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Socioeconomic and productive characterization of dual-purpose farms oriented to milk production in a tropical region of Ecuador. The case of the province of Manabí

Abstract:

Mixed dual-purpose (DP) cattle systems acquire major strategic importance in Equator and they mean the main financing activity for many families in the Province of Manabí located in the Ecuadorian Coast. In order to study the technical, social and commercial aspects that characterize DP farms in a tropical region of the Province of Manabi, this study was conducted in 2013, using a random sample coming from an agro ecological zone. Interviews were conducted in a representative sample composed by 45 producers and 36 variables representing the structure of production, the livestock profile and marketing the farms were studied. The results show that farms develop an extensive, DP and family mixed-use system which combines farming and livestock. The average herd size is 16 native cows crossed with Bos taurus on 44 ha, consuming natural pastures, agricultural stubble and cultivated pastures: mainly Savoya (Pannicum maximum), gramalote (Axono pusaffinis) and elephant (Pennisetum purpureum). Milk production is on average 52 L/day per farm and tends to produce one birth per cow and year. The profile of producers is 53 years old on average with five members in the family unit. They have maintained their activity for around 24 years on average and 85% of them would like to continue with this system. The large number of producers (97.8%) selling most of the production to short commercial channels that promote economic viability is highlighted.