Abstract

CARVALHO, G.M.C. et al. Phenotypic evaluation of Curraleiro Pé-duro breed of cattle from semiarid areas of Brazil. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2013, vol.62, n.237, pp.9-20. ISSN 1885-4494.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0004-05922013000100002.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate some qualitative and quantitative traits related to coat color, morphometric measurements, growth performance, weight daily gain, carcass and meat of Curraleiro Pé-Duro cattle (Bos taurus taurus, CPD). Data were obtained from the in situ conservation nucleus which belongs to the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), located in the experimental farm in Piauí State, Brazil. The records were analyzed by least square method (Proc GLM) enclosed in SAS statistical package. Used models varied according to the analysis as well as the significance levels of environmental effects and their interactions. Growth performance means, among males and females, for birth (PN), weaning (P210), yearling (P365), 18 months (P18m), 24 months (P24m) and mature weight (PA) were 21 and 19; 69 and 64, 99 and 93, 137 and 127, 168 and 152, 285 and 210 kg, respectively. The herd presented variations in coat colors with a predominance of brown-red followed by yellow, been darker in front body extremities, especially in mature animals. Morphometric measurements, evaluations of carcass and meat analyzes exhibited a great range of results indicating the absence of selection and genetic improvement in the evaluated herd. Due to the introduction of zebu cattle (Bos indicus) in the mid-twentieth century and the disordered crossbreeding's that followed, the CPD are at risk of extinction, requiring further studies that will allow its conservation and sustainable use in tropical regions.

Keywords : Animal genetic resources; Creole breeds; Tropically adapted Bos taurus.

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