TECHNICAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC CHARACTERIZATION OF REGISTERED SWISS CATTLE IN THE CENTER OF CHIAPAS, MÉXICO

Abstract

The breeders of registered Swiss cattle in the central region of Chiapas, México, were characterized technically and socioeconomically through interviews and questionnaires performed in June-August, 2014, with n=30 that belonged to the Association of Pure Race Breeders in the State of Chiapas. The statistical analysis was descriptive, using the SPSS software (IBM SPSS Statistics 20). Results showed the integration of women to the field tasks; the average age of breeders was 52.4 years; they all belong to the regime of small landholding; they have equipment, machinery and facilities; and they have 18 years of experience as breeders. In terms of studies, 90 % have Bachelor’s degrees, and 100 % have studied artificial insemination. The main income is from the sale of studs, 54.74 %, and 86.7 % have income from outside the farm. The breeders of registered Swiss cattle have experience, education and economic and social potential to innovate and improve the cattle breeding and selection processes. Fortunately, they are organized at the state level, which eases the commercialization and implementation of technological innovations in the short, medium and long term.