Characterization of Broiler Production Systems in Santander Province-Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Broiler production is of great interest to Santander given its high participation in the livestock GDP of this province, which makes it the main Colombian poultry center. It is important to know the conditions under which broiler production takes place and to identify the potential of these production systems. Objective: To characterize the industrial broiler production systems located in Santander province. Methods: Information from 79 poultry farms located in 4 provinces (Metropolitana, Soto, Guanentá and Yariguíes) was used. A cluster analysis was performed, and a technology adoption index was generated. Results: Variations in technology adoption were observed. The most frequently adopted were soft technologies. The technology adoption rate for the overall province was low. Conclusions: The poultry sector of the department of Santander has a low technology adoption index, which suggests the need to evaluate the effect that this has on the productive results, with a view to increasing productivity in the long term.