Bovine productivity in the South American Chaco region

Code:

ATN/RF-18079-RG

Initiative:

Call for Proposals

Other agencies:

USD 200.000

Counterpart Amount:

USD 457.285

Execution time

42 Months

Total Amount:

USD 657.285

Participating countries:

Argentina

Bolivia

Paraguay

Funding source:

Other agencies 30% Counterpart Amount 70%

Executive Summary

In recent decades there has been a rapid expansion and intensification of agricultural production in the South American Chaco region. However, most livestock producers still maintain very low levels of productivity. A valid indicator to measure this low productivity is the low annual weaning rate (calves per cow per year), which is below 50%. The main problems that explain this low productivity are associated with the lack of farm infrastructure (e.g., pasture and corrals), poor availability and planning of forage resources (e.g., pastures, rangeland and reserves), inefficient herd management (e.g., lack of planning and organization of services, weaning) and lack of adequate health management (e.g., reproductive and parasitic diseases). In this context, this cooperation tries to improve the efficiency, stability and resilience of family livestock systems in the Chaco region, through the incorporation of alternative technologies and capacities for improved livestock management. Researchers, extensionists and producers from the three countries that share the South American Chaco, Argentina (INTA-ArgenINTA), Bolivia (INIAF and FeGaSaCruz) and Paraguay (IPTA-IICA), are participating in this cooperation.

The technological solution

A network of pilot sites (livestock farms) where the proposed technologies are adapted and demonstrated together with a technical assistance and training plan on livestock innovation for extension agents, advisors and producers.

Results

- An updated characterization of family cattle systems in the Chaco region and technological alternatives to be incorporated into intervention strategies and continuity to the actions in the future is available.

- An installed network of pilot sites in the 3 countries, which adopt technological improvements and serve as demonstrative and training units during the project and afterwards.

- Trained producers, extension agents and advisors in bovine production in the Chaco. A virtual livestock innovation course for the region that can be scaled up to other producers will be available.

- Information available on productivity indicators, level of adoption of the proposed technological alternatives and their effect on the productivity of family livestock systems..

Beneficiaries

1250 associated livestock producers in the participating countries.
90 extension agents from national agencies and producer organizations from Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia.
40 researchers from Research Institutes and Universities of the Chaco Region.
150 private advisers from participating countries.