A. García Martínez

Technical and allocative efficiency analysis for cattle fattening on Argentina Pampas

Abstract Management systems for cattle fattening in winter (‘wintering’) on Pampas region are studied. After analyzing 136 management records throughout 3 years, simulation models using linear programming were developed to optimize beef production according to the following decision criteria: minimum cost under energy and time constraints; and maximum yield under energy and time constraints. These simulation models, which represent the production frontiers that these enterprises may achieve, are later compared to the management results obtained; this allows us to analyze the technical and allocative efficiency of farms, simulate management proposals and establish production possibilities for different scenarios. The results obtained in the actual scenarios indicate that production may be fourfolded by modifying feeding strategy, increasing profits of around 140% if a criterion of maximum yield is adopted and the allocative efficiency is improved.