Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine training needs and the rate of technology adoption (TAI) in animal production units in Hidalgo, Mexico. Seventy livestock producers from 19 municipalities were interviewed. Training needs were assessed in five areas: genetics and reproduction, nutrition, health, management, and ecotechnologies. Technology adoption was measured using a weighted index of 20 technologies distributed across these five areas. The highest levels of production were found in sheep (24%) and cattle (21%). The main training needs were in management (2.9), nutrition (2.8), and health (2.3), while genetics and reproduction (1.31) and ecotechnologies (1.17) were lower priorities. The highest TAI was observed in dairy cattle (51.6%) and beef cattle (50.2%), followed by pigs (35.4%), which were considered to have an intermediate technological level. Poultry (26.6%), goats (24.0%), and sheep (19.2%) were classified as having a low technological level. In genetics and reproduction, adoption was high in cattle; in nutrition, both dry cattle and pigs stood out; while in animal health and ecotechnologies, adoption was low. The findings suggest that extension efforts aimed at promoting technology adoption should consider species-specific needs, type of production, and production zones, as well as the socioeconomic and technical-productive context of the production units.

Keywords: Technology adoption index, rural extension, small livestock keepers, technical assistance, knowledge sharing

How to Cite:

Vargas Monter, J., Sifuentes, D. M., Rodriguez Ortega, L. T., Zuñiga Estrada, E. A. & Nieto Aquino, R., (2026) “TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION UNITS IN THE VALLE DEL MEZQUITAL HIDALGO, MEXICO”, Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education 33(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.4148/jiaee.20813