CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CAPRINO LOCAL ANIMAL RESOURCE OF LA QUEBRADA DE HUMAHUACA, JUJUY PROVINCE.

The proposal of the present work was to identify the goat animal genetic resource through a phenotypic characterization process, as well as the selection criteria by the producers that co-built them in accordance with the adverse environmental conditions presented by the Quebrada de Humahuaca. With the purpose of providing basic tools and information for the elaboration of future conservation, revaluation and utilization plans for this locally adapted material.

The results allowed to identify the existence of the Creole Goat of the Quebrada de Humahuaca as a local animal genetic material. Which responds to an intra-herd variability, and presents as main features: straight fronto-nasal profile, medium-sized ears and semi-upright position, presence of beard and heterogeneity in the layer colors; of smaller live weight and size than the rest of the biotypes present in the study area. The results also allowed to demonstrate the influence of traditional knowledge transmitted ancestrally through artificial selection processes on the local goat animal genetic resource. It could be understood that the focus of the selection is on male goat breeders. While for female goats they focus their criteria and knowledge on remembering the genealogy. In the male players the main selection preferences were: the division of the scrotal bag, medium body size with good general conformation and varied layer color. In this paper, preferences appear that are opposed to each other, expressing a dynamic and continuous legitimation process, by means of tests of short periods of time on the selection of goat descent. All the information provided constitutes a knowledge base, which must be taken into account for the future development of sustainable improvement plans on the local caprine animal genetic resource of the Quebrada de Humahuaca.

National founds for research.

High grasslands and steppes of PrePuna, and arid valleys and gorges de Jujuy province.

The main land owner is the provincial state, or collective (aboriginal communities) land. There is the National Constitution (Tha Main Law of the Argentine State) that recognizes the pre-existence of aboriginal people, so, there are many steps to demonstrate the ownership and then, aboriginal communities should be recognized as land owner. The burocracie makes it very difficult, but it works.

the Quebrada de Humahuaca presents, within the framework of the general aridity conditions, a range of microclimates ranging from high mountain environments to those at the bottom of valleys or river terraces. On the one hand, there are those producers who are at the bottom of the Quebrada, which reduce their movements between stations between pastures, being able to manage closed plots with irrigation that allow them to implant pastures for unfavorable seasons (July to September). On the other hand, there are those high mountain producers that retain mobility between grazing posts by resorting to the management of the temporal and spatial availability of natural grasslands. The shepherds of the region of Quebrada, like those of Puna, are in charge of taking advantage of the natural and aqueous pastures, making a rotational, flexible and complex use, between the grazing posts (transhumance). Therefore, pastoralism is understood as a complex activity associated with life forms that go beyond purely productive ends. It is important to keep in mind that the herds are formed by animals belonging to different owners nucleated in the same family, although these are only attended by the family's shepherdess. Based on previous work on the characteristics of the goat system, it can be said that there is a process of retraction of the system in the study area. This is based on the information provided by the data on goat populations of the National Agricultural Census 02` and 08`, the decrease in grazing positions used and, finally, the aging of the labor force or working capital. However, shepherds often maintain a reduced shed of animals for multiple purposes, such as guaranteeing the right to grazing territory by families and guaranteeing a minimum monthly supply of meat for domestic consumption. Goats and sheep are often found at the bottom of the creek during winter, feed on the remaining fallow on the stubble, corn husk and, sometimes, alfalfa hay that is purchased directly from trucks arriving in the winter-spring season. In the months of November to December, the herds rise to the high places of the hills where forage is available. This scheme varies widely among producing families, some make changes (temporary and spatial) between various positions, while others fail to mobilize their masses throughout the year.

Auto consumation, local markets of cheese and meat. the artesanl cheese are some products that could be good saled in touristic centers near the main roads. Scarce public policies for these kind of producers.

Goat producers of the Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy Province).

animal genetic research, zoometric measurements and etnography