Advances in the implementation of sustainable livestock production systems in high mountains in Barragan and Santa Lucia, Valle del Cauca, Colombia

摘要

This work is being carried out in the localities of Barragan and Santa Lucia in the slopes of the central cordillera of Tulua municipality, Valle del Cauca province, Colombia. The area has an extension of 482 Km2 located bewen 2.400 and 3.500 metres of altitude, and includes an area in the Paramo biotope. The region produces 25.000 litres of milk per day that account for 69% of local incomes. An additional 29% of incomes is provided by agriculture (mainly potato, peas and carrots crops). Dairy cattleis kept in extensive and semi-extensive grazing scheme, carrying capacity of pastures is 1 animal/ha; milk yield is 5 litres/animal/day (1.260 litres/lactation). Pastures are composed by Pennisetum clandestinum (90% of area) and improved species (10% ofarea). Traditional cattle grazing in the region has caused evident negative impacts on the environment, particularly due to deforestation and soil degradation.