Forage characterization in family dairy farms in Trujillo state, Venezuela

Abstract

The importance of increasing animal production based on pastures has been discussed (Osechas and Becerra, 2009; Chacón, 2013). The application of management strategies in grasslands has contributed to improving the quality and quantity of forage species used in feeding animals with high nutritional requirements, such as dairy cattle (Perozo, 2011). This has made it possible to improve the efficiency and profitability of livestock systems (Quintero et al., 2018). The objective was to characterize the species and forage management in family dairy farms in the Bocono municipality of Trujillo state, Venezuela. . 2/3 of the LFs were found to have 1.5-3 ha and a stocking rate of 1.85 AU/ha. Although a high percentage of them applied some pasture management strategies, very few used irrigation or soil analysis. These findings generate useful information for decision-making in support programs and technical assistance.