THE CRIOLLO SHEEP IN PERU

Abstract

SUMMARYThere are approximately ffteen million sheep in Peru, with more than 50% of this population being located in peasant communities and considered to be Criollo. Sheep were introduced by the Spanish, producing an almost complete displacement of the native camelid population. These animals were the foundation of the Criollo sheep presently found in the peasant communities of the Peruvian Andes. The Criollo sheep has a typically pear-shaped body, with a relatively small head, most often with horns. Productive characteristics among the Criollo sheep in the sierra are highly variable and depend mainly on the locations where they were raised. Criollo sheep andtheir crosses with improved breeds show a higher survival rate than crosses among the improved breeds of sheepin Peru. This indicates that although not as productive in conventional terms (weaning weight or fleece production) the criollo are well adapted to their environment.