Paraguayan livestock sector focuses on breeding efficiency

The Paraguayan livestock sector is shifting its focus from increasing the total number of animals to improving the efficiency of existing herds. Marcos Pereyra, a board member and former president of the CEA, emphasizes that the primary challenge for cattle breeding in Paraguay is to maximize the productivity of each female and increase the number of calves produced within the current system.

A critical factor identified is the age at which heifers enter service. Pereyra notes that many systems delay the first reproduction of females, which slows their integration into the breeding herd. By improving heifer rearing and achieving earlier pregnancy, the industry can significantly increase calf production without necessarily expanding the total herd size.

Currently, weaning rates in Paraguay are estimated to be between 50% and 55%, which Pereyra suggests is low relative to the country's potential. To improve these indicators, he argues that the industry must simultaneously address genetics, nutrition, health, management, and human capital. Furthermore, as genetic advancements continue, there is an increasing need to improve the quality of the productive environment through better pastures, supplementation, and sanitary management.