DIAGNOSIS OF CATTLE FARMING IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF COAPILLA, CHIAPAS, MEXICO

In the state of Chiapas, cattle are mainly raised for milk, meat, and dual purposes.The objective of this research was to characterize cattle production systems in the municipality of Coapilla, Chiapas, Mexico.Considering that the Coapilla Livestock Association's registry of livestock producers in 2015 contained only 25 producers, it was decided to conduct a census, which generated 100% reliability.A questionnaire with 113 questions related to technological and socioeconomic factors was administered.Frequencies of individual variables were calculated, and some were correlated in pairs and/or triads using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, 2016).The results indicated that in the municipality of Coapilla, Chiapas, the majority (96%) of cattle ranchers are between 46 and 85 years old.Fifty-six percent have been raising cattle for 20 years.Eighty percent completed primary school, 16% completed secondary school, and 4% completed high school.Eighty percent, 16%, and 4% own between 15 and 40, 10 and 14, and 90 hectares, respectively.Their main source of income is extensive cattle ranching (100%), and 56% of them also have income from other activities.The majority (80%) own communal land, and 20% own private property.Sixty-four percent have Swiss dairy breeds; 56% select their cattle for milk production or appearance.Only 32% supplement their cattle during dry seasons, and 60% offer mineral salts.88% milk manually in rustic facilities with dirt floors; 76% milk once a day; 60% clean the udder and 56% do not milk cows with mastitis.Ninety-six percent vaccinate against certain diseases; 32% have veterinary services; 88% deworm; 48% control ticks; 44% said that 11 diseases affect all their animals, particularly diarrhea.Milk production (60%) is used for cheese.Seventy-two percent produced heifers that they used for replacement; 80% sold calves at weaning; 72% sold between one and three cull cows; and 24% purchased bulls.Finally, 76% said that their production was profitable.The information obtained made it possible to design a Comprehensive Technical Assistance System for livestock farmers in the municipality, which will be implemented in an inter-institutional and interdisciplinary manner.