Logros, retos y perspectivas de la investigación en mejoramiento genético de bovinos productores de carne en el INIFAP

The National Institute of Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research in Mexico has been active for decades in researching genetic improvement in beef cattle. This review uses master theses, congress papers and scientific articles published from 1987 to 2020 to summarize much of the relevant research, and addresses research challenges and outlook over the     short-, medium- and long-term in this area. Research done over the last 34 yr has evaluated the productive and reproductive performance of Bos indicus and Bos taurus x Bos indicus beef cattle raised under tropical conditions. Multibreed genetic evaluations have been done for Simmental-Simbrah and Charolais-Charbray populations in Mexico. Analyses have quantified the importance of maternal effects on growth traits, and estimated heritability and genetic correlations for growth and reproductive traits in male and female Bos taurus and Bos indicus animals. The genotype-environment interaction has been confirmed to influence expression of weaning weight in Simmental cattle. Age adjustment factors have been developed for maternal age for weights at birth and weaning, and prototypes of national genetic evaluation were developed for stayability and heifer fertility. Genetic diversity has been quantified for Simmental, Charolais and Simbrah populations, and SNPs identified that are associated with growth traits in Simmental and Simbrah populations. Short-term goals include development of selection indices and prediction of the genetic merit of carcass traits. Over the medium-term, emphasis is needed on genomic evaluations for tolerance to heat stress, residual feed intake and health traits, while in the long-term the goal is to make inter-breed genomic predictions.El objetivo fue presentar resultados de investigación sobre mejoramiento genético de bovinos productores de carne realizados por el Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias, así como los retos y perspectivas de investigación a corto, mediano y largo plazo en dicha área del conocimiento. Se utilizaron tesis de maestría, trabajos de congresos y artículos científicos publicados de 1987 a 2020. En los últimos 34 años, se logró caracterizar productiva y reproductivamente animales Bos indicus y Bos taurus x Bos indicus en condiciones tropicales, implementar evaluaciones genéticas multirraciales para las poblaciones Simmental-Simbrah y Charolais-Charbray, determinar la importancia de los efectos maternos en características de crecimiento y estimar la heredabilidad y correlaciones genéticas para características de crecimiento y reproductivas de machos y hembras en animales Bos taurus y Bos indicus, comprobar que la interacción genotipo-ambiente es un factor importante en la expresión de peso al destete en Simmental, desarrollar factores de ajuste de edad de la madre para pesos al nacimiento y destete, desarrollar un prototipo de evaluación genética nacional para permanencia productiva y otro para fertilidad de vaquillas, estimar la diversidad genética de las poblaciones Simmental, Charolais y Simbrah, e identificar SNP asociados a características de crecimiento en Simmental y Simbrah. En el corto plazo, se espera desarrollar índices de selección y predecir el mérito genético de características de canal; en el mediano, realizar evaluaciones genómicas para tolerancia al estrés calórico, consumo de alimento residual y características de salud; y a largo plazo, realizar predicciones genómicas a través de razas

Opportunities and challenges from the use of genomic selection for beef cattle breeding in Latin America

In 2009, Latin American countries had approximately 401 million cattle (29% of the world’s total cattle population) and produced 8.2 million tonnes of beef, equivalent to 29% of the world’s total production (FAO, 2011). Beef in Latin American countries is produced under widely differing climates (ranging from tropical to temperate), resources available (vegetation, food), types of markets, and genetic backgrounds of the animals. The main production systems are classified as beef and dual-purpose cattle. The genetic backgrounds of animals vary from purebred European (Bos taurus taurus) or Zebu (Bos taurus indicus) to crossbreeds (Figures 1 and 2). Beef production systems may also be characterized by their management intensification levels as grazing only, grazing with food supplementation, and feedlot production. The main beef-producing countries are Brazil (51.6% of the total Latin American beef production), Argentina (18.5%), Mexico (9.4%), and Colombia (5.1%). Other countries contributing more than 1% of the total regional production are Uruguay, Venezuela, Paraguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile (Table 1). Latin America is a region of the world that can significantly increase its production in response to beef demand. Brazil has a mature beef cattle industry based on grass-fed cattle, in which feeding B. taurus indicus cattle, especially the Nellore breed, is a common practice. Over the last 8 years, beef production in Brazil has become one of the most important activities for employment and wealth creation. Foot-and-mouth disease issues are still a factor limiting the increase in Latin American beef exports (Ferraz and de Felício, 2010; Domingues Millen et al., 2011). Only a few Latin American countries, including Chile and Mexico, have the status of being free of this disease without vaccination. In most countries, the disease is controlled using a combination of free areas without vaccination and areas with vaccination. Other countries with a strong B. taurus indicus background in their beef cattle populations are those with large tropical areas dedicated to beef cattle production, such as Colombia, Venezuela, and Paraguay. Beef production in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and some portions of Brazil and Mexico is based mainly around the production of B. taurus taurus cattle (Peel et al., 2010; Arelovich et al., 2011; Domingues Millen et al., 2011). The Mexican beef cattle industry consists of 2 nearly separate market components. Beef producers in the northern part of Mexico have largely focused on the production of calves for export to the United States (Galyean et al., 2011). European beef genetics have been widely used in the region, beginning with importations of Hereford cattle and continuing with today’s popularity of Angus and Brangus along with several continental breeds, such as Charolais and Simmental. The central and southern regions of Mexico have historically produced grass-fed beef for the national market as well as dual-purpose dairy-Zebu crossbred cattle to produce milk and beef (Peel et al., 2010). Currently, breeding programs for the genetic evaluation of beef cattle in Latin America are based on statistical analyses in which performance and pedigree information are integrated. These analyses are based on a mixed model methodology, in particular the animal model statistical approach using best linear unbiased prediction methods to obtain estimated breeding values (EBV) for economically important traits. This methodology for obtaining EBV has been set up in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, Venezuela, and other countries. It has been established for specific purebred populations and also for some crossbred populations, such as multibreed populations with a dual purpose (beef and milk) in the Latin American humid tropics, which involve animals crossbred between B. taurus taurus and B. taurus indicus and composite breeds. Most programs focus on evaluating growth and reproductive traits, although a few have included longevity (stayability), heifer pregnancy, conformation, and carcass and meat quality traits

Estimadores de parámetros genéticos para características de crecimiento de ganado Charolais mexicano

Charolais calf records provided by the Mexican Charolais Breeders Association for an eight year period (1997-2005) were analyzed to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for birth weight (n=39,821), weaning weight adjusted to 205 d (n=39,556), and postweaning gain (n=21,831). Estimates of (co)variance components were obtained by REML with an EM algorithm and single-trait animal models. Maternal permanent environmental effects were unimportant for birth weight and postweaning gain and were not included in the final model. Estimates of direct heritability were 0.22, 0.33, and 0.45 for birth weight, adjusted weaning weight and postweaning gain, respectively. Estimates for the corresponding maternal component were 0.16, 0.17, and 0.14. Estimates of total heritability and direct-maternal genetic correlation were 0.12 and -0.65, 0.16 and -0.72, and 0.20 and -0.84 for birth weight, adjusted weaning weight and postweaning gain, respectively. For adjusted weaning weight, the estimated maternal permanent environmental variance (28.93 kg2) accounted for 4 % of the estimated total phenotypic variance (765.43 kg2). Expected response to single-trait selection for growth traits of Mexican Charolais cattle would be lessened due to highly negative direct-maternal genetic correlations.Registros de becerros Charolais, proporcionados por la Charolais Herd Book de México y generados en un periodo de ocho años (1997-2005), se analizaron para estimar parámetros genéticos y fenotípicos para peso al nacer (n=39,821), peso al destete ajustado a 205 días (n=39,556) y ganancia posdestete (n=21,831). Estimadores de componentes de (co)varianza se obtuvieron usando Máxima Verosimilitud Restringida con el algoritmo Esperanza-Maximización y modelos animal para una sola característica. Los efectos del ambiente materno permanente no fueron importantes para peso al nacimiento y ganancia posdestete, por lo que no se incluyeron en el modelo final. Los estimadores de heredabilidad directa fueron 0.22, 0.33 y 0.45 para peso al nacimiento, peso al destete ajustado a 205 días y ganancia posdestete, respectivamente. Los estimadores de heredabilidad para el efecto genético materno fueron 0.16, 0.17 y 0.14. Los estimadores de heredabilidad total y de correlación genética entre efectos directos y maternos fueron 0.12 y -0.65, 0.16 y -0.72, y 0.20 y -0.84 para peso al nacimiento, peso al destete ajustado a 205 días y ganancia posdestete, respectivamente. Para peso al destete ajustado a 205 días, el estimador de la varianza del ambiente materno permanente (28.93 kg2) explicó un 4 % del estimador de la varianza fenotípica (765.43 kg2). La respuesta esperada a la selección para una sola característica de crecimiento de ganado Charolais mexicano, podría ser menor debido a las altas y negativas correlaciones entre efectos genéticos directos y maternos

Genomic variability in Mexican chicken population using Copy Number Variation

Copy number variants (CNVs) are polymorphisms which influence phenotypic variation and are an important source of genetic variability [1]. In Mexico the backyard poultry population is a unique widespread Creole chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) population, an undefined cross among different breeds brought to Mexico from Europe and under natural selection for almost 500 years [2-3]. The aim of this study was to investigate genomic variation in the Mexican chicken population using CNVs.A total of 256 DNA samples genotyped with Axiom® Genome-Wide Chicken Genotyping Array were used in the analyses. The individual CNV calling, based on log-R ratio and B-allele frequency values, was performed using the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) of PennCNV software on the autosomes [4-5]. CNVs were summarized to CNV regions (CNVRs) at a population level (i.e. overlapping CNVs), using BEDTools.The HMM detected a total of 1924 CNVs in the genome of 256 samples resulting, at population level, in 1216 CNV regions, of which 959 gains, 226 losses and 31 complex CNVRs (i.e. containing both losses and gains), covering a total of 47 Mb of sequence length corresponding to 5,12 % of the chicken galGal4 assembly autosome. A comparison among this study and 7 previous reports about CNVs in chicken was performed, finding that the 1,216 CNVRs detected in this study overlap with 617 regions (51%) mapped by others studies. This study allowed a deep insight into the structural variation in the genome of unselected Mexican chicken population, which up to now has not been never genetically characterized with SNP markers. Based on a cluster analysis (pvclust – R package) on CNV markers the population, even if presenting extreme morphological variation, does not resulted divided in differentiated genetic subpopulations. Finally this study provides a CNV map based on the 600K SNP chip array jointly with a genome-wide gene copy number estimates in Mexican chicken population.

Estimación de parámetros genéticos para características de crecimiento en borregos Katahdin usando diferentes modelos

Genetic parameters for growth traits of Katahdin lambs were estimated using six variants of the animal model. Data on birth weight (BW; n= 13,099), weaning weight adjusted to 75 d (WW; n=11,509) and postweaning weight adjusted to 120 d (AW; n=6,886) were collected for seven years (2004-2010) in 20 states across Mexico. Analyses were carried out by ignoring or including maternal effects. The simplest model included the direct additive genetic effect as the only random effect. The most complete model included direct and maternal genetic effects, their covariance, and the maternal permanent environmental effect. Selection of the best model was based on likelihood-ratio test. When maternal effects were not taken into account, estimates of direct heritability and direct genetic variance were overestimated for all traits. Direct heritability estimates for the best model were 0.18 ± 0.03, 0.30 ± 0.04, and 0.20 ± 0.05 for BW, WW and AW, respectively. Maternal heritability estimates also varied depending on the model; estimates ranged from 0.05 to 0.23, 0.00 to 0.12, and 0.09 to 0.25 for BW, WW and AW. Ignoring maternal effects in the model would result in inaccurate genetic evaluation for growth traits in Katahdin sheep.Se estimaron parámetros genéticos para características de crecimiento en corderos Katahdin, usando seis variantes del modelo animal. Se usó información de pesos al nacimiento (BW; n= 13,099), al destete ajustado a 75 d (WW; n= 11,509) y posdestete ajustado a 120 d (AW; n= 6,886) tomada durante 7 años (2004-2010) en 20 estados de la República Mexicana. Los análisis se hicieron ignorando o incluyendo efectos maternos. El modelo más sencillo incluyó el efecto genético aditivo directo como el único efecto aleatorio. El modelo más completo incluyó los efectos genéticos directo y materno, la covarianza entre ellos, y el efecto del ambiente permanente materno. Para seleccionar el mejor modelo se usó la prueba de razón de verosimilitud. Cuando los efectos maternos no fueron incluidos en el modelo, los estimadores de la heredabilidad directa y de la varianza genética directa resultaron sobreestimados. Las heredabilidades directas con el mejor modelo fueron 0.18 ± 0.03, 0.30 ± 0.04 y 0.20 ± 0.05 para BW, WW y AW, respectivamente. Las heredabilidades maternas también variaron dependiendo del modelo, de 0.05 a 0.23, 0.00 a 0.12, y 0.09 a 0.25 para BW, WW y AW. El ignorar los efectos maternos en el modelo resultaría en una evaluación genética equivocada para las características de crecimiento en borregos Katahdin

Análisis reproductivo de vacas Suizo Pardo x Cebú y Simmental x Cebú en condiciones tropicales

Objective. Compare the fertility of Brown Swiss x Zebu and Simmental x Zebu crossbred cows reared in a tropical environment. Materials and methods. Reproductive traits of 185 Brown Swiss x Zebu and Simmental x Zebu crossbred cows with diverse percentages of European breed were evaluated. Grazing of cows was rotational. The milking was twice daily with the help (suckling) of the calf, which was kept tied next to the dam while she was milked. Traits were evaluated fitting a repeated measures model (except for age at first calving). Calving interval, age at first calving, days open, interval from calving to first service, and weight at calving were analyzed with PROC MIXED of SAS. Pregnancy rate at first service and services per conception were analyzed with PROC GENMOD of the same software. Results. Simmental x Zebu cows started to re-bred 39 days earlier after calving (p<0.05) and had 47 fewer days open (p<0.05) than Brown Swiss x Zebu cows. The calving interval of the Simmental x Zebu cows was 45 days shorter (p<0.05) than that of the Brown Swiss x Zebu cows. Simmental x Zebu cows were 34 kg heavier at calving (p<0.05) than Brown Swiss x Zebu cows. Conclusions. Simmental x Zebu cows had better fertility than Brown Swiss x Zebu cows.Objetivo. Comparar la fertilidad de vacas cruzadas Suizo Pardo x Cebú y Simmental x Cebú criadas en un ambiente tropical. Materiales y métodos. Se evaluaron características reproductivas de 185 vacas cruzadas Suizo Pardo x Cebú y Simmental x Cebú con diversos porcentajes de raza europea. El pastoreo de las vacas fue rotacional. El ordeño fue dos veces al día con la ayuda (amamantamiento) del becerro, el cual se mantuvo atado cerca de la vaca mientras ella se ordeñaba. Las características se evaluaron ajustando un modelo de mediciones repetidas (excepto para edad a primer parto). Periodo interparto, edad a primer parto, días abiertos, periodo parto-primer servicio y peso al parto fueron analizados con PROC MIXED de SAS. Tasa de gestación a primer servicio y servicios por concepción, se analizaron con PROC GENMOD del mismo programa. Resultados. Las vacas Simmental x Cebú se sirvieron después del parto 39 días antes (p<0.05) y tuvieron 47 días abiertos menos (p<0.05) que las Suizo Pardo x Cebú. El periodo interparto de las vacas Simmental x Cebú fue 45 días más corto (p<0.05) que el de las Suizo Pardo x Cebú. Las vacas Simmental x Cebú pesaron 34 kg más al parto (p<0.05) que las Suizo Pardo x Cebú. Conclusiones. Las vacas Simmental x Cebú tuvieron mejor fertilidad que las Suizo Pardo x Cebú

Efectos genéticos aditivos y no aditivos para características reproductivas en dialelo Holstein-Suizo Pardo en clima subtropical húmedo

Crossbreeding allows taking advantage of additive genetic differences between breeds, they also allow making use of heterosis and complementarity. Therefore, it is necessary to generate information on the efficacy of crosses compared to pure breeds under the conditions of interest. The objective was to quantify the impact of additive and non-additive genetic effects for days to first estrus (DFE), days to first service (DFS), days open (DO), services per conception (SPC), calving interval (CI) and gestation length (GL). The productive and genealogical information of females from a diallel between Holstein (HO) and Brown Swiss (BS), a total of 148 cows of the breeds HO (n=43), BS (n=64) and their reciprocal crosses HO-BS (n=20) and BS-HO (n=21), was used. Contrasts were used to estimate individual heterosis and differences between direct genetic effects and between maternal genetic effects based on Dickerson models. The results showed that heterosis and differences between maternal effects were not significant (P>0.05) for any of the traits studied. Differences between direct genetic effects were only important (P0.05) para ninguna de las características estudiadas. Las diferencias entre efectos genéticos directos solo fueron importantes (P<0.05) para SPC y DG. En conclusión, la heterosis generada por el cruzamiento entre HO y SP no influyó sobre la eficiencia reproductiva de las hembras. Los efectos maternos no fueron diferentes entre HO y SP. Los efectos genéticos directos para SPC y DG favorecieron a la raza SP

Milk composition in Criollo, Guzerat and F1 cows and its influence on weaning weight of calves

Se utilizaron 619 registros productivos generados entre 2001 y 2003 por vacas Guzerat (G), Criollo (C), Guzerat x Criollo (GC) y Criollo x Guzerat (CG). Las variables estudiadas fueron porcentaje de grasa (%G), proteína (%P), lactosa (%L) y sólidos no grasos (%SNG) contenidos en la leche y kilogramos de grasa (GP), proteína (PP), lactosa (LP) y sólidos no grasos (SNGP) producidos por lactancia.Data were collected between 2001 and 2003 from Guzerat (G), Criollo (C), Criollo*Guzerat (CG) and Guzerat*Criollo (GC) cows (n=619 records). Variables analyzed were fat (G%), protein (P%), lactose (L%), non fat solids (SNG%) content in milk expressed as percentages, and total fat (GP), protein (PP), lactose (LP) and non fat solids (SNGP) expressed in kg produced in each lactation

Embryo development after ICSI, using spermatozoa from bovine testicular tissue treated with three membrane-destabilizing agents

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine differences in embryo development of bovine oocytes fertilized by frozen/thawed spermatozoa (F/T), or by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) using F/T or spermatozoa from fresh (FTT) or cryopreserved testicular tissue (CTT) using three spermatozoa membrane destabilizers. Methods. Treatment (TRT) 1- In vitro fertilization (FIV) with F/T, TRT-2 ICSI with F/T, TRT-3 ICSI with FTT, TRT-4 ICSI with CTT. The spermatozoa membranes were destabilized using Triton X-100 (TX), Lysolecithin (LL) or Heparin--Glutathione (Hep-GSH). Embryo cleavage at 48 h and grade 1 and 2 blastocyst on day 8 post fertilization were recorded. The comparison among main effect means were analyzed based on the least significant difference of Fisher. Results. At D8 there was no difference in percentage of blastocyst formation among ICSI TRTs (F/T 13 ± 3, FTT 6 ± 3 and CTT 6 ± 3 p&gt;0.05), but they were lower than control (FIV 23 ± 5). With Hep-GSH destabilizer, there was a lower cleavage at 48 h than the LL and TX (35± 5, vs 50± 5 and 56± 5 p&lt;0.05). Cleavage at 48 h was better for the ICSI with F/T and LL, while for D8, the best percentage to blastocyst was for TX. Conclusion. It is possible to produce blastocysts using ICSI with spermatozoa obtained from fresh or cryopreserved testicular tissue. Sperm cells treated with TX or LL produced more BL than those treated with Hep-GSH. More experiments using spermatozoa obtained from different sources are necessary to improve embryo development after ICSI. Keywords: &nbsp;ICSI, Vitrification, Testicular tissue, Oocytes, Bovine, Fertilization.R Objective. To determine the differences in the embryo development of bovine oocytes fertilized with frozen/thawing (F/T) spermatozoa or with the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of F/T, spermatozoa from fresh testicular tissue (FTT), and cryopreserved testicular tissue (CTT), using three spermatozoa membrane-destabilizing agents. Methodology. Four treatments were used. Treatment (TRT-1): In vitro fertilization (IVF) with F/T. TRT-2: ICSI with F/T. TRT-3: ICSI with FTT. TRT-4: ICSI with CTT. The spermatozoa membranes were destabilized with Triton X-100 (TX), Lysolecithin (LL), and Heparin-Glutathione (Hep-GSH). Embryonic division was recorded at 48 h and grade 1 and 2 blastocysts (BL) were recorded 8 days (D8) after the fertilization. The means were compared using Fisher’s least significant difference method. Results. At D8, the blastocysts formation between ICSI treatments (F/T 13 ± 3, FTT 6 ± 3, and CTT 6 ± 3, p&gt;0.05) were lower than control (IVF 23 ± 5). There was a lower cleavage at 48 h using Hep-GSH than when LL and TX were used (35 ± 5 vs 50± 5 and 56± 5, p&lt;0.05). Embryo division at 48 h obtained better results with the ICSI + F/T and LL treatment, while the highest blastocyst percentage at D8 was obtained using TX. Conclusions. Blastocysts can be produced through ICSI, using spermatozoa from fresh or cryopreserved testicular tissue. The spermatozoa treated with TX and LL produced a higher percentage of BL than the spermatozoa treated with Hep-GSH. Further experiments should be carried out using spermatozoa obtained from different sources, in order to improve embryo development after the ICSI

Morfometría del cerdo de traspatio en áreas rurales de México

Data from 241 interviews collected in 2013 was analyzed to characterize populations of pigs (Mexican Hairless Pig  (MH), Cuino Pig (CU) and Crossbred Pig (UD)). Variables were body weight (BW), head length (HL), body length (BL), thoracic perimeter (CG), height at withers (HW), croup width (RW), number of nipples (TC), dense or sparse hair (HD), presence or absence of tusks (TU), short or long snout (ST), upright or floppy ears (ER), calm or restless temperament (TM), proportionality index (PI), body index (BI) and relative weight index (RWI). Analyses were carried out with GLM and GENMOD of SAS. Models included state and population. Population was significant (P<0.05) for BW, BL, CG, HW, RW, TU, TM, PI, BI and RWI. Coefficients of variation (VC) showed the minor and major values for BW (18.8 %) and CG (27.8 %). VC were 13.0, 14.6 and 45.8 % for PI, BI and RWI. Least squares means for MH, CU and UD were: 48.06±6.17a, 35.93±3.04b and 61.11±7.42a kg (BW); 77.81±3.65ab, 69.56±2.02ª and 88.52±4.93b  cm (BL); 80.55±3.98ab, 71.72±2.20a and 93.23±5.37b cm (CG); 56.88±2.45ab, 51.26±1.36a and 60.32±3.31b cm (HW); 57±4a, 71±19b and 62±34a % (HD); 68±31ab, 70±14a and 61±27b% (TU); 65±30a, 56±12b and 62±3a% (TM). The MH and UD populations were similar in morphometry and different from the CU population. The CU population showed lower weight, smaller size and calmer temperament. The characterization of these populations is important for designing strategies for their conservation and efficient use.Data from 241 interviews collected in 2013 was analyzed to characterize populations of pigs (Mexican Hairless Pig  (MH), Cuino Pig (CU) and Crossbred Pig (UD)). Variables were body weight (BW), head length (HL), body length (BL), thoracic perimeter (CG), height at withers (HW), croup width (RW), number of nipples (TC), dense or sparse hair (HD), presence or absence of tusks (TU), short or long snout (ST), upright or floppy ears (ER), calm or restless temperament (TM), proportionality index (PI), body index (BI) and relative weight index (RWI). Analyses were carried out with GLM and GENMOD of SAS. Models included state and population. Population was significant (P<0.05) for BW, BL, CG, HW, RW, TU, TM, PI, BI and RWI. Coefficients of variation (VC) showed the minor and major values for BW (18.8 %) and CG (27.8 %). VC were 13.0, 14.6 and 45.8 % for PI, BI and RWI. Least squares means for MH, CU and UD were: 48.06±6.17a, 35.93±3.04b and 61.11±7.42a kg (BW); 77.81±3.65ab, 69.56±2.02ª and 88.52±4.93b  cm (BL); 80.55±3.98ab, 71.72±2.20a and 93.23±5.37b cm (CG); 56.88±2.45ab, 51.26±1.36a and 60.32±3.31b cm (HW); 57±4a, 71±19b and 62±34a % (HD); 68±31ab, 70±14a and 61±27b% (TU); 65±30a, 56±12b and 62±3a% (TM). The MH and UD populations were similar in morphometry and different from the CU population. The CU population showed lower weight, smaller size and calmer temperament. The characterization of these populations is important for designing strategies for their conservation and efficient use.  Para caracterizar a las poblaciones del cerdo Pelón Mexicano (PPM), cerdo Cuino (PCU) y cerdos                   cruzados (PCI) se analizó información de 241 entrevistas realizadas durante 2013. Las variables analizadas fueron: peso corporal (Peco), longitud de cabeza (Loca), longitud del cuerpo (Locu), circunferencia del pecho (Circu), altura a la cruz         (Acruz), ancho de pelvis (Anpe), número de pezones (Nupe), pelo denso o escaso (Cape), presencia o ausencia de colmillos (Colm), hocico corto o largo (Hoc), orejas erguidas o no erguidas (Posio), temperamento tranquilo o inquieto (Tem),  índice de proporcionalidad (IP), índice corporal (IC) e índice de peso relativo (IPR). Los datos se analizaron con GLM y GENMOD del SAS. Los modelos estadísticos incluyeron Estado y Población. Población influyó (P<0.05) Peco, Locu, Circu, Acruz, Cape, Colm, Tem IP, IC e IPR. Los coeficientes de variación (CV) mostraron a Peco y Anpe como las características con menor y mayor variación (18.8 y 27.8 %). Para IP, IC e IPR los CV fueron 13.0, 14.6 y 45.8 %.Las medias de cuadrados mínimos para PPM, PCU y PCI fueron 48.06±6.17a, 35.93±3.04b y 61.11±7.42a kg (Peco); 77.81±3.65ab, 69.56±2.02a y 88.52±4.93b cm (Locu); 80.55±3.98ab, 71.72±2.20a y 93.23±5.37b cm (Circu); 56.88±2.45ab, 51.26±1.36a y 60.32±3.31b cm (Acruz); 57±4a, 71±19b y 62±34a% (Cape); 68±31ab, 70±14a y 61±27b% (Colm); 65±30a, 56±12b y 62±3a% (Tem). PPM y PCI fueron similares en morfometría pero diferentes de PCU. La población PCU mostró menor peso, menor talla y temperamento más inquieto. Caracterizar a estas poblaciones es importante para diseñar estrategias para su conservación y uso eficiente