Abstract

SULBARAN, Luis et al. Pattern of technological systems with dual purpose of cattle in the hilly region of dry tropical forest in Venezuela. Zootecnia Trop. [online]. 2008, vol.26, n.2, pp.87-93. ISSN 0798-7269.

The study was carried out in a tropical dry forest on a hilly landscape at the central plains of Venezuela having as objective the definition of the technological patterns implemented in the bovine production system in the area. A sample of 79 production units was chosen, in which 20 structural and functional variables were evaluated. The multivariate analysis of hierarchical upward classification was used with the purpose of detecting groups of production units with similar variable characteristics with the intention to homogenize into classes of similar properties. There were defined three farm typologies with characteristic specific in the technological area: Class 1, conformed by units of production of double purpose (29.1%) with low use of technological level. Class 2, represented by units of production of double purpose (60.8%) with an intermediate use of technology, and Class 3, constituted by units of production of double purpose (10.1%) with high use of technology. It is concluded that in the 79 farms surveyed, three patterns of technological use were identified, demonstrating a wide variability of the existing dual system in the region, which becomes more pronounced as it deepens within each type of farms established.

Keywords : Technological pattern; tropical dry forest; area of hills; double purpose; systems.