GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF A HERD OF CHILEAN PATAGONIAN CREOLE BOVINE

Abstract

The Criollo patagónico chileno (BCPC) (a type of Chilean creole that exist in the Patagonia) is a genetic resource that may have importance in the genetic improvement of extensive beef production systems both in the Aysen region as well as in other areas of Chile. Up to now there have been some studies designed to characterize phenotipically this type of animal but we are not aware of research aiming to determine its current conservation status and its population genetics, in comparison to other cattle breeds used in the country. The objective of this study was to characterize the genetic structure of a group of BCPC from a farm located in Mañihuales (Aysen); this structure was compared with that of other beef and dairy cattle breeds of common use in Chile. The analysis considered the use of 10 microsatellite markers recommended by FAO/ISAG that allowed to estimate several population genetic variables, perform Hardy and Weinberg proportions and identify groups genetically differentiated. Results indicate that the BCPC is an important source of bovine genetic variability, a characteristic that could be used along with its production characteristics and its adaptability to the Patagonian environment to further improve the genetics of cattle in the country.