This study aims to typify, characterize, and identify productive limitations of the dairy production systems of the lower zone of the Turrialba canton, in Costa Rica.
A survey was carried out on producers or managers of bovine milk production systems of small scale located in the municipalities of Tayutic, Tuis, and La Suiza. The information was obtained through semi-structured interviews applied to 43 owners/administrators of dairy farms located in the area. The structural, management, productive, and demographic variables of the respondents were investigated to identify the systems. Three production systems were identified using two multivariate analysis techniques: i) Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and ii) Cluster Analysis (CA). It was found that the study population corresponds mainly to small farms with a low level of use and adoption of technology, as well as the lack of productive pastures adapted to the types of soil in the area.
