Diagnóstico e desafio da caprinocultura leiteira no município de Santo André - Paraíba - Brasil

Abstract

This dissertation presents a theoretical framework on dairy goat farming in the Brazilian Northeast and a study carried out in Santo André – Pb, which sought to diagnose and identify the challenges of dairy goat farming in the municipality. It was possible to identify that raising dairy goats is a relevant activity and has been an alternative source of income for small producers. One of the main limitations to animal husbandry is long periods of drought and producers have been looking for strategies to overcome seasonality in forage production. For the study in Santo André, visits were made to 29 properties to obtain information on the profile of producers, properties and herds. The data showed that 93% of properties are managed by men, with ages ranging between 20 and 40 years old (65.52%). The illiteracy rate of producers is only 3.45%. In 58.62% of properties, families participate in the activity, which for 68.97% of producers is the main activity. At the time of data collection, 72.41% of goat farmers had not yet participated in training. Property areas ranged from 20 to less than 5 ha. A total of 1242 animals were identified on the 29 properties, with a predominance of the Saanen breed (40.82%). The average daily production of milk is 1.79 liters, which is destined for processing plants and sold to the government for 3.06 reais per liter. Production varies between producers from more than 30 liters (28%) to 10 liters (7%) per day. None of the properties have zootechnical records. Farmers have been looking for strategies for food production and conservation. The facilities for adult animals are, in terms of structure and hygiene, partially satisfactory, but those for young animals are unsatisfactory. It is necessary to intensify the precepts of hygienic milking with producers. Gastrointestinal parasites are the main diseases identified in livestock and their control has been carried out inadequately. Umbilical disinfection of newborns was identified in only two properties. Indiscriminate use of medications, including antibiotics, was observed. None of the properties are using reproductive biotechniques. From the study carried out in Santo André, it was possible to identify the importance of dairy goat farming for the local economy, that important extension activities are being carried out by SENAR and that there is interest from producers in the activity, as well as from current managers in the municipality. However, it is important to intensify actions to improve sanitary management, to promote food safety for animals, adjustments to facilities, milking and reproductive management and zootechnical records. Much technical and managerial information is being presented to producers during extension actions, however their adoption is often neglected, incomplete or not regular, with good practices often being abandoned after the end of extension programs. It is important to identify the producers' difficulties, since these are the main actors in a change process.