Characterization of milk production in the mesoregion of central amazon in the state of Amazonas

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the milk production in the central Amazonian region of the state of Amazonas. A questionnaire, consisting of objective questions, was applied to a sample of 50 properties located in the municipalities of Careiro da Várzea and Itacoatiara. The studied mesoregion develops an extensive dairy cattle breeding, where most of the producers have low schooling (60%), did not receive financing or financial incentive (70%) for the development of the dairy activity, nor are they engaged in associations or cooperatives (96%). Manual milking occurs in 100% of the analyzed properties, only once a day, with only 10% performing hygiene procedures in milking. The average production identified in the region was 3. 5L/cow/day. The uncontrolled natural mount is the only way used in the reproductive management of the properties. The current production is diversified in cattle and bubaline mixed-race (90%). In this region all the owners make use of native pastures. This region develops an extensive dairy cattle ranching, and the efficiency of the production system is limited due to inadequate sanitary, reproductive and food management, which favors low animal productivity.