasorapa, Bolivia, a well-adapted population to harsh environments

Sammanfattning

Creole cattle populations constitute an important reservoir of genes related to climate resilience and adaptation to harsh environments. During the last years, an unplanned crossbreeding process has threaten the genetic diversity of local Creole cattle populations in Bolivia, risking the conservation of valuable genes for the global animal genetic resources. Generation of reliable information about the production systems and management practices of local breeds, is a key first step for the development of conservation and breeding programs. With this purpose, open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires and interviews were performed with the participation of 81 smallholders from 11 communities of Pasorapa, Bolivia. Pasorapa Creole Cattle is a well-adapted breed to a xerophytic ecosystem, and a rearing system based in two stages, with cattle being released in the mountains for about 7 months across the year, and for the remaining time herded in the paddocks. Feeding strategies are based on crop residues and consumption of native plant species. High mortality rates are explained mainly by environmental factors such as predator attacks. Poor infrastructure, insufficient governmental support and deficient health management practices were found. Even though this cattle population is well adapted to cope with the challenging environmental conditions and management practices, more in depth studies are required to plan improvements on the implementation of the health scheme.

Nyckelord

Health management; Herd structure; Infrastructure; Local breed; Mortality

Publicerad i

Livestock Research For Rural Development
2019, volym: 31, nummer: 10
Utgivare: Fundacion CIPAV

SLU författare

• Bottani, Gabriela

  • Institutionen för husdjurens biovetenskaper, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    
  • Universidad mayor de San Simón (UMSS)

• Jonas, Elisabeth

  • Institutionen för husdjurens biovetenskaper, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

• Strandberg, Erling

  • Institutionen för husdjurens biovetenskaper, Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet
    

UKÄ forskningsämne

Husdjursvetenskap

Permanent länk till denna sida (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/129930