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An Economic Analysis of Pasture Improvement and Grazing Practices of Beef Cattle Production in the
Thesis Abstract:
The main objective of the study were to identify the costs involved in pasture improvement programs and improved grazing practices in some beef cattle farms, to compare the cost and return generated by various stocking rates, and to prepare a farm plan and budget to determine the cost and return of the pasture improvement program.
The study included 15 ranches located in Camarines Sur, Misamis Oriental, Cotabato, Davao and Bukidnon, covering a total of 15,051 hectares and supporting 23,048 cattle. Thirty-seven percent of the total pasture area had been planted to improved species of grasses and legumes.
Findings showed that the annual establishment cost per hectare was P93.45 broken down as follows: P16.43 for plowing and harrowing, P4.09 for furrowing, P10.96 for planting and seedling, P24.35 for fertilization, P9.60 for fencing, and P8.50 for interest.
The annual maintenance cost averaged P210.79 broken down as follows: P40.05 for mowing, P24.00 for weed and pest control, P125.74 for fertilization, and P21.00 for interest. The total annual establishment and maintenance cost was P302.24 per hectare.
The average stocking rates ranged from .68 to 3.26 animal units per hectare. The gross return per hectare varied from P25.75 to P310.67. Labor and management cost P8.66 to P114.65 per hectare and the average pasture production, P2.57 to 108.04 per hectare. The respective gross margin per hectare ranged from P14.43 to P111.88 and that per animal unit, P20.17 to P109.44.
The farm plan and budget study showed that the gross return per hectare and per animal unit increased considerably by improving the carrying capacity of pasture land. The five-year plan and budget indicated a potential increase in gross margin per hectare from P119 to P360 and in net return to management, from P47,876 in the first year to P162,240 in the fourth year.