Search

Antecedentes: La eficiencia técnica (ET) se refiere a la habilidad de obtener el máximo producto posible según los factores de producción y nivel de tecnología. Objetivo. El objetivo del artículo fue la revisión del efecto de factores como la mano de obra, ubicación geográfica y el tamaño de la granja, con la ET de sistemas lecheros. Desarrollo: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en relación a los factores de mano de obra, ubicación geográfica y tamaño de granja y como pueden afectar la eficiencia técnica (ET) en sistemas lecheros. En relación al nexo entre la región, la mano de obra y el tamaño de los rebaños se ha indicado incluso una evolución en incrementos en el total de vacas y del área con la ET en los sistemas lecheros. Los estudios que informan del tamaño de la granja y el total de vacas, mostraron relación positiva con la ET, esto hizo suponer que las granjas lecheras grandes tienen mayor ET que las más pequeñas, no obstante, la relación tamaño-eficiencia no se muestra muy robusta. Conclusiones: Se encontraron relaciones de la eficiencia técnica con la mano de obra, con la preparación técnica y la extensión rural en modo diferencial, sin embargo no se encontró una relación significativa sostenida entre el tamaño de la granja y la eficiencia técnica en varios países y diferentes tipos de productores, con una relación negativa entre la eficiencia y el tamaño de la granja en algunos, lo que también podría reflejar la complejidad adicional de administrar un conjunto más amplio de recursos y lograr eficiencia técnica a diferentes escalas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Technical efficiency (TE) refers to the ability of obtaining the highest possible amount of products, depending on production and technology factors. Aim: The aim of this paper was to review the effect of factors like labor, geographical location, and farm size on the TE of dairy systems. Development: Document review was conducted to study factors such as labor, geographical location, and farm dimensions, and the influence of these factors on technical efficiency (TE) in dairy systems. An evolution in the increase of total cows and the number of TE in dairy systems has been reported, regarding the existing relation with location, labor, and herd size. Studies of farm size and total cows showed a positive relation with ET, which suggested that large dairy farms have higher TE than smaller farms; however, the size-efficiency ratio does not look very strong. Conclusions: The relation of technical efficiency with labor, technical training, and rural extension in differential mode, were observed. However, no significantly sustained relation was observed between farm dimensions and technical efficiency in several countries and by different kinds of farmers, showing a negative relation with efficiency and farm size in some. This might also reflect the additional complexity of allocating more resources and accomplishing technical efficiency at different scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A five-year study (2008-2012) was made to determine the bioproductive and financial behavior derived from the structures and resources available on ten private rustic farms, in the province of Ciego de Avila, Cuba. The pasture and forage yields were estimated for evaluation of their contribution and efficiency. Decomposition of seasonal time series was performed to determine the annual behavior of births, through a multiplicative model. Variance analysis for farm comparison was based on efficiency of dairy production, and financial indicators (SPSS, 15.0. 2006). Overall, the availability and quality of pastures and forages was insufficient, with negative annual forage balances. The farms evidenced birth seasonability, particularly farm No. 7 (April-May). However, the general birth rates were very low, as a result of inadequate reproduction management. The best productive and financial results were observed on farm No. 7 (1 061 kg/milk/ha/year, and $ 0.87 CUP/kg of milk produced, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A research was carried out at a livestock dairy production center in Camagüey province, Cuba, comprising 100,9 ha, three of them dedicated to sugar cane sowing and the rest to grazing grounds. Paspalum virgatum, Dychrostachis glomerata, and wastelands cover a 32,1 % of the grazing grounds. Dominant native pasture grasses include Bothriochba pertrusa, Paspalum notatum, Dichanthium caricosum, and Panicum maximum. A balance of energy and of some of the main sustainability factors, within a milk production system was performed. Data recorded at the center were used to study energy and protein balance as well as sustainability factors. A liter of milk was taken as the equivalent to a kilogram of this product. The system energy input (Mcal/years= 109 951,33) was higher than its output (22 378) with a negative balance (87 573,3 Mcal/year). As to raw protein balance, a higher input (7 824,6 kg) and a lower output (3 602,9 kg) with a negative balance (-4 221,7 kg) was also found. Therefore, energy-protein balances are negative, showing energy inputs 8 and 4 fold higher than energy outputs, respectively. It was also proved a number of deficiencies concerning sustainability essential components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of calving time upon a number of efficiency indexes from commercial dairy heifers at the beginning of the highest grazing ground growth season is discussed. These milk production efficiency indexes are influenced by dry matter supplementation to grazing according to grazing ground growth rates and lactation. To this end, 108 grazing Holstein x Zebu (Siboney) crossing breed heifers were sampled and distributed by a completely randomized design into four groups taking into account heifers' calving time every fifteen days from May to June. Significant differences (p<0,01) were detected for this principal milk production indexes and forage supplementation to grazing from 170 to 180 days in both calving times on May compared to calving times on June. Production cost per milk kilogram were 0,27; 0,34; and 0,38 cuban pesos vs. 0,46 cuban pesos for the four calving times, respectively. Therefore, May calving times showed a higher production efficiency regarding the assessed indexes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk production system from Jimaguayu municipality in Camaguey province, Cuba, were submitted to a four-period analysis comprising: I. An initial production development period (1959-1967) in a number of areas in Jimaguayú, in which the mayority of farms were involved in beef production and husbandry, grazing grounds were rotationally managed using low loads, and Andre Voisin's ideas had their starting point.- II Livestock infraestructure development and rotational grazing initial period (1968-1974). Characterized by the enhancement of a milk production development program within the region. All this was achieved by constructing dairy farms, rearing calves and breeding developing cattle, and even establishing human settlements and building paved way. III. Productive technology, creation of high utilies, and machinery use to support the milk production system productivity were the distinctive features marking this third period (1975-1990), which involved the use of forage grazing grounds, conservation through hay and silage, rotational grazing with a higher stabled cattle level, creation of scientific and technical working groups and grazing units as a new production structure. In this perios, there were some annual records on milk production ranging from 10 to 12 million kilograms, and birth rate reached values from 60 to 70%. IV. A Changing period in regards to the technological conception of the livestock milk production systems due to unfavorable economic conditions (1991-2062) in which cattle ranchers and dairy production center have developed a number of strategies for lower utilities making possible a significant increase in annual milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the work was to analyze the behavior of yields for fundamental milky components, as a function of calving concentration at the beginning of the rainy period, in commercial dairy farms. The contents of solids, fat, protein and lactose were in every case calculated using transformation coefficients in relation to the total production. The values were 12.1%, 3.5%, 3.2%, and 4.5% respectively. The patterns were: PI = 48-56% of birthing assumed between April and August in relation to the whole rainy season, PII = 58-68% of birthing, and PIII = 69-79% of birthing. An analysis of simple variance for components was carried out by means of Tukey's test, and Systat, 7.0 statistical package. The Pattern III stood out for the production of total solids per cow a year and the total solids per hectare a year, showing significant differences (P <0.05) in relation to the others. For the remaining milky components, the superiority of this pattern III was significant (p <0.005) for protein, fat and lactose, as a consequence of the largest calving concentration and greater use of nutrients of the grasslands at the best period of productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the work was to achieve a mode of analysis of the behavior of productive indicators in dairy farms, as a function of calving concentration at the beginning of the rainy period and its alimentary base. The study was carried out between April-2001 and March-2006 in 10 dairy farms of "Triángulo Uno" Company, Municipality of Jimaguayú, Camagüey. The soils are of category 3; the climate is humid tropical of inner plain, with 1 114 mm of annual precipitation and 79% of rains occurring amid May and October. The animals were cross-bred Holstein with Zebu, at a rotational shepherding system with an average of five meadows and consuming NORGOLD® as supplement. The patterns were: PI = 48-56% of birthing between April and August in relation the whole rainy season, PII = 58-68% and PIII = 69-79%. The total production of milk and per work unit a year shows significant differences (P <0.05) among the patterns. The pattern III was the one of greater production. As for the production of milk per hectare a year, pattern III behaved significantly superior (P <0.05) to the others. It was concluded that pattern of more calving concentration was superior to the rest in the core productive indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The productive response of dairy grazing cows using ground cornstalks was assessed. The study was developed in two different Ecuadoran settings (Costa Region and Sierra). At the Costa, on a 29.1 ha farm, the cows grazed on star clusters (Cynodon nlemfuensis) and panic grass(Panicum máximum), with legumes of different genera, such as Alysicarpus, Centrosema, Desmodium, Galactia, supplemented with corn stalks, cv. INIAP 125. The animals received 0.46 kg from the third kg onward, and ground corn stalks in 30- and 28- day periods, respectively (M-30 and M-28), and a control group without stalks for 36 days (M-0). In another region, the estate had 14.2 ha and 23 milking cows, grazing on clusters of West African pennisetum (P. clandestinum) and ryegrass- white clover (L. perenne and T. repens) and whole corn stalks (60 -70% ripe grain), at a ratio of 18 kg green/cow/day for 48 days and balanced at a ratio of 0.5 kg/l of milk following the fourth kilogram, and minerals. In both cases, stalks effected (P < 0.05) on cow response. In the Sierra region, the milk yield increase observed was 1.68 kg/cow, and in the Costa region, it was between 1.1 and 2.5 kg/cow. Corn stalks meant nutritional supplementation to grazing clusters in both regions, increased milk/animal yields, and cost reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of algarroba (Prosopis juliflora SW) arborization on grazing cow behavior and milk production was assessed. The trial was made in the rainy season, and six enclosures were used per arborization treatment (low arborization, 1-7 trees/ha; mid arborization, 12-16 trees/ha; high arborization, 20-27 trees/ha). The time of each animal during activity, and the number of animals, were registered. Milk production values were compared using ANOVA, following a randomized design with six replicas. The significant differences were registered (P < 0.05) positively toward greater arborization grazing (155-173 min), and the indexes had a very similar behavior for months. In poorly arborized grazing lands cows consumed less pasture, whereas in highly arborized lands, cows stayed longer and produced more milk (11.02 and 12.50 kg/cow/day). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of algarroba (Prosopis juliflora SW) arborization on grazing cow behavior and milk production was assessed. The trial was made in the rainy season, and six enclosures were used per arborization treatment (low arborization, 1-7 trees/ha; mid arborization, 12-16 trees/ha; high arborization, 20-27 trees/ha). Rational grazing was performed. The grass rested for 21-28 days, and sprinklers were used for irrigation. Each animal's activity time, and the number of animals, were registered. Milk production values were compared using ANOVA, following a randomized design with six replicas. No significant differences were observed in the morning grazing (118 -203 min),but there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the afternoon, positively toward more arborization (103 -125 min), whereas in lands with mid and high arborization, cows ruminated longer, with higher water consumption and milk production, and values between11.85 - 13.76 kg/v/day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dairy farms productive performance was evaluated according to year-round calving highest numbers. Fifteen small-scale dairy farms affiliated to the Livestock Center "Triángulo 1" in Camagüey, Cuba, were sampled. These farms have an average area ranging from 12,28 ha to 23,01 ha, 24-26 cattle units, and about 20 dairy cows. Grazing grounds botanical composition was determined. Seasonal forage demand and pasture yield were estimated. Three calving patterns were established based on data from the livestock center: I. 14 % and 58 % of calvings during the rainy and dry season, respectively; II. 52 % and 58 % of calvings during the rainy and dry season, respectively, and III. 67 % and 33 % of calvings during both seasons, respectively. Productive indicators performance, milk production, and feeding and financial efficiency for each calving pattern were assessed. Most of indicators showed significant differences (productive efficiency: 1 493 kg milk/ha/year; feeding efficiency: 19,82 kg ST/DM pasture; profitability: $ 1,06 pesos) associated with the third calving pattern, much higher (P < 0,05) when compared to the other two pattern. Therefore, better utilization of available pasture potential and validity of seasonal calving herd strategy were evidenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-six dairy farms having an area between 93,5 ha and 112,1 ha, and a herd ranging from 109 to 126 cows were sampled to evaluate feeding efficiency based on variations in calving compaction levels at the beginning of the highest grass growing season. These farms are affiliated to six livestock production centers from Camagüey and Jimaguayú and located at 21,5° N and 71,2° W, 93 m above sea level. Soils are classified as types 2 and 3 within the agroproductive category. Climate is humid tropical complementary to inland plains. The mean annual rainfall is 1095 mm with 67 % of rains between April and October. The dairy farms calving percentages from April to August were registered according to three patterns: PI = 43 - 56 %, PII = 58 - 68 %, PIII = 70 - 82 %. Performance of feeding efficiency indicators was better (p<0,05) for PIII with a higher calving compaction level showing values of 0,48 milk/forage tons and 0,44 milk tons/food tons/cow compared to values for PI and PII. In addition, fat + protein production also reached higher values for PIII (p<0,05), i.e., 94 kg/cow/and 106 kg/ha. Findings support that feeding process is more efficient when calving compaction levels are higher and pastures and forage nutritional utilization is also higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A follow-up study from April 2002 to March 2007 was carried out to evaluate the effect of markedly higher calving percentages at the beginning of the rainy season upon milk production from seven commercial dairy farms affiliated to Triángulo Uno Livestock Enterprise in Jimaguayú municipality, Camagüey province, Cuba. These farms have similar conditions with regards to facilities, agrotechnological management, animal load and feeding. Taking into account that 60 % and 68 % of calvings were registered from April through August, two six-week time spans were sampled, i.e., from April 1 to May 12 (Period I) and from May 13 to June 24 (Period II). Milk production indexes per dairy cow, hectare, and cowboy, as well as total milk production per period were evaluated by comparison tests including two independent mean values, Student-t, and two-rate comparison. No significant differences were detected between both periods concerning herd composition, weaning, reproductive performance indicators, mortality, and milk daily production per cow. Milk production per hectare and cowboy, and annual milk production showed a better performance (P < 0,05) for period I. Therefore, the better grazing grounds utilization during the first six weeks from April on due to a markedly calving percentage increase resulted in higher productivity indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A follow-up study from April 2002 to March 2007 was carried out to evaluate the effect of markedly higher calving percentages at the beginning of the rainy season upon milk components on seven commercial dairy farms affiliated to Triángulo Uno Livestock Enterprise in Jimaguayú municipality, Camagüey province, Cuba. These farms have similar conditions with respects to facilities, agrotechnological management, and also animal load and feeding. Two six-week time spans were assessed, i.e., from April 1 to May 12 (Period I) and from May 13 to June 24 (Period II). Milk components indicators evaluated were total milk solids, fat, lactose, and protein, each one per dairy cow, hectare, and cowboy, as well as their total amount. Evaluation was performed by comparison test including two independent mean values and Student-t. Period I showed higher scores (P < 0,05) for every milk component. Findings indicated that a better utilization of grazing grounds during the first six weeks from April on due to a markedly calving percentage increase resulted in higher scores for milk nutritional components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate seasonal calving effects on milk components at the beginning of the rainy season in Camagüey province. Commercial dairy herds were assessed during four periods with ever 68 % of annual seasonal calvings. Each period comprised five months, i. e., March-July, April-August, May-September, and June-October. Variables measured were total solids production, milk protein, fat, and lactose, and their correlation with dairy cow, work unit, hectare, and total amount was determined. A conversion coefficient for each component was estimated. The statistical method used was a covariance analysis. The best seasonal calving period was April-August (P < 0,05) with the highest scores for every milk component index. Forage better utilization according to calving time resulted in a significant favorable effect (P < 0,05) upon milk component indexes during the April- August period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate seasonal calving effect on milk production at the beginning of the rainy season in Camagüey province. Commercial dairy herds were assessed during four periods with 68 % of annual seasonal calvings. Each period comprised five months, i. e., March-July, April-August, May-September, and June- October. Variables measured were milk production per dairy cow, milk production per work unit, milk production per hectare, and annual total milk production. The statistical method used was a covariance analysis. The best seasonal calving period was April-August (P < 0,05) with the higher scores for the studied variables: milk production per dairy cow (4,5 ± 0,14 kg), milk production per hectare (1 281 ± 15,8 kg), milk production per work unit (33 383 ± 11 kg), and annual total milk production (139 417 ± 291 kg). Therefore, efficiency of dairy stock systems improves during the April-August period. Further studies on beef production under different environmental conditions are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]