Browsing by Autor "Rodri Ergueta"

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Characterization of the genetic resource of Criollo goats and their socio-economic role in Cochabamba, Bolivia.
(2004) A. Stemmer; T. Altug; Anne Valle-Zárate; Rodri Ergueta
The present study is based on data registered between January 1999 and March 2000 in the province of Mizque, Cochabamba department, Bolivia. A series of traits were studied in a total of 1078 Criollo goats on 16 farms. The socio-economical setting was investigated applying participant observation, group conversations, and informal as well as structured interviews in 46 households of goat keepers. Criollo goats gave birth throughout the year with peaks in June and March. Average weight at parturition was 26.9 kg, number of kids per litter was 1.2, and mortality rate of kids up to 3 months old was 11.2 %. Weights at birth and at 120 days of age were 2.2 and 9.2 kg, respectively. During the dry and rainy seasons, milk production amounted to 235 g/d and 444 ml/d on average, respectively. The majority of farms (16 out of 42) cultivated 1 to 2 ha with potato, maize, and other crops. Animal husbandry formed an integral part of the farming systems. Various species of animals were kept with goats and sheep being the most numerous. The interviewed families stated that the main reasons for keeping goats were the production of dung, milk and meat as well as the traditional functions of goats in their culture. The main problems indicated were: shortage of forrage; diseases; and predators.
SISTEMA DE PRODUCCION DE RUMIANTES MENORES EN COCHABAMBA - BOLIVIA PRODUCTION SYSTEM OF SMALL RUMINANTS IN COCHABAMBA - BOLIVIA
(2012) Marlene Menacho; A. Stemmer; Rodri Ergueta
The objective of the present study was to characterize the production system of sheep and goats in three communities in the south of the department of Cochabamba. Thirteen families were visited every two months from March 2010 to February 2011. Methods of direct observations and semi structured interviews were applied, collecting data about livestock numbers, use of products of small ruminants, infrastructure for livestock, management, animal nutrition, gender aspects in decision taking, uses and importance of sheep and goats. An analysis of variance was carried out about the effect of communities on livestock numbers. The families of the study own higher numbers of small ruminants in comparison with other species. Management is mainly the task of women with the help of their children. It's equally the women who take most decisions about activities related to small ruminants; men decide only about the acquisition of external inputs. Manure is the most important product; the abilities most appreciated are the use for saving and the resilience of animals. It is concluded that small ruminants play a very important role for smallholders.