Ernesto Sánchez-Vera

Evaluation of Sustainability of Smallholder Dairy Production Systems in the Highlands of Mexico During the Rainy Season

A sustainability evaluation was undertaken with 22 smallholder dairy farms in the highlands of Mexico; following the IDEA method in the agroecological, socioterritorial, and economic scales (all scales are out of 100). Sustainability was highest for the agroecological scale (59/100), intermediate for the socioterritorial scale (53/100), and lowest on the economic scale (43/100). The sustainability of a farm is the lowest score of the three scales. In most farms, the lowest was the economic scale. A cluster analysis led to the identification of five distinct groups: Cluster 1 defined two farms not related to others, cluster 2 farms (4) were those with high agroecological scores, cluster 3 farms (8) were most representative of the area, cluster 4 included two farms with low socioterritorial and economic sustainability scores, and cluster 5 was made up of the remaining six farms with the highest economic sustainability score, but limited by the agroecological and socioterritorial scales. In all farms, there is a high reliance on bought-in inputs. Therefore, given the limited resources of these systems, the better option is to limit the number of cows to those that can be fed mostly with the production of the farm, which increases the economic sustainability. The IDEA method is a useful tool for sustainability assessment of small-scale dairy systems.

Local feeding strategies and milk composition in small-scale dairy production systems during the rainy season in the highlands of Mexico

The objective of the work was to identify local feeding strategies in small-scale dairy production systems during the rainy season in the highlands of Mexico, and to determine their effects on milk yields (MY), milk composition and economic viability. Twenty-two dairy farms were monitored by monthly visits, recording and sampling milk from between two and six cows in each farm, live-weight was also recorded. Samples from feeds used in that month were taken and feeds given to the dairy herd were weighed. Economic data was also recorded. Milk composition and milk urea nitrogen were determined, as well as chemical composition of feeds. Eighteen feedstuffs were identified, grouped in: HNH feeds—high in neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and in DM matter; HNL feeds—high in NDF but low in DM; HCh feeds—high in non-fibrous carbohydrates; and HCP feeds—high in crude protein. Four feeding strategies were identified: strategy 1 uses HND, HNL and HCP; strategy 2—HND, HNL, HCh and HCP; strategy 3 HNH and HCP; and strategy 4 HNL and HCP. Of participating farms, 73.4% followed strategy 1, 11.3% strategy 2, 11.3% strategy 4 and 3.8% strategy 3. There were no statistical differences (P > 0.05) between strategies for MY and milk composition, but there were differences (P < 0.05) for ration costs. Multiple regression analysis showed no significative (P > 0.05) model relating intake of feed groups and milk fat content, but milk protein and SNF contents were significantly explained by intake of HCP. When expressed as MY and milk components yield, milk fat yield was significantly explained by intake of all four feed groups, but milk protein and SNF yields were explained only by intake of HCP and LW. MUN excretion was explained also by HCP intake. All feeding strategies produced positive economic returns, on average generating the equivalent of 3.45 minimum wages of the area.

The role of working equines to livelihoods in current day campesino hill-slope communities in central Mexico

Small-holder campesino agriculture is based on the diversified use of resources and off-farm work. Working equines have a multifunctional character and sustain the diversification of livelihoods having different values as assets or providing services. The objective was to identify the role of working equines in current diversification strategies in the livelihoods of campesino families in a hill-slope community in central Mexico within livelihoods analysis. Thirty-one variables related to ownership and use of working equines were analysed by cluster analysis and descriptive statistics contrasting the presence of equines in the diversification of livelihoods. Four groups were identified, determined mainly by age of farmer and number of family members who utilise equines. Results show these systems diversify in response to conditions of risk or to take advantage of opportunities, such that a balance is reached by resorting to off-farm activities without the total loss of components of the farming system. Two main situations were found in relation to working equines: the disappearance and change of functions of the large equines (mules), and the adaptation of small equines (donkeys) to the new conditions. It is concluded that there is a process of adaptation in hill-slope campesino farms such that large equines are less present in farms that have moved towards more diversification, but are kept in those farms less diversified. The use of equines for draught force in agricultural production and as pack animals continues, as is the presence of small livestock (sheep and poultry) irrespective of the context of the farm.

Development of Feeding Strategies for Cows in Small Scale Dairy Farming Systems in the Highlands of Central Mexico by a Simulation Model and On-Farm Experiments. Phase I: Development of a Novel Framework

The small scale dairy farming systems (SSDFS) contributes to maintain the rural environment and livelihoods in the highlands of central Mexico. However, their viability is compromised due to the high costs of feeds and deficient feeding strategies used by farmers. Simulation models in animal production are important tools for decision making, technology transfer and research. The aim of the present work was: develop a methodological framework for using a simulation model as a decision support tool to develop alternative feeding strategies for cows in SSDFS in the highlands of central Mexico. Local and alternative strategies were simulated (900 feeding strategies). The Buttercup model (BCM) predictions were compared with those reported in a previous work. Deficiencies in the local feeding strategies were identified in terms of metabolizable protein (MP). Alternative strategies were designed to cover these deficiencies by the use of concentrate supplementation. Three concentrates (C1= maize grain 610, soybean meal 310, urea 30, and cane molasses 50g kg−1 DM; C2= maize grain 630, soybean meal 320 and cane molasses 50g kg−1 DM; and C3= maize grain 900, urea 50 and cane molasses 50g kg−1 DM) where tested in order to meet the MP and metabolizable energy (ME) requirements and to evaluate the productive response of dairy cattle through on-farm experiments. For the BCM validation results data of milk yield from the on-farm experiments were compared with the BCM data predictions. The present methodology is aimed to simplify the use of simulation models in situations, places, and systems similar to the one reported here.