Farming and farm management factors affecting the yield, persistence and production of milk in livestock systems according to the altitudinal floor in the eastern zone of Azuay

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of agrotechnical factors and grazing management on pasture productivity and milk production in the eastern Azuay ecosystems according to the altitudinal level. The research was carried out in farms located in different altitudinal floors classified through GPS in Montano low, Montano, and Montano high. Surveys evaluated the agrotechnical factors of the pasture and the production of milk. To determine availability of forage was used the method of cutting frames by classifying the botanical composition in the laboratory. The height of the pasture was evaluated in cm and the dry matter was obtained through the drying process obtained in the microwave. For the statistical analysis, the anova and significance tests were performed at 5%. In the three ecosystems, fertilization favored pasture yield (p<0.05), increased white clover in montane, and Ryegrass and Weeds in high montane. The response of milk production to the use of fertilizers and irrigation were significant (p<0.05) in Montano and Montano Alto. The yield of grasses in response to irrigation was higher and increased Ryegrass and Holco in high montane (p<0.05). Livestock husbandry favored milk production yields in montane and high montane with a higher yield of dry matter and weeds in montane (p<0.05). The factors of agrote?cnia and management of the pasture allowed improvements in yield, botanical variability and increases in milk production, all of these factors allow greater development for cattle ranches.