Effect of Flock Size and Ecological Area in the Technological Level of Dual- Purpose Cattle System form Ecuadorian Tropics

Abstract

Technological level of double purpose bovine farms in the Ecuadorian Coast Area is provided. The effect of flock size and ecological area over results was evaluated. A random sample of 44 farms was collected and a survey composed by 125 questions was applied. As main classification factors, flock size, according to the number of cows (small and medium size) and ecological area (dry and tropical forests) were considered. 38 technologies were included and classified by means of an expert panel in six technological areas. Later, the level of innovation for each region was calculated according to the criteria of having implemented or not the technology (1 and 0). The comparison of multiple samples was used to classify areas and after that, a general lineal model containing two factors is applied (GLM). The level of technological innovation was a 51%, where the areas of animal feeding, reproduction-genetics and health are the more advance ones. There was an outstanding impact of size and ecological area over the global technological level. This way the smallest farms were the ones located in the dry tropical forest and present lower levels of technological adoption. On the contrary, medium size farms located in the wet forest showed higher technological levels. The improvement in the technological level of implementation requires of multiple actions; amongst others, those related to managerial aspects as the individual animal identification and the use of productive records. A strategic approach must be followed; for the development of reproductive plans and prevention, the fight and control of diseases. Besides, the improvement of the equipment requires of basic actions as the building of stockyards, the improvement of the milking parlor among others.