Caracterização da criação de bovinos em Damião-PB

Abstract

Beef cattle farming represents one of the main activities of Brazilian agribusiness, playing a strategic role in income generation and in strengthening family farming, especially in the Northeastern semiarid region, where it faces limitations such as prolonged droughts and low water availability. In this context, the present study aimed to characterize the socioeconomic and productive profile of beef cattle farmers in the municipality of Damião, Paraíba, registered with the Empresa Paraibana de Pesquisa, Extensão Rural e Regularização Fundiária (EMPAER-PB). The research was conducted between April and July 2025, using data from 20 rural properties. The results indicated a predominance of small family units, with herds ranging from 4 to 66 animals, predominantly male management, and producers aged between 51 and 70 years. Infrastructure proved to be limited, with corrals and cisterns present in almost all properties, but water troughs mostly of low quality. The semi-intensive system was the most widely adopted, with corn and forage cactus as the main feed sources. Commercialization occurred on a small scale, mainly through intermediaries, which reduced producers’ profit margins. it is concluded that the activity is relevant to the local economy but faces challenges such as water scarcity, precarious infrastructure, and low youth participation, reinforcing the need for public policies and technical assistance to ensure sustainability and the permanence of families in rural areas.