Phaneroptic characterization of the criollo Mixteco cattle from Oaxaca, Mexico

Criollo Mixteco cattle are considered a national heritage and a zoogenetic resource with high genetic variability, however, they are in danger of extinction. The objective was to characterize the phaneroptic variables of criollo Mixteco bulls from Oaxaca, Mexico, for conservation purposes. Thirty bulls aged 2.3 +/- 0.8 years and weighing 248.8 +/- 27 kg, located in the municipality of Huajuapan de Le & oacute;n, Oaxaca, were evaluated. Twenty phaneroptic variables were determined by direct observation by the same technician. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics including frequency measures. To determine differences between counts of the same variable, a Chi 2 test was performed. According to the results obtained, the phenotype of the criollo Mixteco cattle is characterized by a straight cephalic profile, absence of hump, and short length of dewlap, preputial sheath and tail. The horns are medium-sized and lyre -shaped. The ears are round and laterally oriented; the hooves and eyelids are black, and the coat, horn , and muzzle have a diversity of colors. It is concluded that the criollo Mixteco cattle population of Oaxaca, Mexico, possesses diversity in their phaneroptic characteristics.