Criollo patagónico
(most common name in Chile)

local/other name:
• Criollo Argentino Patagonico
• Criollo argentino patagónico
local/other name (English):
• Patagonian Criollo

The Criollo patagónico of Chilean Patagonia are thought to descend from Criollo cattle introduced by a British colonist in 1906. This added to large herds of Argentine Criollo which had already existed there for a few decades.

Recent microsatellite studies of crossbred animals of at least 50% Criollo genotype (the other 50% being Hereford or Aberdeen-Angus) were sampled from a small herd near Mañihuales in the province of Aysén. These cattle show substantial genetic variation, perhaps including genes for the marbling of meat. About half of the cattle were considered to be purebred Criollo and showed marked sexual dimorphism.

The Criollo patagónico is in danger of extinction and merit conservation.

This page was last updated on: 2023-05-16

You can also go to:

My Daily Cow® Chile and read about other Chilean cattle breeds.

The Cow Wall® A-Z Cattle Breed Picture Reference to see other breeds of cattle in the world.