Morphostructural, Phaneroptic Characterization, and Zoometric Indices of Creole Cattle (Bos taurus) from the High Andean Region of Ayacucho, Peru

Morphostructural characterization of Creole cattle is essential for assessing the diversity and productive potential in the highland livestock systems. The study was conducted in Chuschi and Chipao districts, at 3800 m above sea level, with the objective of morphostructurally characterizing 154 Creole cows. Seventeen phaneroptic variables and twenty-one morphometric variables were recorded. 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%), which were more slender but with a stronger bone structure. No association was found between biotypes and phaneroptic characteristics, 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, highlighting the need to investigate their genetic diversity.