Hence, this trend goes against the objectives behind the imports of pregnant heifers. Reproduction failures were also detected as average days open were 136, without taking account of 21 cows which were sold due to long anoestrus period. Thus, it has been concluded that imported dairy cows level of performances under Moroccan smallholder conditions is rather poor. Hence, further research is needed to identify whether massive imports should be pursued or not, at a time when very few attempts have been made to raise locally bred heifers more suited for smallholders conditions. Peru A linear programming model was used to analyze the effects of different herd and fodder management levels on agricultural income of small-scale mountain dairy farmers in northern Peru.
Results demonstrate that fodder and herd management strongly impact farm profits.
There exists considerable potential to improve this situation, as many farmers in the study region are deficient in their fodder and herd management. When moving from average to high management levels, farmers could double their farm profits. In general, high mortality rates, long calving intervals, and inefficient fodder storage practices depress farmers' incomes most. Because of feeding deficiencies, especially in the dry season, recommended extension activities primarily must emphasize fodder storage and improved pasture management, to subsequently also enhance better herd management practices. Farmers assessed feed availability, botanical composition, feeding method and feed intake.