The present study examines the effect of technological levels on the profits of 20 demonstration units (DU) participating in the "Full Bucket" ("Balde Cheio") program in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), from January to December of 2011, and identifies significant variables that affect total costs and real operating costs and their impact on revenues. Data were analyzed using PASW 18.0 software. A multiple linear regression model of stepwise regression is used to identify production cost components with greater influence on net margins, earnings and profits. Technological levels influenced earnings and profits. DUs of intermediate technological sophistication show positive economic results and are therefore considered economically viable, with the potential to remain in production for the short-, mid-and long-term, thus capitalizing dairy farmers. DUs of low and high technological sophistication show negative results, suggesting the decapitalization of milk producers, as revenues have not covered total costs. The most representative factors that affect real operating costs for DUs of intermediate and high technological sophistication are, in descending order, feed, labor, and other expenses. For DUs of low technological sophistication, the order is feed, other expenses and labor. The most representative components of total cost are found to be feed, labor, and returns on investment. Key words: Dairy cattle farming, production cost, management, technology ResumoObjetivou-se analisar o efeito do nível tecnológico na rentabilidade de 20 unidades demonstrativas (UD) participantes do programa "Balde Cheio", no estado do RJ, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2011. Pretendeu-se, ainda, identificar os componentes que exerceram maior influência sobre os custos total e operacional efetivo e o impacto de cada um deles na receita. Os dados foram analisados utilizandose o software PASW 18.0. Utilizou-se o modelo de regressão linear múltipla com o método stepwise, para identificar os componentes do custo de produção que mais influenciaram na margem líquida, na lucratividade e na rentabilidade. O nível tecnológico influenciou na lucratividade e rentabilidade. Na análise econômica, por apresentar resultado positivo, o estrato com médio nível tecnológico teve viabilidade econômica e condições de produzir no curto, médio e longo prazos, com consequente capitalização dos pecuaristas; enquanto que os estratos com baixo e alto níveis tecnológicos apresentaram resultado negativo, indicando que os produtores estão se descapitalizando, pois as receitas auferidas não foram suficientes para pagar seus custos totais. Os itens componentes do custo operacional efetivo que exerceram maiores representatividades nos estratos médios e alto nível tecnológico, em ordem decrescente, foram a alimentação, mão de obra e despesas diversas; enquanto que no estrato baixo nível tecnológico foram a alimentação, despesas diversas e mão de obra. Com relação aos itens componentes do custo total, foram a alimentação, mão de obra e remuneração do cap...

Objetivou-se analisar a aplicabilidade das ferramentas de gestão matriz GUT (gravidade, urgência e tendência), Brainstorming, PDCA (plan, do, check, action), diagrama de Ishikawa e 5W2H, visando o levantamento e a correção de pontos falhos a partir do diagnóstico de propriedades produtoras de leite. Os dados utilizados foram provenientes de quatro propriedades, localizadas na região de Uberlândia, MG, de agosto a dezembro de 2014, sendo coletados a partir de um formulário semiestruturado, contendo 549 questões. As respostas foram obtidas por meio da observação, bem como por entrevistas com os proprietários. Utilizando-se a matriz GUT, os principais pontos fracos encontrados, em ordem decrescente, foram: não realização de exames de brucelose e tuberculose, ausência de pastejo rotacionado, falta de volumoso para a época seca, excesso de proteína na ração concentrada e presença de lama nas áreas de descanso. Os principais pontos fortes encontrados foram: boa qualidade do leite, manejo adequado de vacas secas, cuidados com recém-nascidos, uso de tecnologias (inseminação artificial, ordenhadeira mecânica, cerca elétrica) e realização de controle zootécnico. A partir do ranqueamento dos pontos fracos, e utilizando a ferramenta de gestão Brainstorming, definiu quais ferramentas de gestão seriam utilizadas: PDCA, 5W2H e/ou Diagrama de Ishikawa, visando corrigi-los ou, pelo menos, amenizá-los. Concluiu-se que é possível adequar as ferramentas de gestão à pecuária leiteira, podendo ser usadas de forma contínua para o gerenciamento ou de forma pontual no estabelecimento de um plano ou projeto. Recomenda-se que elas sejam utilizadas, pois pontos fracos poderão ser identificados e corrigidas as ineficiências, contribuindo no aumento da rentabilidade e da lucratividade. Entretanto, são necessários conhecimentos de gestão e zootécnicos para aplicação de tais ferramentas em fazendas leiteiras.

This study aimed to analyze the economic viability of implementing and using a Canadian biodigester for power generation in a milk production system. Specifically, we intended to estimate the generated power production, the total production cost (TC), the total operating cost (TOC), and the effective operating cost (EOC) of 1 kW of power generated, and estimate the break-even point of the power produced. The research was carried out on a farm located in southern Minas Gerais (Brazil) from January to December 2017. Three scenarios were analyzed through the tree-point estimation (most likely, optimistic, and pessimistic). Scenario 1 considered the use of power for the acclimatization of free-stall barns during 13 hours day-1 plus the use of 50% of the produced biofertilizer. Scenario 2 considered the use of power during 13 hours day-1 for the acclimatization of free-stall barns and milking parlor, which means an increase in power consumption estimated at 10% compared to scenario 1, plus the use of 75% of the produced biofertilizer. Moreover, scenario 3 considered the use of power for the acclimatization of free-stall barns during 6.5 hours day-1 plus 25% of the produced biofertilizer. All scenarios considered the amount charged per kWh by the Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (CEMIG). Monte Carlo simulations were carried out with minimum acceptable rates of return ranging from zero to 50%. Power generation was economically viable in all scenarios, with positive net present value (NPV), internal rates of return above the minimum acceptable rate of return, simple and discounted payback below the 10-year horizon, and satisfactory benefit-cost ratios. The EOC values of 1 kWh of power were estimated at R$ 0.1990, R$ 0.1791, and R$ 0.3308 for scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively, whereas the mean total cost (TC) was R$ 0.5618 (±0.21) considering all scenarios, above the purchase values at CEMIG, which would be R$ 0.50. The TC value was R$ 99,804.42 for scenarios 1 and 2, and R$ 92,424.09 for scenario 3, with a minimum acceptable rate of return of 8.50, while the TOC values were R$ 69,486.62 in scenarios 1 and 2, and R$ 62,229.66 in scenario 3. The amount of power generated in all scenarios was higher than the break-even point. All Monte Carlo simulation models showed positive NPV values, indicating that there is a high probability of being above expectations.

This study proposes to examine the economic viability of implementing the necessary infrastructure for the recycling of bedding sand from a free-stall facility in a milk production system in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. In specific terms, the total production cost (TC), total operating cost (TOC) and effective operating cost (EOC) of a cubic meter of recycled sand were estimated in order to estimate the total sand consumption for the free-stall system and per bed year-1 as well as the equilibrium point of the amount of recycled sand, in cubic meters. The experiment was carried out on a farm located in the south of Minas Gerais from January 2016 to December 2017. Three scenarios were analyzed by the tree-point estimation method (MOP - most likely, optimistic, and pessimistic). Utilization of 85%, 95% and 75% of the recycled sand was considered for scenarios 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In all of them, the value charged per cubic meter of sand by a supplier close to the farm was considered. Monte Carlo simulation was also carried out with hurdle rates (HR) of up to 90%. Under the studied conditions, sand recycling showed to be economically viable in all scenarios, with positive net present values (NPV), internal rates of return above the HR, simple and discounted payback below the 10-year horizon, and satisfactory cost benefit-1 ratios (greater than 1). The EOC of one cubic meter of recycled sand was estimated at R$5.04, R$4.51 and R$5.72 for scenarios 1, 2 and 3, respectively, whereas the average TC, considering all scenarios, was R$6.84 (+0.81), which is less than the acquisition price of R$28.57 at the sand extraction site. The TC was R$37,219.51 and R$34,637.74 for the scenarios with HR of 8.50 and 6.99%, respectively, whereas TOC was R$22,572.08 in all analyzed scenarios. The estimated total annual sand consumption by the free-stall system was 526.44 m³, with an estimated average of 1.23 m³ (+0.28) bed-1 year-1. All Monte Carlo simulation models showed positive NPV as well as HR of up to 90%, which reflect a high probability of positive NPV.

The purpose of this work was to carry out the diagnosis of 20 dairy cattle properties in system of family economy, aiming the characterization of productive factors and their associations the aspects related to the quality of milk. All properties are located in the micro-region of Alto Rio Grande, southern Minas Gerais. The data were collected from a semi-structured form, containing 97 questions, in the period from March to June 2016. After collection, the data were registered in Sphinx software®. The parameters used to assess the quality of milk were the somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (CBT), protein and fat. The existence of association between the dependent factors (CCS, CBT, protein and fat) and independent (the remaining questions of the form) has been verified using two types of test: Student's t-test, when the independent variable was qualitative; and the Pearson correlation coefficient or Spearman, when the independent variable was quantitative. No statistics differences were found (P > 0.05) in the medium of CCS, CBT, protein and fat between the categories of independent qualitative variables. Significant correlations were observed between time in the dairy activity and fat (p = 0.019; r = -0.547) and between CBT and temperature (P = 0.000; r = 0.853). Some factors observed during the survey, as high CCS and CBT, demonstrate the need for improved management within the properties analyzed so that they can meet the quality requirements of Normative 62.

This study assesses the effects of technical and managerial indexes on the cost-effectiveness of 20 demonstration units (DUs) that participated in the "Full Bucket" ("Balde Cheio") program, at different stages of production, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, from January to December 2011. Here, costeffectiveness was assessed by considering gross margin, net margin, result (financial profit or loss), cost-effectiveness, and profitability as indicators of financial efficiency. Data were analyzed using PASW 18.0. A multiple linear regression model was used with the stepwise method to identify the managerial, technical, and other indexes that most affected profitability and cost-effectiveness. The production systems were categorized into three production levels: small (nine DUs), medium (nine DUs), or large (two DUs). The managerial and technical indexes differed according to the stages of production under study. The daily milk production for the three categories were below 151 kg, 151 to 400 kg, and above 400 kg, respectively. The best profitability and cost-effectiveness at the large production level resulted from selling livestock. This level showed greater animal/day productivity (kg of milk), the best cows/farm manpower ratio, and the best number of herd animals/farm manpower ratio, whereas the medium level showed a lower fixed cost/total cost relation. The small production level showed the best percentages of lactating cows, cows in the herd, and lactating cows in the herd, as well as the best productivity/ha/year and lactating cows/ha. However, the latter results were not sufficient to generate a profit, owing to the small scale of production. Key words: Dairy cattle. Economy. Management. Managerial indexes. Zootechnical indexes. ResumoObjetivou-se analisar o efeito de alguns índices técnicos e gerenciais na rentabilidade de 20 unidades demonstrativas (UD) com diferentes escalas de produção, participantes do programa "Balde Cheio", no estado do Rio de Janeiro, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2011. Realizou-se a análise de rentabilidade considerando a margem bruta, a margem líquida, o resultado (lucro ou prejuízo), a rentabilidade e a lucratividade como indicadores de eficiência econômica. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se o software PASW 18.0. Utilizou-se o modelo de regressão linear múltipla com o método stepwise, para identificar os índices técnicos e gerenciais que mais influenciaram na lucratividade e na rentabilidade. Os sistemas de produção foram alocados em um dos três estratos de produção: pequeno (nove), médio (nove) ou grande (dois), cujas produções diárias de leite foram inferiores a 151kg, de 151 a 400kg e superiores a 400kg, respectivamente. Os índices técnicos e gerenciais foram diferentes nas escalas de produção estudadas e influenciaram na lucratividade e na rentabilidade. As melhores lucratividade e rentabilidade, do estrato grande, foram reflexos da venda de animais. Tal estrato apresentou melhor produtividade animal/dia (kg de leite), melhor relação matrizes/mão de obra e a ...

This study aimed to analyze the effect of each workforce type on the cost-effectiveness of 20 dairy farms participating in the “Full Bucket” program, from January to December 2011, in the State of Rio de Janeiro. A stepwise multiple linear regression was used to identify the production cost components that most affected net margin, profitability, and cost-effectiveness. Workforce type influenced both profitability and cost-effectiveness, as well as total production cost. Economic analysis showed that farms with a hired workforce had the lowest total unit costs and a positive result. This way, the activity is able to produce in the long term and farmers are capitalizing. The farms that adopted mixed and family workforce had a positive net margin and a negative result, obtaining conditions to produce in the medium term. The highest representativeness on the items of effective operating cost in the family workforce stratum, in a descending order, were food, miscellaneous expenses, and energy. The most representative items in the mixed and hired workforce strata were food, workforce, and miscellaneous expenses.

RESUMO.Objetivou-se identificar os pontos fracos e fortes associados à qualidade do leite em propriedades de agricultura familiar, visando o levantamento e a correção de pontos falhos e, consequentemente, o aumento da produtividade e da rentabilidade. Foram analisados 20 sistemas de produção de leite, localizados na microrregião Alto Rio Grande, sul de Minas Gerais. Os dados foram coletados a partir de um formulário semiestruturado, contendo 97 perguntas, no período de março de 2016. Para definição dos pontos fracos uma equipe multidisciplinar utilizou a ferramentas de gestão brainstorming e, para ranqueamento, a Matriz GUT. Os principais pontos fracos encontrados, em ordem decrescente foram: alta contagem de célula somática (CCS) (células/ml), consumo restrito de volumoso, não realização de escrituração zootécnica, alta contagem bacteriana total (CBT) (UFC/ml) e ausência de assistência técnica nas propriedades. Para definição dos pontos fortes, a mesma equipe disciplinar, também utilizou a ferramenta de gestão brainstorming. Assim, os principais reconhecidos foram: possuir ordenhadeira mecânica, existência de energia elétrica, leite vendido in natura para o laticínio. A partir da avaliação dos resultados encontrados, torna-se possível a realização de um planejamento contendo plano de ação e metas a serem cumpridas no curto e longo prazo, permitindo a resolução dos problemas que causam ineficiência.Palavras chave: Brainstorming, diagnóstico de propriedades, ferramentas de gestão, matriz GUT, pecuária leiteira Identification of weak and strong points associated with milk quality in family farming dairy ABSTRACT. The scope of this research was to identify the strengths and weaknesses associated with the quality of milk in family farming properties, aiming at lifting and correcting gaps and, consequently, increasing productivity and profitability. Were analyzed 20 dairy cattle production systems, located in the micro-region of Alto Rio Grande, southern of Minas Gerais. The data were collected from a semi-structured form, containing 97 questions, in the period from March 2016. For definition of weaknesses a multidisciplinary team used the management tools brainstorming and for prioritization, the GUT array. The main weaknesses found in descending order were: high somatic cell count (SCC) (cells/ml), restricted consumption of