Criollo cattle: Heritage Genetics for Arid Landscapes

Abstract

On the Ground • Precipitation variability within and across years remains a major challenge for livestock producers in arid and semiarid ecosystems. • Cattle adapted to harsh desert ecosystems may offer exciting genetic opportunities for optimizing beef production from arid ecosystems. • A type of Criollo cattle, introduced from the Chinipas region of Chihuahua, Mexico, may provide opportunities to use cattle adapted to arid and semiarid environments that require minimal management yet provide quality beef.