The herd simulation approach we have used allowed us to analyse
the technical and economic impacts of different reproductive
strategies, considering aspects such as the utilization of natural resources,
in-door feeding management, market prices and labour
requirements. Optimal strategies will depend on the particular
objectives of the farmer and/or policy makers. Generally speaking,
whereas relatively intensive strategies, such as 8MC and WC,
yielded greater economic margins, the more extensive strategies
could achieve similar or even higher levels of revenue per unit of
labour, and they were less sensitive to increases in off-farm feedstuffs
prices. However, the valuation of the environmental benefits
derived from these management strategies, together with the
availability and opportunity cost of labour and the variability of
market prices (feedstuffs, calves, etc.), need to be considered in
any decision-making process. NODRIZA simulation software can
be an effective tool for the design of tailor-suited management
strategies at the farm level, according to the availability of resources
and farmers objectives, and for policy making at the local
or regional level.