Determinación de los principales factores que afectan el bienestar animal en una finca productora de leche y su repercusión económica

Abstract

Animal welfare is related to the quality of life of the animal, this can be measured by external and internal factors through scientific tests, based on nutrition, behavior and safety, diminishing feelings of fear, anguish and pain. Therefore, the following research work proposes the following objective: Determine the main factors that affect animal welfare in a dairy farm and its economic repercussion. The environmental factors that affect the herd are focused on the reproductive level, especially in tropical climates. Livestock in the tropics has been influenced by the crossing of animals resistant to climatic conditions, improving the level of meat-milk production. In our country the economic performance of dairy production is determined by genetics, food, environmental conditions and management systems. Any change in production systems should be the most appropriate and gradually, avoiding sudden changes that affect the comfort of animals. It is concluded that the main factors that affect animal welfare in a dairy farm are the environmental factors such as: high environmental temperatures, relative humidity, air currents, high solar radiation, few areas of shade; and of management since their productive performance depends on them. It is recommended to correctly select the geographical and regional area where the dairy farm will be practiced, as well as the best selection of animal genetics to be used in the farm, since it depends on these for optimum productivity.