首页 | 本学科首页   官方微博 | 高级检索  
     


An economic opportunity survey of small dairy farms in Paraguay
Authors:N. Ferreira  C. J. Cattoni  S. C. Cáceres  J. Frutos
Affiliation:(1) Animal Research and Production Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Ruta Mcal. Estigarribia, Km 10.5, San Lorenzo, Paraguay;(2) Faculty of Veterinary Science, National University of Asuncion, Asuncion, Paraguay
Abstract:Participatory rural appraisal (PRA) in 15 small farms and an economic opportunity survey (EOS) in 13 were carried out in the Cordillera basin of Paraguay to identify production constraints and the best ways to achieve economic gain. PRA showed farmers’ perception was that nutrition was the main constraint. The EOS showed that over 70% of the milk produced was sold in the neighbourhood. The average number of adult cows (lactating and dry cows) per farm ranged from 15 to 120, of which 62.2% to 80% were lactating cows. Milk production per cow on one day ranged from 8.5 to 18.2 litres and average lactation length was more than 300 days. Average age at first calving varied from 31 to 39 months. The highest economic opportunity was observed for increased milk production. Age at first calving and calf production interval were also found to be important constraints. Ultrasonography survey of the ovaries 20 maiden heifers over six months showed inadequate activity. Partially budgeted interventions were instituted to improve nutrition and management of maiden heifers, in-calf cows and those in early lactation. More forages were grown. PRA and EOS were shown to be useful tools in identifying production constraints.
Keywords:Dairy cows  Economic opportunity  Nutrition  Participatory rural appraisal  Reproduction
本文献已被 PubMed SpringerLink 等数据库收录!
设为首页 | 免责声明 | 关于勤云 | 加入收藏

Copyright©北京勤云科技发展有限公司  京ICP备09084417号