A proposal for the evaluation of the bioeconomic efficiency of beef cattle production systems

Abstract

-The objective of this study was to identify types of production system and their main indicators on bioeconomic efficiency, using qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate beef cattle farms in the western region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. A survey was carried out with 43 farmers operating in the western region of that state. All farms operated with complete cycle production systems in areas larger or equal to 900 ha. A qualitative questionnaire with binary answers and a quantitative questionnaire with numerical answers were applied. Technology and Management drivers were used for the calculation of the efficiency index of farmers obtained by both questionnaires. Farmers were divided into three clusters: low-efficiency level (LEL), intermediate-efficiency level (IEM), or high-efficiency level (HEL), as a result of the comparison of the scores obtained for the analyzed parameters. Subfactors resulting from each comparison (LEL × IEL; LEL × HEL, and IEL × HEL) were different as a function of the comparison and of the methods applied. Low-efficiency level farmers need to improve essential production processes, such as technology and management, as well as health management practices together with the financial management of the production system. Intermediate-efficiency level farmers need to improve their routine animal management, pasture management, and calculation of financial indicators to become highly efficient. The quantitative method allowed to identify underestimation (39.3%) or overestimation (24.2%) when farmers were are classified in clusters. Different methods may be used, but those based on quantitative information have stronger discrimination power to identify different types of farmers.

Typology of beef production systems according to bioeconomic efficiency in the south of Brazil

“…An intra-cluster analysis showed a positive correlation between age at first mating and age at slaughter in the HEL, explained by the simultaneous use of differentiated feed resources (cultivated pastures and/or supplementation) in two productive processes replacement heifers rearing and steers feeder/finishing (MARQUES et al, 2017). However, spending on these technologies also explains the higher costs in this group of producers when compared to IEL.…”

“…These indicators are observed in the different regions of the country, including southern Brazil, showing the need to increase the bioeconomic efficiency of the activity (MARQUES et al, 2017). MCMANUS et al (2016) showed that the growth of cattle production in the southern region of Brazil has decreased, as well as a reduction in herd size or internal migration over the period studied , and so efficiency of production is necessary to maintain the importance of this farm activity within the region.…”

Modelling beef cattle production systems from the Pampas in Brazil to assess intensification options

“…The identification of the impact on production parameters is important in the definition of intensification strategies, since the improvement of animal production indicators and the increase in support capacity of the pasture can enhance the rate of herd offtake and the efficiency of the system (Marques et al, 2017). However, the lack of data collection in livestock activities makes it difficult to evaluate production systems, effects of on-farm management and the calculation of these metrics (Rosado Jr. et al, 2011).…”