Characterization and classification of dual-purpose cattle system in the Rural Development District 151, Tabasco, Mexico

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize the components of the production system (PS) in dual purpose cattle (DP) in DDR 151 and to determine the typology of production units (PU) within PS DP, using social, economic and technological variables. It analyzed information of 46 PU of PS DP that participated in the program support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food 2013-2014. By using cluster analysis and analysis of variance, three types of PU were identified and characterized: Traditional (44%), Transition (30%), and Commercial (26%). The Commercial PU differed (p < 0.05) from Traditional and Transition PU by having greater surface, number of cows, volume of milk production, and technological index, circumstances that allowed them to obtain higher incomes from milk and calves sales.