Morphometric Variation and Production Constraints of Criollo Sheep in the High Andes of Southern Peru

Richard Estrada (), Elias Guelac-Mori, Cristian Pedemonte-Cruz, Katherine M. Chiqui-Condori, Klinsmann Montero Pacherres, Dilser Cerdan-Ramos and Dayana M. Zúñiga-Aranibar
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Richard Estrada: Estación Experimental Agraria Arequipa-Proyecto de Ganadería Altoandina (PROGAN), Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Arequipa 04102, Peru
Elias Guelac-Mori: Estación Experimental Agraria Arequipa-Proyecto de Ganadería Altoandina (PROGAN), Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Arequipa 04102, Peru
Cristian Pedemonte-Cruz: Estación Experimental Agraria Arequipa-Proyecto de Ganadería Altoandina (PROGAN), Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Arequipa 04102, Peru
Katherine M. Chiqui-Condori: Estación Experimental Agraria Arequipa-Proyecto de Ganadería Altoandina (PROGAN), Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Arequipa 04102, Peru
Klinsmann Montero Pacherres: Estación Experimental Agraria Arequipa-Proyecto de Ganadería Altoandina (PROGAN), Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Arequipa 04102, Peru
Dilser Cerdan-Ramos: Estación Experimental Agraria Arequipa-Proyecto de Ganadería Altoandina (PROGAN), Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Arequipa 04102, Peru
Dayana M. Zúñiga-Aranibar: Estación Experimental Agraria Arequipa-Proyecto de Ganadería Altoandina (PROGAN), Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Arequipa 04102, Peru

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-16

Abstract: This study aimed to characterize the morphometric traits and production systems of Criollo sheep in the highlands of Caylloma, Arequipa, Peru. A total of 455 sheep were evaluated using a stratified proportional sampling method across the districts of Tisco, San Antonio de Chuca, and Yanque. Morphometric data were collected under standardized conditions, and nine zoometric indices were calculated to assess functional conformation and productive aptitude. Additionally, 52 sheep producers were surveyed to contextualize herd management practices. Results revealed low levels of formal education and limited technical assistance among producers. Sheep farming was primarily sustained by family tradition, with declining flock sizes attributed to pasture scarcity and climatic challenges. Campaign-based sales strategies and rudimentary reproductive management were prevalent. Health practices showed widespread deworming but limited preventive care. Multivariate analysis indicated significant morphometric variation linked to sex, biotype, and dental stage. This integrative approach highlights both the adaptive potential and production constraints of Criollo sheep in high-altitude environments, providing a basis for developing breeding strategies based on morphometric indices.

Keywords: Criollo sheep; morphometric characterization; high Andean livestock; production systems; zoometric indices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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