Caracterización de sistemas de alimentación de ovinos en el departamento de Córdoba, Colombia

The objective of this study was to characterize the sheep feeding systems and food resources in 26 sheep production units (UP) of 13 municipalities of Cordoba, Colombia. The information was collected semi-structured surveys. The questionnaire included these topics: a) Geographical location of the UP, b) Characteristics of infrastructure and animal component, c) Animal management and productive control, d) Nutritional composition of feeds, e) Characterization of the diets used and, f) Feeding management. The indicators were analyzed by descriptive statistics and cluster analysis. Most of the UP were extensive with a predominance of bovine and sheep herds (84.6%), use of various sheep breeds (61.1%), verification of colostrum consumption (88%), use Botrhriocloa pertusa in continuous grazing (69.2%) and supplementation of animals (53.9%). The cluster analysis produced two groups of farms (G1, G2), the G1 with 3 UP and, herds with more than 400 sheep. G2 with 23 UP with less than 100 sheep. In both groups the grazing was predominantly continuous with supplementation, highlighting a good structure of the herds. It is concluded, that in Cordoba, sheep production is based on grazing in transition from a medium to semi-intensive technological level; as Colombian national production, with inadequate food management and opportunities for improvement due to the availability of good quality food resources.