Abstract

BORROTO¹, Ángela et al. Socioeconomic and technological characterization of sheep production in Ciego de Ávila, central region of Cuba (Part I). Pastos y Forrajes [online]. 2011, vol.34, n.2, pp. 199-210. ISSN 0864-0394.

In order to characterize sheep production systems in Ciego de Ávila from the socioeconomic and technological point of view, 6, 13 and 11 farms of private farmers associated to credit and services cooperatives (CCS) were surveyed in the Baraguá, Ciego de Ávila and Ciro Redondo municipalities, respectively. The socioeconomic and technological factors that limited the increase of their productions were identified, as well as the typologies of the existing systems, the socioeconomic aspects, the infrastructure, technological capacities and characteristics of the human potential linked to their animal production. The results indicated that sheep production was developed as an alternative to support meat farm consumption and family economy, with predominance of the commercial Creole Pelibuey breed. The health situation of those rearings was acceptable, the extensive management system prevailing, with continuous grazing on low quality natural pastures and integral herds of 20-40 sheep for Baraguá and Ciro Redondo, and up to 20 sheep in Ciego de Ávila. The sales by agreements to the Small Animals Enterprise were lower than the ones expected, with an average live weight close to 30 kg, and the surveyed farmers received little attention by associations and institutions fit to train and/or provide technical assistance.

Keywords : Animal production; rural development; sheep.

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