Assessment of the Sustainable Amazonian Sheep Module Using Production Efficiency Indicators

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate a Sustainable Amazonian Sheep Module (MOAS by its Spanish acronym) through productive efficiency indicators with two breeds adapted to the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Sustainable Amazonian Sheep Module (MOAS) was implemented at the Center for Amazonian Research, Postgraduate and Conservation (CIPCA) Equator. The work was carried out between October 2018 and October 2019. A total of 33 multiparous females from 36 to 60 months of age were used—of the Blackbelly breed (Group BB): 2 males and 18 females, with an average weight and standard deviation of 30 ± 1.8 kg; and of the Pelibuey breed (Group P): 15 females and 1 male, with an average weight and standard deviation of 40 ± 2 kg. Each breed occupied one hectare where they rotated throughout the evaluated year. The results obtained showed that Group BB maintained an average annual stocking rate of 20 animals and 541.1 kg ha-1, produced 176.8 kg of sheep meat/ha/year, with a stocking efficiency of 27.4%. Group P had an average annual stocking rate of 16 animals and 605.40 kg, produced 219.3 kg of sheep meat/ha/year, with a stocking efficiency of 35.5%. It is concluded that the Sustainable Amazonian Sheep Module evaluated through productive efficiency indicators was shown to be a promising complementary system to be replicated within the Amazonian agricultural systems of Ecuador.