PRODUCTIVE AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION UNITS OF BOVINE CATTLE FOR BEEF IN TLATLAYA, ESTADO DE MEXICO

Abstract

Double-purpose livestock production is an important economic activity in rural zones for the income it generates from the sale of milk and meat. The objective of the study was to perform a socioeconomic analysis of double-purpose (DP) production units (PUs), directed towards the production of calves for supply. The information was obtained from 21 DP PUs in the municipality of Tlatlaya, Estado de México, selected through random sampling during 2015. The economic analysis was carried out through the methodology of budget per activity, considering the income in cash from the sale of agricultural, livestock products, and the prices and costs of opportunity. It was observed that they are PUs with more than 50 years in the activity, the main source of work is family labor, and the size of the herd is reduced. More than 70 % of the income comes from livestock production, primarily the sale of calves for supply. The income is complemented with the sale of maize (Zea mays L.). The total unitary income obtained was $1,687.00 MXN per hectare and $5,104 MXN per cow. However, the net margin (NM) was only $26,900 MNX. It is concluded that livestock production is an important economic activity in the study zone. The PUs devoted to calf production for supply obtained low income and present a limited margin of profit.