Authors : Ingrid Abril Valdivieso Perez, Jose Nahed Toral, Guillermo Jimenez Ferre, Angel T. Pineiro Vazquez, Manuel Parra Vazquez and Francisco Guevara Hernandez
Abstract: This study characterizes technical and economic aspects of conventional dual-purpose (milk and meat) cattle raising in the humid tropics of Chiapas, Mexico and evaluates the potential for converting these farms to organic-or clean-production. An organic livestock raising conversion index with 10 indicators and 37 variables was used. Data was obtained through direct observation and a questionnaire applied to 50 farmers. Through a Cluster analysis (C), we classified Livestock Production Units (LPU) into three groups (p<0.05). The highest values (p<0.05) for the technical-economic indicators as well as ICOGAN were found for the LPU of C3, followed by those of C2 and finally, C1. All LPU evaluated scored very low for the indicators "veterinary prevention and care" and "ecological farm management". The LPU of all three C scored high for the indicators "breeds and reproduction" and "soil fertilization". In order for the LPU to increase their levels of sustainability and be certified organic, there is a need to strengthen farmer’s abilities in techniques of ecological production and management through technical advisory and assistance as well as permanent financial support. Furthermore, there is a need for all social actors involved to have a sense of co-responsibility for and be committed to the organic conversion process as well as a need for significant changes in state and federal cattle raising policies.
Ingrid Abril Valdivieso Perez, Jose Nahed Toral, Guillermo Jimenez Ferre, Angel T. Pineiro Vazquez, Manuel Parra Vazquez and Francisco Guevara Hernandez, 2019. Multicriteria Appraisal of the Potential of Converting Cattle Raising to Organic Production in the Humid Tropics of Chiapas, Mexico. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 18: 154-168.