Characterization of mixed livestock systems applied by small-scale breeders in the high Andean region of Ayacucho, Peru

Abstract

Mixed livestock production is a widespread practice among small breeders in many parts of the world. Describing and characterizing these farms is a valuable approach, as it makes it possible to design targeted strategies suited to the wide diversity of production systems present in the region. This research aimed to characterize the mixed livestock systems of small-scale breeders in the high Andean region of Ayacucho, Peru. A total of 175 farms were selected for the research, based on the data obtained from the Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria. The information was first examined descriptively using frequency and percentage tables, after which a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were carried out. For 93.71% of breeders, animals constituted the primary source of income: cattle provided milk and dairy products, sheep were kept for lamb sales, alpacas supplied fiber and meat, and llamas were raised for meat. Grazing was practiced predominantly under continuous systems (57.71%), with rotational grazing used to a lesser extent (26.86%). Exotic breeds had been incorporated into both cattle (71.05%) and sheep (61.97%). Milking and shearing were performed manually. The main limitations identified in the study regions included the absence of extension services (62.87%), inadequate veterinary assistance (79.43%), scarce irrigation water (55.17%), and weak or nonexistent breeding programs. Three breeder categories were defined: Group 1 comprises breeders operating on small and large non-irrigated landholdings; Group 2 includes breeders with extensive land; and Group 3 encompasses breeders with medium-sized landholdings. These factors included farm size, pasture characteristics, and livestock management practices, which collectively shaped the classification of breeders. These findings reveal that, in the Peruvian Andes, three distinct livestock farm groups were identified on the basis of management practices and resource availability; families typically rely on mixed livestock systems as a key economic lifeline but face limitations throughout the production chain. This breeder classification will serve as the basis for designing specific interventions tailored to the strengths and particular needs of each group.