Analysis of two peri-urban livestock production systems in the Valley of San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico

The present study's objective was to describe changes in land use and analyze functioning mechanisms and development possibilities of peri-urban livestock production in the Valley of San Cristobal de las Casas (VSNC), Chiapas, Mexico. High demand on land for urban use has led to increase in pasture land prices, reduction in pasture and forest lands, intensification of cattle raising (use of stables) and reduction in sustainability of the Milk and Meat Production (MMPS) and Meat Production (MPS) systems identified. There is a general tendency for the MMPS to be more sustainable from a technical, economic, environmental and social perspective. In this system, herd size, stocking rate, machinery and equipment use, yearlings sold and level of conservation of pastures are significantly greater (p<0.05). The Bovine Production Systems (BPS) is preferable (p<0.05) with respect to presence of Creole animals and employment of labor. In order to achieve better integration between production and marketing, there is a need for better sanitary control of the milking process. The majority of milk consumers prefer to consume raw cow's milk. Planning for development of ecological peri-urban cattle raising should be oriented toward solving the problem of animal feeding through intensive and efficient cultivation of forage crops in small areas, efficient processing and use of the high volumes of organic residues from the local market as well as technification of cattle management in stables. To achieve this, it is necessary to implement policies of financial support, training and technical advice and assistance in order to obtain high quality competitive animal products.