Con el fin de evaluar a través de modelos matemáticos el comportamiento productivo (crecimiento y consumo) de cerdos en un sistema de cama profunda con subproductos agrícolas (cascarilla de arroz y rastrojo de maíz). Se utilizaron 18 cerdos mestizos, criados en corrales individuales con caña guadua (Guadua angustifolia) individuales a una densidad de 1,20 m2.animal-1, durante cinco meses. Las variables consumo de alimento y peso final fueron medidas para modelizar el crecimiento y consumo. Los resultados arrojan un modelo raíz cuadrada para el crecimiento (R2=94,11%), mientras que para el consumo ajusta a un modelo doble cuadrado (R2= 91,90%). Con respecto a peso vs consumo, un modelo log- Y raíz cuadrada-X, permitió la ecuación del modelo ajustado Peso = exp (1,12059 + 1,30298*sqrt (Consumo)). Se concluye, que los modelos matemáticos no lineales presentaron el mejor ajuste a los datos analizados de un sistema de cama profunda mediante el empleo de recursos materiales propios y subproductos agrícolas de cultivos locales, contribuyendo a la descripción del crecimiento de los cerdos

Aquaculture plays a strategic role in food security and rural development in coastal regions. However, structural, economic, and institutional constraints affect small-scale producers in heterogeneous ways. This study analyzes how small-scale aquaculture producers in Manabí (Ecuador) perceive the main challenges affecting their activity, based on a typology comprising three production systems: Backyard, Transitional, and Commercial. A structured questionnaire was administered to 98 producers, including 20 variables assessed using a five-point Likert scale. The analysis combined non-parametric univariate tests (Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn post-hoc comparisons) and multivariate techniques to identify statistically significant differences and structured perception patterns across production systems. Significant differences were detected in variables related to biological input supply, market conditions, and structural production constraints. In particular, larvae and fingerling supply, selling prices, buyer availability, and pond surface area showed differentiated perception patterns across systems. Most differences occurred between Backyard farms and the other two production systems, while Transitional and Commercial farms displayed more similar perception profiles. Transversal constraints shared across systems included high feed costs, energy expenditure, and regulatory requirements. Principal Component Analysis identified two main perception gradients related to market and input constraints and to structural and managerial limitations. Discriminant analysis further confirmed the ability of these dimensions to differentiate production systems. These findings highlight the multidimensional nature of constraints affecting small-scale aquaculture and suggest that production systems are better interpreted as gradients of pressures rather than strictly discrete categories. The results underline the need for adaptive governance approaches combining transversal measures with system-specific interventions. Overall, the study provides empirical evidence to support the design of differentiated and context-sensitive policies aimed at strengthening the sustainable development of small-scale aquaculture in Manabí and similar territories.

Este estudio evaluó el efecto de la paridad sobre el perfil proteico plasmático en vacas lactantes, midiendo las concentraciones de proteína total, albúmina y urea en vacas de primer, segundo y tercer parto. Los resultados mostraron valores promedio de proteína total de 3.49 ± 0.075 g/dL, 3.49 ± 0.04 g/dL y 3.49 ± 0.30 g/dL; albúmina de 3.49 ± 0.002 g/dL, 3.49 ± 0.007 g/dL y 3.49 ± 0.16 g/dL; y urea de 3.49 ± 0.0006 mg/dL, 3.49 ± 0.000022 mg/dL y 3.49 ± 0.02 mg/dL para primer, segundo y tercer parto, respectivamente. El análisis estadístico indicó que no hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos (p > 0.05), lo que sugiere que la paridad no afecta las concentraciones plasmáticas de estos metabolitos. Estos resultados reflejan una adecuada estabilidad metabólica y un manejo nutricional eficiente, fundamentales para la salud y productividad de vacas en lactancia bajo condiciones controladas.

Ecuadorian aquaculture plays an increasingly important role in food security, providing a sustainable complement to capture fisheries. Manabí constitutes a key economic sector that contributes to employment generation, income diversification, and supply of high-quality protein. However, the sector’s heterogeneity and limited legal registration of enterprises hinder the development of policies and targeted interventions. This study characterizes aquaculture enterprises in Manabí, integrating productive, technological, and socio-economic variables obtained from field surveys. Three distinct entrepreneurship patterns were identified: small-scale, informal farms cultivating native species with low technology but characteristics that may contribute to socio-ecological resilience; semi-formal producers operating with intermediate technology and mixed species; and freshwater shrimp farms operating at the largest relative scale within the sample, though still small-scale and family-based, with moderate technological development and market integration limited mainly to local and regional markets. The typology focused on a gradient in formalization, technological sophistication, and market orientation among enterprises. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of aquaculture diversity in Manabí and offer a practical framework for differentiated policy design using a Strategic Producer Positioning Map. Strengthening formalization, technological innovation, environmental management, and social inclusion is essential to enhance the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness, contributing to sustainable blue economy development in coastal Ecuador.

Aquaculture plays a key role in food security and rural development, yet small-scale producers face heterogeneous structural, economic, and institutional constraints. This study analyzes aquaculture producers’ perceptions of the main challenges affecting small-scale aquaculture in the province of Manabí, Ecuador. A total of 98 producers were surveyed, including 37.14% Backyard, 45.71% Transitional, and 17.14% Commercial farms, using a Likert-type questionnaire to assess the perceived importance of different constraints. A structured survey was administered to 98 producers, including 20 Likert-scale variables. Differences among systems were evaluated using non-parametric univariate tests (Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn post hoc comparisons), and multivariate techniques (Principal Component Analysis and discriminant analysis) were applied to identify underlying perception patterns. Significant differences were mainly associated with biological input supply, market conditions, and structural production constraints, particularly, between Backyard farms and the other systems. In contrast, feed costs, energy consumption, and regulatory requirements emerged as transversal constraints across all systems. Multivariate analysis identified two main perception dimensions associated with market/input factors and structural/managerial limitations, showing a moderate differentiation among systems, with partial overlap between Transitional and Commercial farms and clearer separation of Backyard farms. These findings provide insights into system-specific and transversal constraints, contributing to the design of more adaptive and context-sensitive governance strategies for small-scale aquaculture.