Sostenibilidad de sistemas ganaderos bovinos de alta montaña en Colombia.

The complexity of the farming systems given their multiple interactions of biotic and abiotic elements, makes integral studies important for a better understanding and action in front of them. This work was aimed at studying the sustainability of 8 high Andean livestock systems. It was found on average animal load of 0.5 UGG, milk production of 4 kg/cow/day, calving intervals of 450 days and forage yields of 2.45 t dm/ha with 14% PC and 60% NDF. On average for the forest, the organic carbon of the soil was 33.72 t/ha and for grazing pastures of 25.29 t/ha, the difference being significant (p=0.05). No differences (p = 0.05) were found between the apparent densities in the soil of native forests (0, 46g/cm³) and pastures (0.5 g/cm³). The equivalent amounts of CO2 (CO2eq) produced on average were 76.12 t/site (65.5 t CO2eq corresponding to the production of CH4 and 10.87 T CO2eq to the production of N2O). The virtual water required on average for bovine animals was 16,222.26 m3 to meet their food, beverage and service needs (10 years), and to produce a litre of milk, they needed 1.78 m3. In the social aspect the indicators with lower qualification were public services and access to education. In conclusion and knowing that sustainability is achieved when there is a balance between the economic, environmental and social components; The results found make it possible to say that the high-mountain livestock production systems included in this work are not sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]