KAPPA-CASEIN GENE-FREQUENCIES SUPPORT SUBDIVISION AND HISTORICAL ORIGIN OF ARGENTINE CREOLE CATTLE

Gene frequencies at the kappa-casein locus were estimated in six diffe rent herds (N = 180) of Argentinean Creole cattle. The results showed a strong influence of subdivision and independent evolution on the div ergence of the observed gene frequencies. These results suggest that t he population structure of these herds favor the maintenance of polymo rphism, which is of crucial importance for the long-time survival of p opulations.