Bovine productivity in the South American Chaco region

Executive Summary

In recent decades there has been a rapid expansion and intensification of agricultural production in the South American Chaco region. However, most livestock producers still have very low productivity levels . A valid indicator of this productivity is the low annual weaning rate (calves per cow per year), which is below 50%. Low productivity can be explained by poor availability and planning of forage resources (e.g. pastures, rangeland and reserves), a lack of farm infrastructure (e.g. pasture and corrals), inefficient herd management (e.g. lack of planning and organization of services, weaning) and lack of adequate health management (e.g. reproductive and parasitic diseases). This project seeks to improve the efficiency, stability and resilience of family livestock systems in the Chaco region through the incorporation of alternative technologies and capacities to improve livestock management. Researchers, extension workers and producers from the three countries that share the South American Chaco: Argentina (INTA-ArgenINTA), Bolivia (INIAF and FeGaSaCruz) and Paraguay (IPTA-IICA), are participating in this cooperative project.

The technological solution

A network of pilot sites (livestock farms) where proposed technologies are adapted and demonstrated together with technical assistance and a training program on livestock innovation for extension workers, advisors and producers. 

Results

Beneficiaries

1250 associated livestock producers in the participating countries.

90 extension workers from national agencies and producer organizations from Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia.

40 researchers from Research Institutes and Universities of the Chaco Region.

150 private advisors from participating countries.

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors

Dissemination products