Characterization of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production system in the Zacatecas, Mexico.

English. Objective: Characterize the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production system in the state of Zacatecas. Methodology: The study was carried out in the UPAs of the state of Zacatecas, through a cross-sectional design, qualitative-quantitative method, the instrument was a questionnaire and the sampling was non-probabilistic. Results: Tilapia cultivation is carried out in different types of ponds where, on average, 2,340 organisms are planted per pond, and they produce 5,705.88 kg*year-1, with a sale price of $116.47 pesos*kg-1 of fresh fish gutted at the farm. Production costs are concentrated in concentrated feed and electrical energy. Regarding the analyzed characteristics (financial), the aquaculture production units (UPAs) are grouped into four types of production: basic UPAs as a complementary activity with limited economic resources; pre-intermediate UPAs with basic infrastructure with adult aquaculturists (49-55 years); Intermediate UPAs dedicate full time and average profitability; Finally, upper-intermediate UPAs have optimal infrastructure and activity with adult aquaculturists (30-55 years) and an inclination to adopt technological innovation in aquaculture activity. Limitations/implications of the study: The present study has no important limitations Conclusions: In general, aquaculturists perceive a stagnation in their activity, due to the lack of promotion of their product, production scheduling and insecurity, limitations that show the need to create an inter-institutional strategy where universities and research institutions participate. research and government agencies that promote elements of policy, financing and training.

Spanish; Castilian. Objective: To characterize the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production system in Zacatecas, Mexico. Methodology: Seventeen Aquaculture Production Units (APU) in Zacatecas were analyzed, using a cross-sectional design and qualitative-quantitative method. The instrument used was a questionnaire, and the sampling was non-probabilistic.  Results: Tilapia cultivation is conducted in various types of ponds, with an average of 2340 organisms per pond, yielding a production of 5705.88 kg year-1, and a sale price of $116.47 pesos kg-1 of fresh gutted fish at the farm gate. Production costs are primarily associated with concentrated feed and electrical energy. Regarding the financial characteristics analyzed, APUs are categorized into four types of production: basic, as a complementary activity with limited economic resources; pre-intermediate, characterized by basic infrastructure and managed by adult aquaculturists (49-55 years old); Intermediate, full-time dedication with average profitability; and high-intermediate, with optimal infrastructure and activity managed by adult aquaculturists aged 30-55 years with a propensity to adopt technological innovation in aquaculture. Limitations/ Study Implications: No major limitations were identified. Conclusions: In general, aquaculturists perceive stagnation in their activity due to lack of promotion, production scheduling, and insecurity. It is necessary to develop an inter-institutional strategy where universities, research institutions, and government agencies participate to promote elements of policy, financing, and training.