Abstract
CONTEXTModels are important tools to assess the impacts of tick infestation on the economic performance of different beef cattle production systems. The information from these simulations can be used by producers to evaluate, compare and make decisions about strategic measures to control the tick Rhipicephalus microplus, which cause significant production losses for the beef cattle production chain. OBJECTIVEThe aim of this study was to adapt a model to estimate and compare the economic losses related to the infestation of the tick R. microplus in cattle production systems under grazing conditions with different technological standards in the Brazilian Cerrado biome. METHODSThree production systems were simulated, characterized as extensive, semi-intensive and intensive systems, based on zootechnical indexes and parameters of the production systems under evaluation. To compare the systems, they were divided into systems with tick infestation and strategic control. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSFor the cattle categories intended for replacement and slaughter, each female in the infested systems had an individual loss of 19 kg of live weight (LW), whereas males aged 24, 36, and ≥ 36 months had an individual loss of 39, 68, and 92 kg LW, respectively, compared to the control systems. The economic difference in gross profit between the extensive system with control and with infestation was US $ 22, 619.00. The semi- intensive system with infestation showed a difference in gross profit of US $13, 902.00 relative to the semi-intensive system with control, and the intensive system with infestation showed in gross profit difference of US $28, 290.00 compared to the intensive system with control. Productivity indicators were higher as the technological level increased, but they were lower in systems with infestation. SIGNIFICANCEThis means that losses in productivity and efficiency associated with R. microplus infestation economically impact the livestock production chain in the Brazilian Cerrado.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
