RESUMO
Resumen La crianza de conejos contribuye a la obtención de proteína animal, así como de ingresos por la venta de dicha especie. La descripción y caracterización de los sistemas de producción de estos animales arrojan información valiosa para el diseño de planes de intervención y mejoras. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue determinar las principales variables que influyen en la heterogeneidad de los sistemas productores de conejos en el municipio Ciego de Ávila, Cuba. La muestra estuvo formada por 49 fincas. Se obtuvo la información cuantitativa de indicadores productivos, reproductivos y sociales, a través de un análisis de factores, usando componentes principales (CP). Se calcularon las puntuaciones factoriales de cada caso, en cada CP, y los estadísticos descriptivos de los indicadores medidos. En las condiciones del territorio estudiado, la eficiencia estuvo determinada por 6 CP que explicaron el 77.6 % de la varianza: 1) tamaño del rebaño y áreas de forrajes; 2) comportamiento reproductivo; 3) edad del productor y manejo reproductivo; 4) mortalidad; 5) edad al destete y sacrificio y 6) número de montas para gestar las conejas. La caracterización a partir del uso de CP, y el índice factorial de cada caso de estudio en cada CP, sirve de base para interpretar la gran heterogeneidad existente en los indicadores estudiados, así como su similitud, y contribuye a definir relaciones y comportamientos en la caracterización de fincas cunícolas en esta región, lo que permitirá implementar planes de mejora productiva.
Abstract The breeding of rabbits contributes to obtaining animal protein and generating income from the sale of this species. The description and characterization of the production systems of these animals provide valuable information for the design of intervention and improvement plans. The aim of this study was to determine the main variables that influence the heterogeneity of the rabbit production systems in the Ciego de Ávila municipality, Cuba. The sample consisted of 49 farms. Quantitative data on productive, reproductive and social indicators were obtained through factor analysis using principal components (PC). The factor scores of each case were calculated, in each PC, and descriptive statistics of the indicators measured. In the conditions of the studied territory, the efficiency was determined by 6 PC that explained 77.6 % of the variance: 1) size of the herd and forage areas; 2) reproductive behavior; 3) age of the producer and reproductive management; 4) mortality; 5) age at weaning and age at slaughter and 6) number of mounts to gestate the breeders. The characterization from the use of PC, and the factor index for each case study in each PC, serve as the basis for interpreting the great existing heterogeneity in the indicators studied, as well as their similarity. It also contributes to defining relationships and behaviors in the characterization of rabbit farms in this region, which will allow the implementation of productive improvement plans.
RESUMO
One of the projected effects of climate change is a reduction in rainfall in certain regions of the world. Hence, the agricultural and livestock sectors will have to cope with increasing incidences of water shortage while still maintaining productivity levels to feed an ever increasing global population. This short communication reports on the effect of a 2-week water stress on Pelibuey sheep in Cuba. Three treatments were compared, viz. supply of water ad libitum, water supplied once every 3 or 6 days. Following exposure to the water stress, the results showed no changes in sheep body weight or rectal temperature. However, respiration frequency was affected with water stress causing a reduction from 23.3 to 13.3 respirations per min in control and water-deprived animals, respectively. Furthermore, there was evidence for hemoconcentration in response to water stress (levels of hemoglobin increased from 9.2 to 13.1 g L-1 and hematocrits from 27.6 to 39.3% in the control group and animals restricted to water once every 6 days. The imposed water stress was also evident in the reduction of lymphocytes (from ±63 to 43%), and in increase of neutrophils (from approximately 38 to 54%) and leukocytes (from 3133 to 4933 per mm3). The results indicated a decline in the levels of antioxidants, i.e., SOD from approximately 13 to 10 U mg-1 protein and CAT activity from 23 to 9 U mg-1 protein. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the response of Pelibuey sheep to short-term water shortage stress under Cuban environmental conditions.
