Abstract

ORANTES-ZEBADUA, Miguel Ángel et al. Characterization of dual purpose livestock in a Region of Chiapas Mexico. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2014, vol.1, n.1, pp.49-58. ISSN 2007-901X.

The purpose of this study was to characterise the Dual Purpose livestock system (DP) in the 01 Centro Region of Chiapas, Mexico, and the socioeconomic, technological and commercial factors that limit production. The study took place from October 2007 to May 2008. A random survey was applied to 246 of the 1240 farmers, of nine municipalities of the 22 that make up the 01 Centro Region of Chiapas. Quantitative variables were analysed and arithmetical means and percentages were calculated. The qualitative variables included frequency tables. The data were analysed with the statistical programme Statistic^® 6.0. The results of the study showed that the age of the farmers spanned 50 years, the school level was primary sixth grade on average, 62 % were small farm owners with an average of 26 ha and 38 % were communal farmers with an average of 10 ha. Genetically, the herds were formed by Swiss zebu cattle (63 %), the economic income was from milking (67 %) with an average daily production of 54 litres per herd, and the sale price per litre of milk was $2.62. Of the farmers, 61 % commercialise cattle and milk in their farms. At present, there is no business organisation and no technological innovation to improve the commercialisation processes.

Keywords : Production systems; cattle; dual purpose.