Análisis sistémico de la diversidad en explotaciones bovinas para la sostenibilidad ganadera
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The sustainability of livestock systems is defined as the ability to maintain long-term productivity and profitability through the efficient use of resources, animal welfare, environmental conservation, and social development. This study evaluated the multidimensional sustainability of a dual-purpose dairy system (Brown Swiss cattle) located in the Chontales department, Nicaragua. The biodiversity management coefficient framework was adapted to construct a 56-indicator matrix spanning six functional components. Overall results categorized the agroecosystem as moderately complex. The associated biodiversity status (EBAs = 3.33) and auxiliary biodiversity management (DMBAu = 2.12) emerged as primary ecological strengths, driven by 42 hectares of living fences and effective pasture weed control (<25%). Conversely, productive biodiversity (DMBPr = 1.73) and soil conservation (MCS = 1.66) exhibited low structural complexity due to forage monoculture and minimal organic matter recycling (confined to 11% of the total area). The critical bottleneck was identified in veterinary sanitary management (MISRPr = 1.00), defined by total reliance on synthetic acaricides and zero biological input self-sufficiency. Socioeconomically, net profit margins from milk sales (20 % - 25%) are heavily constrained by commercial feed concentrates, which absorb over 25% of gross revenues. While auxiliary floral diversity mitigates microclimatic heat stress for European livestock, the system's long-term viability remains vulnerable to input price volatility. Transitioning toward intensive silvopastoral arrangements with nitrogen-fixing shrubs is essential to substitute external inputs, enhance soil fertility, and secure economic resilience.
Source: La Calera
Institutions: Earth University, National Agrarian University
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Life on land, Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225384254