Management systems for cattle fattening in winter ('wintering') on Pampas r
egion are studied. After analyzing 136 management records throughout 3 year
s, simulation models using linear programming were developed to optimize be
ef production according to the following decision criteria: minimum cost un
der energy and time constraints; and maximum yield under energy and time co
nstraints. These simulation models, which represent the production frontier
s that these enterprises may achieve, are later compared to the management
results obtained; this allows us to analyze the technical and allocative ef
ficiency of farms, simulate management proposals and establish production p
ossibilities for different scenarios. The results obtained in the actual sc
enarios indicate that production may be fourfolded by modifying feeding str
ategy, increasing profits of around 140% if a criterion of maximum yield is
adopted and the allocative efficiency is improved. (C) 2000 Published by E
lsevier Science Ltd.