Beef Farms Research Articles

Analysis of role and determinant factors development of beef cattle farming in Dharmasraya regency West Sumatera province

This study aims to investigate the model of beef cattle farming, the role of beef cattle in the development of the livestock subsector, and the determinant factors in the development of beef cattle in Dharmasraya Regency. The method used in this study is a combination of survey and desk study methods. The variables measured were the beef cattle rearing model, the role of beef cattle in the development of the livestock sub-sector, and the determinant factors in the development of beef cattle farming in Dharmasraya Regency. The data analysis used is descriptive statistics, Location Quotient (LQ), and Structural Equation Model (SEM). Results showed that the main job of the respondents (66%) were farmers, who generally (82%) had livestock ranging from 1-5 heads, the raising system carried out by farmers in general (75%) was intensive, most of the farmers (82%) raised their livestock. Access to technology, mainly artificial insemination technology, still needs to be improved. Based on the LQ analysis of the 11 existing sub-districts, 4 sub-districts are the base areas for beef cattle, namely Koto Besar, Koto Salak, Tiumang, and Sitiung sub-districts. SEM estimation results show that technical aspects (X1) and social aspects (X2) have a significant effect on beef cattle productivity (Y1) with the resulting probability value (p) < 0.05. The variable economic aspect (X3) has no significant effect on the productivity aspect (Y1), and the productivity aspect (Y1) has a positive and significant effect on the cattle population (Y2).

Marketing efficiency analysis of beef cattle markets: A case study from the Republic of Benin

This research aimed to assess the efficiency of beef cattle markets in the Republic of Benin. Primary data were collected from face-to-face surveys of a random sample of 600 respondents consisting of 300 beef cattle farmers and 300 beef cattle traders participating in self-managed beef cattle markets (MBA) and traditional beef cattle markets (MT). Different marketing channels were identified in the selected beef cattle markets: Channel I, Farmer-Slaughterhouse/Butchery; Channel II, Farmer-Collector-Wholesaler-Slaughterhouse/Butchery; Channel III, Farmer-Collector-Slaughterhouse/Butchery; and Channel IV, Farmer-Wholesaler- Slaughterhouse/Butchery. Channel I appears to be the most efficient in both markets with a marketing efficiency of 2.57 in MBA markets and 1.23 in MT markets. The average marketing efficiencies are 1.25 and 0.97 in MBA and MT markets, respectively. The marketing efficiency analysis showed that MBA markets are more efficient than MT markets. To increase the marketing efficiency of farmers, MT markets should be converted into MBA markets. Facilitating transportation and access to market information are critical factors for increasing farmers' marketing efficiency.

UK beef and sheep farmers’ barriers to adopting rotational grazing systems

UK beef and sheep farmers’ barriers to adopting rotational grazing systems

Strategy in Developing Microfinance Institution to Support Beef Cattle Farming Business in Rural Areas

Microfinance Institution (MFIs) as informal financing institution has a big role in supporting the farmers' access to finance. This research was conducted to analyze the strategy for developing MFIs to support beef cattle farming. The instrument employed was a questionnaire delivered through a google form. In addition to questionnaires, interviews were also performed directly with key informants. Furthermore, FGDs and online seminars were conducted to formulate strategies for developing MFIs which were attended by stakeholders, including relevant government agencies, the Head of the Agricultural Extension Center, the Head and members of Gapoktan, extension workers, farmers, and academics representations. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a SWOT matrix. QSPM analysis was also performed to analyze the priority strategy. The results revealed that MFI's have several strengths and weaknesses both from internal and external sources, particularly the opportunities and threats. The strategy formulated becomes a priority, which is to improve the role and position of MFIs in alleviating poverty and as informal financing institutions. The MFI's position is strong because it is easily accessible, has simple procedures, does not require collateral, and is located in a rural area. The strategy that should be applied is increasing the role of members with psychological and demographic relationships and the spirit of mutual cooperation still owned by rural communities. The sustainability of MFIs can support the development of beef cattle farming and help grow rural economies.

Disease Control Management Strategy in Bali Cattle

Livestock health is a very important factor in beef cattle farming. Huge losses are often caused by the onset of an attacking disease. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent and control the disease. This study aims to evaluate disease control management strategies in cattle in Indonesia. The method used is a qualitative descriptive research with a literature review method. The results showed that cattle breeders who implemented good disease control management strategies tended to have better livestock health and higher productivity. This study also identified several important factors in the success of Peyang disease control management strategies including disease prevention, treatment, surveillance, quarantine, access restrictions and education. The implication of this study is that cattle farmers must improve their knowledge and skills in disease control management to improve the health and productivity of their livestock.

Peningkatan Kapasitas Peternak Rakyat Pada Pengelolaan Kesehatan Ternak Sapi Potong di Desa Tampelas, Kabupaten Katingan

Tampelas Village is located in Kamipang District, Katingan Regency, Central Kalimantan. Most of the residents have their main livelihood as traditional fishermen. Beef cattle farming is also carried out in Tampelas Village by several members of the community in a traditional way. Farmers lack knowledge regarding the management of the health of their livestock. The capacity building training in livestock health management aims to provide farmers with knowledge, insight, and skills related to the management of the health of beef cattle. The training consists of delivering material, hands-on practice by farmers, and discussions. The material presented included prevention, identification of livestock conditions and diseases, introduction of types of medicines, and handling of sick livestock. The activity was attended by farmers, village officials and staff from the relevant Katingan Regency Goverment. Training activities to increase the capacity of livestock health management in Tampelas Village went well. Beef cattle farmers in Tampelas Village are enthusiastic and welcome the livestock health management training activities. Their insight, knowledge and skills related to livestock health management have increase

Analysis of profit efficiency of smallholder beef cattle farms in South-West Nigeria

Formulae display:?Mathematical formulae have been encoded as MathML and are displayed in this HTML version using MathJax in order to improve their display. Uncheck the box to turn MathJax off. This feature requires Javascript. Click on a formula to zoom.

Identification of the feed supplements commonly utilised by communal beef cattle farmers during the dry season at Ga-Matlala, Limpopo province

A survey was carried out to identify the feed supplements commonly utilised by communal beef cattle farmers and investigate knowledge and perception of farmers on the feed supplement during the dry season in Ga-Matlala, whether they assess the feed supplements before feeding to cattle and their perception on how they affect cattle. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a total of 59 cattle farmers from three rural villages (Phofu, Phetole and Madietane) in the Ga-Matlala area using a snowball sampling technique. In the studied area, males outnumbered females, with the majority aged 55 and older. The majority of respondents were cattle owners with 16 years or more of farming experience. Secondary school was the most frequently reported educational background, followed by primary school whereas 20.3% of respondents never attended school. The most common cattle breed owned was Nguni, while Afrikaner was the second most common breed. More than 50% of respondents reported releasing cattle in the morning and returning late to provide them with feed supplements and water. The majority of respondents were using feed supplements during the dry season, and the most feed supplements that were identified in the study areas are lucerne hay and maize stover. Lucerne hay and maize stover were the most commonly used and acceptable supplementary feeds during the dry season. The major reasons for feeding cattle with lucerne hay and maize stover were reported to be weight gain and average weight gain of cattle, respectively. The majority of farmers reported that they do not assess the quality of supplementary feeds especially those who supplement with lucerne hay. However, the remaining percentage of farmers assesses the quality of lucerne hay by checking the moisture content and moulds in the feed supplements. It is thus concluded that there is a need for more knowledge and information on the overall quality of the locally available dry season supplementary feeds for enhancing productivity in communal areas.

Busy road frontage influences on-farm adoption of visible good management practices

The agricultural sector faces increasing social pressure for its environmental impacts, potentially prompting farmers to uptake voluntary ‘good management practices’ (GMPs). While the existing literature posits that uptake of GMPs is prevalent in observable places such as along busy roads, there is a lack of quantitative empirical evidence. This study identifies whether perceived busy road frontage impacts farmers' adoption of voluntary GMPs via a large-scale survey of dairy and sheep and beef farmers in New Zealand. We find that frontage on a busy road is associated with greater uptake of a GMP that is easily observed and recognised by the general public, but GMPs not visible from the road do not show greater uptake. We further find that the effect is amplified for dairy farmers vis-à-vis sheep and beef farmers, consistent with the higher levels of public scrutiny of the dairy industry. We contribute to the social pressure literature by demonstrating how visible GMPs subject to scrutiny are likely to have higher uptake.

Conventional Beef Cattle Farming Practices in Wolaita and Sidama, Southern Ethiopia

Conventional Beef Cattle Farming Practices in Wolaita and Sidama, Southern Ethiopia

Feed profile analysis of oil palm‐integrated beef cattle farming systems by metabolic energy budgeting and implications for beef production and pastoral system design

AbstractBackgroundOil palm is a tropical crop with worldwide plantings approaching 20 million ha and large areas in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. The plantations are readily managed as silvopastoral systems incorporating cattle grazing (Oil Palm Silvopastoral System for Cattle, OPSC) but there is a need for analytical tools and data to understand system herbage supply and feed conversion efficiency (FCE).MethodsMetabolic energy budgeting was used to estimate herbage harvested by cattle in three OPSC subsystems, 9 and 12 years after oil palm establishment, and FCE of the subsystems was determined. Understorey herbage was also analysed for nutritive value, botanical composition and herbage accumulation within one grazing‐regrowth cycle.ResultsThe herbage‐harvested estimate was 2.0−2.4 t dry matter (DM) ha−1 year−1 for 9 year old subsystems and 1.4−1.7 t DM ha−1 year−1 for a 12 year old subsystem. Herbage metabolisable energy (ME) was 8.3−8.5 MJ kg−1 DM and crude protein (CP) was 15%−16% DM. FCE values for subsystems ranged from 32 to 94 kg DM kg−1 liveweight‐gain.ConclusionsHerbage DM yield is declining, while herbage ME is marginal but CP is adequate. FCE is suboptimal but can be optimised by defining the trajectory of declining herbage production with canopy closure as plantations age and matching stocking rate to herbage supply using a comparative‐stocking‐rate‐type statistic.

Understanding biosecurity behaviors of Australian beef cattle farmers using the ten basic human values framework.

On-farm biosecurity is an essential component of successful disease management in the beef cattle industry on an individual, regional, and national level. Participation in mandatory or voluntary assurance schemes, knowledge and trusted relationships have all been demonstrated to contribute to the development of behaviors that promote biosecurity. However, compliance with rules, socio-psychological relationships and knowledge-seeking behavior are all contingent upon the motivations and beliefs of the individual. It is widely accepted that the motivations and beliefs of all cultures can be defined by ten basic values (Self-direction, Stimulation, Hedonism, Achievement, Power, Security, Conformity, Tradition, Benevolence and Universalism). In this study, we use the ten basic values to characterize the on-farm biosecurity behaviors of Australian beef farmers to facilitate the identification of interventions that are most likely to align with producer motivations and therefore, more likely to result in wider adoption of effective on-farm biosecurity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 Australian beef farmers to discuss the reasons behind decisions to alter or implement biosecurity practices in response to endemic diseases. Thematic analysis was used to identify the motivations, opportunities, and capability of biosecurity behaviors. The ten basic human values were used to characterize these behaviors and inform enablers and barriers to biosecurity adoption. Benevolence and Self-direction, relating to self-transcendence and an openness to change, were the principal values associated with good biosecurity behaviors. This suggests that farmers will be receptive to education strategies that communicate the actual risk of disease in their area, the impact of disease on animal welfare, and the ability for on-farm biosecurity to mitigate these impacts. Farmers also expressed values of Security which entrenched behaviors as common practice; however, in some cases the Security of trusted relationships was identified as a potential barrier to behavior change. Overall, values associated with biosecurity behaviors were found to align with values that are most important for social cohesion, suggesting that collaborative disease efforts between industry stakeholders and farmers are likely to succeed if designed with these values in mind.

Relationships between Farmer Psychological Profiles and Farm Business Performance amongst Smallholder Beef and Poultry Farmers in South Africa

Beef cattle and poultry are critically important livestock for improving household food security and alleviating poverty amongst smallholder farmers in South Africa. In this paper, our goal is to examine the relationships between farmer psychological profiles and farm business performance of commercially oriented beef cattle and poultry smallholder farmers in South Africa. We employ a multipronged interdisciplinary approach to test the theory of planned behaviour and its relationship to farm business performance. First, a behavioural science-informed survey instrument was employed to collect data from randomly selected farmer participants in two major beef and poultry projects undertaken by the authors. Second, a latent profile analysis was used to identify the psychological profiles of those farmers. Third, traditional and estimated indicators of farm business performance were obtained using descriptive and econometric-based approaches, including logistic regression and stochastic frontier analyses. The estimated farm business performance indicators were correlated with the psychological profiles of farmers. Results from the latent profile analysis showed three distinct profiles of beef and poultry farmers clearly differentiated by their ability to control and succeed in their farm business enterprises; criteria included attitude, openness to ideas, personality, perceived capabilities, self-efficacy, time orientation, and farm- and personal-related concerns. Profile 1 (‘Fatalists’) scored themselves negatively on their ability to control and succeed in their business enterprises. The majority of farmers were generally neutral about their ability to control and succeed in their businesses (Profile 2, ‘Traditionalists’), while a relatively small group of farmers were confident of their ability to succeed (Profile 3, ‘Entrepreneurs’). We found evidence of significant differences in farm business performance amongst the different profiles of farmers. As far as we can determine, this is the only study to have assessed farm business performance based on a differentiation of farmers’ psychological profiles. Our results provide a framework to further investigate whether particular types of on-farm interventions and training methods can be customised for different segments of farmers based on their preferred learning styles.

Psychological profiles of South African smallholder farmers.

The present study examined smallholder farmer profiles based on key psychological variables associated with farm business performance in the South African context. A sample of 471 beef farmers (mean age = 54.15 years; SD = 14.46; men = 76%) and 426 poultry farmers (mean age = 47.28 years; SD = 13.53; women = 54.5%) provided data on a range of measures assessing attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, personality characteristics, present and future time orientation, expected benefits of, and efficacy to perform the farm business tasks, and farm-related concerns. Latent profile analysis identified three distinct profile segments of smallholder beef and poultry farmers, respectively: Fatalists, Traditionalists, and Entrepreneurs. Our results suggested unique combinations of psychological characteristics in a sample of South African smallholder beef and poultry farmers and show a novel way of understanding enablers of, and barriers to, engaging in the farm business.

Epidemiology of Leptospira spp. infection in a beef cattle area of Argentina.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira that affect humans and animals. This disease is complex and non-eradicable in nature. Therefore, the understanding of it is epidemiology in different environments is crucial to implement prevention and control measures. The prevalence of Leptospira infection in beef cattle farms is affected by multiple environmental, management and individual factors. In this study, a cross-sectional serological survey was carried on to estimate the prevalence of Leptospira antibodies in beef cattle in Tandil and Ayacucho Departments (Buenos Aires Province) and to identify risk factors and spatial clusters associated with seropositivity. Using a probabilistic two-stage sampling, 25 farms and 15 animals per farm were selected. The Microagglutination Test was used to analize all serum samples. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Seventy-three out of 375 cows were seropositive, representing a positivity rate of 19.47% (95% CI: 10.51-28.42), with Sejroe and Pomona being the most reactive serogroups: 9.33% (95% CI: 6.26-12.41) and 8.27% (95% CI: 5.35-11.19), respectively. The prevalence in Ayacucho was 23.11% (95% CI: 10.05-36.17), and in Tandil, 14% (95% CI: 3.25-24.75). The animals from Ayacucho presented 2.01 (1.16-3.49) more chances of being positive compared with those from Tandil (p < 0.01). After the Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) with random effect of farm-level risk, the presence of lagoons (OR: 7.32, 95% CI: 1.68-31.8, p < 0.05) and undulating terrain (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07-0.74, p < 0.05) were associated with bovine leptospirosis. Four spatial clusters with higher rates of seropositivity were detected. A new GLMM was performed with the significant variables detected in the first GLMM and a new variable, "being inside the spatial cluster," being the only one that remained significant (OR: 9.58, 95% CI: 3.39-27.08, p < 0.0001). The animals inside the clusters belonged to farms with a greater presence of creeks (OR: 9.03, 95% CI: 3.37-24.18, p < 0.0001), higher accumulated rainfall (OR: 1.01, 95% CI: 1-1.01, p < 0.0001) and less undulating terrain (OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.10-0.35, p < 0.0001). We conclude that Leptospira is seroprevalent in beef cattle in Tandil and Ayacucho Departments, especially in the latter, where the largest cattle farms are located. Prevalence of seropositivity animals was associated with selected environmental risk factors.

Seroprevalence and risk factors analysis of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in cattle of Beheira, Egypt.

Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are closely related obligate intracellular protozoan parasites. They are considered to be the major causes of infectious abortions and congenital abnormalities in livestock worldwide resulting in huge economic losses. Currently, there are no reports on the prevalence of neosporosis or toxoplasmosis in cattle in Beheira, Egypt's most important region for cattle industry. The current study investigated the presence of anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies in apparent healthy cattle from eight localities representing the whole area of Beheira. A total of 358 plasma samples were randomly collected from 6 dairy and 10 beef farms and analyzed by commercially available ELISAs. Production type (dairy versus beef), sex (female vs male), age (< 3 years, 3-5, and > 5 years old), breed (mixed vs Holstein vs Colombian Zebu), and location (various locations) were assessed as risk factors for N. caninum and T. gondii infections. Of the samples, 88 (24.6%) and 19 (5.3%) were positive for anti-N. caninum and anti-T. gondii antibodies, respectively, and mixed infection was detected in 7. Of the 16 herds, 6 dairy and 7 beef herds were positive for antibodies to N. caninum. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 4, and 5 of dairy and beef herds, respectively. Production type (dairy) and, therewith, sex (female), age (aged over 5 years), and location were considered as risk factors for N. caninum infection. No factors statistically associated with T. gondii infection were identified. Overall, this study provided the first serological detection of N. caninum and T. gondii infections in cattle from Beheira, demonstrating the endemicity of both parasites in the main cattle rearing region of Egypt. This study also confirmed earlier reports of N. caninum being more present in dairy cattle than in beef cattle. Routine monitoring of N. caninum and T. gondii infections and the implementation of control strategies are urgently needed.

Mob grazing: A nature-based solution for British farms producing pasture-fed livestock

Mob grazing is a nature-based solution to boost sustainable livestock productivity by optimising pasture management. It is already used widely in North America, and is now also receiving increased attention in the United Kingdom. In spite of this, its implementation by British farmers has so far remained largely unexplored. To close this gap, we studied how and why mob grazing is being adopted by British pasture-fed beef farmers. Field-level grazing management information was collected on 15 farms and analysed using cluster analysis and ordination analysis, showing the diversity of practices and establishing a gradient of mob grazing implementation. Farmer interviews explored general farming context, and rationale and motivations underpinning each farmer's grazing approach. Four main rotational approaches were identified at the field level: (1) conventional non-mob stocking by farmers still in the initial stages of discovering mob grazing; (2) mob stocking, involving reduced grazing duration at increased stocking densities, with pasture rest periods similar to those used in rotational non-mob stocking; (3) mob grazing, involving similar stocking densities as in mob stocking, but allowing for longer rest periods; and based on one early adopter of mob grazing practices in our sample (4) intensive mob grazing using very high stocking densities and frequent cattle movement, allowing for even longer rest periods. Interviews revealed the shift to mob grazing as a gradual process of farmer adaptation, involving the need to overcome constraints such as fencing and water access. Some early adopters amongst our sample of farmers observed various benefits to sustainability of livestock production, soil and ecosystem health, and animal health. We found much variation across farms, partly due to farmers adopting mob grazing gradually. Also, many farmers in our sample, in varying degree, were influenced by holistic grazing approaches. The ‘systems’ basis underlying such approaches, and variation in mob grazing implementation, mean that interdisciplinary and longer-term investigations may be most appropriate for exploring mob grazing effects. This is also illustrated by a case study involving long-term data from one intensively mob grazed farm.

Comparative assessment of different ivermectin and doramectin formulations for mange control in grazing steers

Psoroptic mange causes relevant losses of productivity in cattle. Macrocyclic lactones are one of the main pharmacological tools recommended for controlling it. The aim of the current work was to compare the relationship between the pharmacokinetic behavior and the effectiveness of both ivermectin (IVM) and doramectin (DRM) following their administration as either the traditional (1 %) or long-acting (3.15–3.5 %) injectable formulations to cattle naturally infected with Psoroptes ovis. The overall work involved three trials (1, 2 and 3) carried out on commercial beef cattle farms (grazing systems). In Trial 1, 20 grazing steers with active mange infection were allocated into 2 groups (n = 10) and treated subcutaneously (SC) with either IVM (1 %) or DRM (1%) at 0.2 mg/kg. In Trial 2, 16 grazing steers with active mange divided in 2 groups (n = 8) were treated SC with either IVM 1 % (0.2 mg/kg) or IVM 3.15 % long-acting (0.63 mg/kg). In Trial 3, 2 groups of mange infected steers (n = 8) were treated SC with either IVM 3.15 % (0.63 mg/kg) or DRM 3.5 % (0.7 mg/kg). Blood samples were collected of each experimental group and the drug systemic availability was estimated by measuring of IVM/DRM concentrations by HPLC. Skin scraping samples were collected from each animal and mites were counted at 14, 21 and 28 days post-treatment. In Trial 1, the mite density score on day 14 was significantly lower for DRM (0.60) compared to IVM (1.80) (P = 0.019). Based on the number of animals clinically cured (negative to the presence of mites), the efficacy of DRM was higher (80 %) than that obtained for IVM (10 %) (P < 0.05). DRM systemic exposure measured as AUC was 1.37-fold higher compared to IVM. In Trial 2, even though IVM exposure was significantly greater after the long-acting (3.15 %) compared to the traditional formulation (1 %), none of the treatments significantly reduced the mite density score, with a percentage of animals cured between 0 % and 37.5 % after both IVM treatments. In Trial 3, the 100 % of cured animals were achieved at day 21 (IVM 3.15 %) and at day 28 (DRM 3.5 %) post-treatment. In conclusion, DRM treatment could offer some therapeutic advantages in field situations where IVM fails to control mange. Depending on the level of susceptibility of the mite population, long-acting pharmaceutical formulations can be useful to control Psoroptic mange in cattle. The use of macrocyclic lactones for mange control in cattle should be based on appropriate diagnosis on each individual farm.

Sustainability assessment of economic, environmental and social impacts, feed-food competition and economic robustness of dairy and beef farming systems in South Western Europe

The objective of this study was to evaluate the sustainability of cattle systems in South Western Europe by combining life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) with assessment of feed-food competition and economic robustness. We studied three cattle systems using different proportions of semi-natural pasture, and producing either only beef or milk and beef, i.e. a dairy system with Holstein breed in the lowlands of France with <5% of the total land used being semi-natural pastures (HolSy), a dairy system with Montbeliarde breed in the highlands of France with approximately 25% of the total land used being semi-natural pastures (MonSy), and a pure beef system with Parda de Montana breed in the highlands of Spain with >85% of the total land used being semi-natural pastures (ParSy). The functional unit for LCSA was 1000 kg protein of animal origin and the system boundary was from cradle to farmgate. The cattle production systems were assessed using 27 indicators (LCSA, feed-food competition and robustness). The results indicated that MonSy performed less well for 10 and ParSy for 14 out of the 27 indicators researched when compared to HolSy, the reference case. HolSy was less sensitive to a support payment decrease and had lower social impacts on farmers than the other two systems. MonSy had lower impacts on some environmental indicators, lower life cycle costs, lower social impacts on society, lower human edible feed conversion ratio (i.e. less feed-food competition) for fat and less sensitivity to a meat price decrease than the other two systems. ParSy had lower terrestrial and freshwater ecotoxicity, lower human edible feed conversion ratio and land use ratio for protein, lower social impact for the local community, and a higher internal rate of return than the other systems. ParSy had less sensitivity to feed and energy price increases, and increased rented land and loan interest costs than the other systems. Producing both meat and milk at the same farm increased vulnerability to economic changes. Semi-natural pasture based dairy in highland Europe needs support payments to keep the farm economically afloat in times of economic changes e.g. due to shocks.

Main factors associated with foot-and-mouth disease virus infection during the 2001 FMD epidemic in Uruguay.

Large epidemics provide the opportunity to understand the epidemiology of diseases under the specific conditions of the affected population. Whilst foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epidemics have been extensively studied in developed countries, epidemics in developing countries have been sparsely studied. Here we address this limitation by systematically studying the 2001 epidemic in Uruguay where a total of 2,057 farms were affected. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors (RF) associated with infection and spread of the virus within the country. The epidemic was divided into four periods: (1) the high-risk period (HRP) which was the period between the FMD virus introduction and detection of the index case; (2) the local control measures period (LCM) which encompassed the first control measures implemented before mass vaccination was adopted; (3) the first mass vaccination, and (4) the second mass vaccination round. A stochastic model was developed to estimate the time of initial infection for each of the affected farms. Our analyses indicated that during the HRP around 242 farms were probably already infected. In this period, a higher probability of infection was associated with: (1) animal movements [OR: 1.57 (95% CI: 1.19-2.06)]; (2) farms that combined livestock with crop production [OR: 1.93 (95% CI: 1.43-2.60)]; (3) large and medium farms compared to small farms (this difference was dependent on regional herd density); (4) the geographical location. Keeping cattle only (vs farms that kept also sheep) was a significant RF during the subsequent epidemic period (LCM), and remained as RF, together with large farms, for the entire epidemic. We further explored the RF associated with FMDV infection in farms that raised cattle by fitting another model to a data subset. We found that dairy farms had a higher probability of FMDV infection than beef farms during the HRP [OR: 1.81 (95% CI: 1.12-2.83)], and remained as RF until the end of the first round of vaccination. The delay in the detection of the index case associated with unrestricted animal movements during the HRP may have contributed to this large epidemic. This study contributes to the knowledge of FMD epidemiology in extensive production systems.