PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE WELFARE OF LIVESTOCK IN LOMA BONITA, OAXACA

Abstract

Objective: To describe the personal, as well as the management activities related to the welfare of the bovine livestock in Loma Bonita, Oaxaca.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study is cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative. The sampling was non-probabilistic for convenience. Between December 2019 and March 2020, a questionnaire was applied to 27 farmers.

Results: The average age of the ranchers was 44.6 years; 55.6% have more than 20 years of experience. 25.9% use blows to herd cattle; 48.1% do not disinfect the udders and 25.1% do not wash their hands during milking.

Study Limitations/Implications: The results and conclusions are limited to the sample used in the present study, therefore, if it is desired to extend them to all livestock farmers in the municipality, a broader study that considers statistical techniques of probabilistic sampling should be contemplated.

Findings/Conclusions: It is concluded that there are management activities outside the parameters established by the good sanitary and welfare practices of bovine cattle, however, the personal characteristics indicate encouraging conditions for the actors related to the livestock activity in Mexico, to propose and carry out programs, plans and strategies aimed at promoting and applying practices on animal welfare and thereby improving the productive, reproductive and profitability parameters.