Economic analysis of stoking rate in fattening cattle under rational grazing system, Cayman Grass and ENSO phenomenon: The case of Los Diamantes Experimental Station, Guápiles, Costa Rica
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| Autores: | , , , , , , , |
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| Fecha de Publicación: | 2025 |
| Descripción: | The national territory dedicates 47.1 % to agricultural activities, of which 28.5 % corresponds to livestock production, predominantly based on grazing systems. The Caribbean region presents specific agroecological conditions, characterized as a highhumidity zone where climatic phenomena such as El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) alter rainfall patterns and further limit forage availability. The adoption of adapted forage varieties, such as Brachiaria hybrid (Cayman), is a key strategy to overcome these challenges. This study aims to determine the optimal stocking rate in a Voisin Rational Grazing system based on Brachiaria hybrid (Cayman). The study was conducted at Los Diamantes Experimental Station (EELD), Guápiles, Limón, Costa Rica. Data from 2014 to 2022 were analyzed using multivariate econometric models (Ordinary Least Squares, Weighted Least Squares Feasible, and General Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity) to model live weight production as a function of stocking rate, fattening period, genetic factors, sex, and climatic conditions, including variability associated with ENSO. Using a Cobb-Douglas production function with a market price of $2.82 per kilogram of live weight and a cost function, the optimal economic stocking rate was estimated for three different scenarios. The optimal stocking rate varied according to the climatic scenario: 2.14 Animal Units (AU)/hectare (ha) (La Niña), 2.4 AU/ha (neutral), and 2.54 AU/ha (El Niño). A nonlinear relationship between stocking rate and profitability was observed, with decreasing returns beyond 3 AU/ha. Stocking rate is crucial for profitability and sustainability in rational grazing systems. Therefore, adaptive management of stocking rate according to different climatic conditions is essential for economic and productive performance. |
| País: | Kérwá |
| Institución: | Universidad de Costa Rica |
| Repositorio: | Kérwá |
| Lenguaje: | Inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:kerwa.ucr.ac.cr:10669/105069 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/10669/105069 https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.376212 |
| Palabra clave: | Función Cobb-Douglas Cambo climático Ganadería de carne Pasto Cayman Carga animal Econometrics Cobb-Douglas climate change beef cattle efficiency |