TY  - JOUR
T1  - Multicriteria Appraisal of the Potential of Converting Cattle Raising to
Organic Production in the Humid Tropics of Chiapas, Mexico
AU - Nahed Toral, Jose AU - Abril Valdivieso Perez, Ingrid AU - Jimenez Ferre, Guillermo AU - Pineiro Vazquez, Angel T. AU - Vazquez, Manuel Parra AU - Guevara Hernandez, Francisco 
JO  - Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances
VL  - 18
IS  - 5
SP  - 154
EP  - 168
PY  - 2019
DA  - 2001/08/19
SN  - 1680-5593
DO  - javaa.2019.154.168
UR  - https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=javaa.2019.154.168
KW  - Organic conversion
KW  -indicators
KW  -ecological agriculture
KW  -sustainability
KW  -assistance
KW  -social
AB  - This study characterizes technical and economic aspects of conventional dual-purpose (milk and
meat) cattle raising in the humid tropics of Chiapas, Mexico and evaluates the potential for converting these
farms to organic-or clean-production. An organic livestock raising conversion index with 10 indicators and 37
variables was used. Data was obtained through direct observation and a questionnaire applied to 50 farmers.
Through a Cluster analysis (C), we classified Livestock Production Units (LPU) into three groups (p<0.05).
The highest values (p<0.05) for the technical-economic indicators as well as ICOGAN were found for the LPU
of C3, followed by those of C2 and finally, C1. All LPU evaluated scored very low for the indicators
"veterinary prevention and care" and "ecological farm management". The LPU of all three C scored high for
the indicators "breeds and reproduction" and "soil fertilization". In order for the LPU to increase their levels
of sustainability and be certified organic, there is a need to strengthen farmer’s abilities in techniques of
ecological production and management through technical advisory and assistance as well as permanent financial
support. Furthermore, there is a need for all social actors involved to have a sense of co-responsibility for and
be committed to the organic conversion process as well as a need for significant changes in state and federal
cattle raising policies.
ER  -