DAIRYING IN NICARAGUA.

Modem development of the Nicaraguan dairy industry is divided into two periods: 1943-1953, and 1953-1967. Nicaragua's first pasteurizing plant, constructed in Managua in 1943, marks the beginning of modernization, but before 1953 a fluctuating, limited output of low quality milk served Nicaragua's capital from a milkshed restricted by the primitive transport network. The remainder of Nicaragua was supplied by milk locally produced. "Dairy farming," which was combined with a second agricultural activity, could be more aptly described as ranching with a dairy adjunct. Climatic and ecological handicaps were rarely offset by good farm management, hence yields per cow and per farm were low and variable. After 1953, when Managua's second pasteurizing plant was completed, a sharp rise in production and consumption of higher quality milk correlated positively with Nicaragua's economic growth and increasing urbanization. An expanding milkshed was permitted by improved cooling and transport facilities. New laws stabilized prices and set qualify minima, Further incentive for improving quality and quantity was provided by Central America's first Milk Pool. Dairy farms have received increasing inputs of labor and capital, with corresponding milk output. In 1967 herds were composed of fewer breed combinations, and were better managed. High milk yields correlated most highly with breeds in 1953, but were more a function of improved practices in 1967. Much overall progress has been made, but standards are still low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]