Article
English, Spanish
ID: <
oai:doaj.org/article:5cf035790e98465d8f425b25ab2d798d>
·
DOI: <
10.21640/ns.v12i25.2117>
Abstract
Introduction: The livestock/rearing system consists of the production of weaning calves for subsequent sale and fattening. In the State of Tabasco, a high percentage of producers are engaged in this activity. However, little information exists on this production system. The objective of this study was to characterise the livestock production system and to identify the factors affecting the production of calves in the State of Tabasco. Method: To this end, 342 producers were interviewed on the basis of a structured survey; it obtained information on producer data, social characteristics, infrastructure, beech structures, and production and management practices. In order to identify the types of producers, a conglomerate analysis was carried out using the Ward method and the eucalydiana distance to square; and in order to identify the variables that explain the production of burns, a linear regression analysis was carried out. Results: The conglomerate analysis identified three types of producers: (1) small; (2) medium; and (3) large. 63.4 % of producers were classified as small (< 14 cows in production); 29 % on a medium basis (between 15 and 34 cows in production); and 7.6 % as large producers (between 35 and 80 cows in production). For all three types of producers, the number of cows in production, the rate of technology adoption and the amount of concentrated food explain the production of calves. Discussion/Conclusion: The characterisation of the livestock/rearing system in tropical regions is important, as more than half of the livestock farming in those regions uses this production system. In addition, knowing the factors that determine the production of calves can help to generate strategies to support this type of producer and improve the system’s productive variables.