Resources, Reproductive Performance, and Animal Management on Equine Breeding Farms in Azuay, Ecuador

Abstract

Background: The general operations of horse breeding systems are seldom studied. The aim of this paper was to carry out a thorough characterization of horse farms in the province of Azuay, Ecuador. Methods: Out of the 63 breeding farms authorized by the state agency of Azuay with more than five animals, and operational for over two years, 45 were chosen for sample collection. The information considered variables area, pasture, animals, zootechniques, reproduction, health, and expenses. The analysis showed the basic statigraphs, principal components with Varimax rotation and k-mean cluster analysis, and the statistics for each cluster. Results: The first component explained more than a third of total variation, and related the determining variables of infrastructure, total area, pasture, and area for facilities. The second component is co-related to the number of parturitions and estrus repetition. The third component is co-related to management and greater animal wellbeing. Two clusters with differences in terms of area, number of animals, availability of resources, and reproductive performance, were found. Conclusions: Today, the main factors to tackle horse system improvements in the province of Azuay are grassland improvements, animal management, and reproductive performance.