Summary: | Pasture-based livestock systems are a key element for the maintenance of the dehesa ecosystem. However,
adaptative changes (mainly intensification) are reducing their sustainability. As consequence, sustainable
livestock systems must be found and implemented. Due to this, this work assesses the sustainability
of 63 beef cattle farms (including organic and conventional ones) with two aims: (i) to identify
the most sustainable systems and; (ii) to establish management measures in order to increase farms?
sustainability. For this purpose, a methodological adaptation of the MESMIS Framework was applied.
A cluster analysis allowed us to identify three farms typologies. Typology 1 (organic farms) had the highest
scores for the sustainability index (66.75%) and for the majority of blocks of action. However, changes
aimed at improving their self-reliance must be introduced. Typology 2 (mainly conventional) showed
the lowest sustainability scores (52.44%), especially with regard to the agro-ecosystem and herd management.
Due to this, this typology should implement agricultural practices more environmentally
friendly, as well as a herd management based on preventive medicine. However, they showed adequate
levels of productivity and competitiveness. Typology 3 (mixed) also showed low sustainability scores
(53.41%). Its level of self-reliance is high. However, its low productivity and competitiveness must be
encouraged. In general terms, all typologies are required to improve their agro-ecosystem management,
to increase their competitiveness and business agility, as well as to reduce their economic risk. These
aims can be achieved by means of fattening their calves, increasing the business diversification, elaborating
products by the producer, and direct sales. |