Morphostructural Characterization and Zoometric Indices of Creole Cattle (Bos taurus) from High Andean Region of Aya-Cucho, Peru

Morphostructural characterization of Creole cattle is essential for assessing the diversity and productive potential of this resource in the highland livestock systems. The study was conducted in Chuschi and Chipao districts, at 3,800 m above sea level, with the objective of morphostructurally characterizing and determining the zoometric indices of 154 Creole cows. Seventeen phaneroptic variables and twenty-one morphometric variables were rec-orded. The multivariate analysis identified three cattle biotypes. Based on proportionality, compactness, and cannon bone load indices, Biotype 1 (16.9%) comprised more compact, robust, and heavier animals with a greater tendency toward meat production aptitude, followed by Biotype 2 (48.1%) and Biotype 3 (35.1%), more slender but with a stronger bone structure. No association was found between biotypes and phaneroptic characteris-tics, except for teat type (p< 0.05). The proportions of red, black, dull black, qosca, and roan coat colors were common across all biotypes; however, Biotype 1 predominated in callejón (15.38%), Biotype 2 in qosne (8.11%) and in other less frequent coat colors (10.81%), while Biotype 3 predominated in dark roan (16.67%) and jet black (11.11%). In the high-Andean region of Ayacucho, three subpopulations of Creole cattle were identified with potential for beef production, dual-purpose use, and adaptation to rugged terrain.