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The Arrieros |
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The bichos |
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Most arrieros own goatherds, these animals are called "chivos" or "bichos". Each arriero family owns on average around 500 goats. During the winter months, crossbreed is done amongst arriero families. They take their animals to the lower mountain range for breeding, and later in September, animals are taken to the snow-melting plains where young kids take their first steps and remain grazing until the end of the summer months.
Arrieros also care for other people's animals, mostly belonging to people in the Central Valley, sending hundreds and thousands of animals into the valley to graze. In return, arrieros are paid cash or are given animals in exchange, which they use to purchase provisions for the winter months, as they sometimes remain totally snow-blocked and isolated.
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