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The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, situated in the heart of Mexico, is the most eco-diverse natural protected area in Mexico
It is home to large mammals such as the jaguar and to charismatic birds like the green macaw.
These reclusive and defenseless animals have witnessed the loss and degradation of their habitats
as these give way to human enterprises, such as extensive cattle ranching.
Cattle ranching is a productive enterprise with deep traditional roots in Mexico
Its pronounced adverse impact on ecosystems is well known
Forested lands by their very nature are not only inappropriate for rearing livestock - but also contain a myriad of adverse conditions such as the limited forage in the understory of temperate forests
Cattle tend to be poorly managed, of inferior breeds, prone to illnesses and these conditions result in economic loss for the producer
The environmental degradation derived from continuous overgrazing leads to erosion and desertification, not to mention the destruction of habitat for a infinite number of species
These negative effects make extensive cattle ranching a major threat the landscape.
The Sierra Gorda is developing a project of intensive livestock management involving 10 farms that have become demonstration pilot projects
that utilize cutting-edge techniques of production with a focus on maximizing the efficient use of limited space.
The goals of this project include supporting ranchers to change their extensive livestock management practices to semi-stabled husbandry in the valleys and other appropriate feeding zones in the mountains
Proving this successful alternative will stimulate cattle ranchers in the region to reduce the use of traditional extensive ranching.
Livestock management alternatives include the establishment of land parcels for growing pasture for feed with species varieties such as Merkeron or Taiwan
which tend to produce large quantities of feed per hectare compared to commonly used species
Experience shows the yield is worth the increase in care and management that they require such as the cutting, harvesting, transportation and chopping.
Through green fodder by hydroponics we found a possible source for supplying our cattle with forage and high protein at low cost
In small spaces one can produce quantities of forage whose nutritional value is considerably increased
through a simple cultivation process to germinate seeds: the cleaning of corn, wheat, barley, among others; soaking, repose, planting, and continuous watering
Using this technology for intensive grazing in the existing meadows extracts optimum advantage from the pasture
because the cattle are moved regularly from the exhausted pasture to new plots and the grazed lands have more time to recuperate grasses before the next grazing.
Agro-forestry goes hand in hand with this methodology and we are planting specific plant species
such as leucaena in the low lands and erythrinas in the more temperate altitudes, naturally fixing nitrogen into the surrounding soil
Modern farm management in the Sierra Gorda includes commercial cattle production and dairy farms with the farming installations
being constructed with recyclable materials whenever possible. In regards to improving the cattle breed, the local low quality cattle species
were replaced by Jersey cows which are smaller, more frugal in their feeding, and yet more productive in their milk
The characteristic solids that are contained in their milk are ideal for the manufacturing of cheeses and other dairy products
making this breed ideal for sustainable ecological management.
The products have proven popular in the Regional markets
which demand higher quality cheese and other dairy products, making the small dairy processing plant a success.