Reproductive and economic performance of local livestock in southwestern Madagascar: Potentials and constraints of a highly extensive system

Tobias Feldt, Regina Neudert, Pascal Fust and Eva Schlecht

Agricultural Systems, 2016, vol. 149, issue C, 54-64

Abstract: In the dry Mahafaly region of southwestern Madagascar, livestock keeping plays a key role in people's livelihoods. Especially zebu cattle and goats are socially important and contribute considerably to regular income of local households. We therefore analyzed the reproductive performance of local breeds along with livestock owners' culling strategies to determine herd dynamics, opportunities for economic development, as well as potential improvements, by using a combined methodical, both production-oriented and economic approach. Data was collected through interviews on the progeny history of breeding females (506 cows and 593 does) and their offspring (721 calves and 1073 kids). Based on the results, reproduction parameters were calculated and entered into the PRY Herd Life model to simulate herd development for present management (status quo) and two alternate scenarios assuming either (i) improved feeding and resulting higher productivity of breeding females or (ii) improved culling. Based on prices collected at local markets, a Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate annual costs and revenues from livestock keeping.

Keywords: Cattle and goat husbandry; Herd productivity; Mahafaly Plateau; Monte Carlo model; Progeny history records; PRY Herd Life model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:agisys:v:149:y:2016:i:c:p:54-64

DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2016.08.007

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