AN application of a dynamical model with ecological predator-prey approach to extensive livestock farming in uruguay: Economical assessment on forage deficiency

Abstract

Extensive livestock farmers have to manage climate risk. Therefore, there is a need to generate quantitative tools to evaluate the biophysical and economic impacts on extensive farming based on native grasslands. We present an ecological model based on the predator-prey approach, used to simulate the effect of forage deficiency on the farm's economic performance. Different scenarios of animal stocking rate and carrying capacity of grassland are considered to assess the impact of forage deficiency in spring. Results suggest a cubic response of Gross product per hectare as function of Gross margin, according Mott's theoretical model for meat production on grassland systems in response to stocking rate. The maximum value of this cubic response function strongly depends on the initial grass height and climate scenarios. The initial grass height is critical to maximize secondary productivity and farm economic results. Scenarios including grass reserves can buffer the deficiency on grass growth rates and pasture offer, as occurs in drought periods at the time when farmers try to make animals gain liveweight. Our analysis reinforces the usefulness of forage assignment adjustment by modulating stocking rate to improve liveweight gain and economic results under climate change conditions.