Spatialization of Brazilian pig production: relationship between productive, physical, environmental, and socio-economic variables

Abstract

Brazilian pig production spans over a large territory encompassing regions of different climatic and socio-economic realities. Production, physical, socio-economic, and environmental data were used to characterize pig production in the country. Multivariate analysis evaluated indices including number productivity, production levels, and income from pigs, together with the average area of pig farm and socio-economic variables such as municipal human development index, technical guidance received from agricultural cooperatives and industrial companies, number of family farms, and offtake; and finally, environmental variables: latitude, longitude, annual temperature range, solar radiation index, as well as temperature and humidity index. The Southern region has the largest herd, number of pigs sold/sow, and offtake rate (p < 0.05), followed by the Midwest and Southeast. No significant correlations were seen between production rates and productivity with the socio-economic and environmental variables in the regions of Brazil. Production indexes, productivity, and offtake rate discriminated Northeast and Midwest and Northeast and Southeast regions. The Northern region, with a large area, has few and far-between farms that rear pigs for subsistence. The Northeast region has large herds, but low productivity. Number of slaughtered pigs has been variable over the past three decades, with few states responsible for maintaining high production in Brazil. However, the activity can be effective in any region of the country with technology and technical assistance adapted to regional characteristics.

Spatial distribution of Brazilian bovine taurine breeds associated with climatic, physical and socioeconomic variables

“…Thus, the differences found in a heterogeneous environment, with climate, specific physical and socioeconomic components of each region (Lopes et al, 2012), can affect breeds' distribution. Although animal production had an important relationship with the environment, this factor was not always taken into account by farmers (Silva et al, 2017). Factors such as climate, geomorphology, management, nutrition, health, socioeconomic variables and technology must be better understood so that that production can be successful (Herrero et al, 2010;Lopes et al, 2012;McManus et al, 2014).…”

Homeopathic Products as a Complementary Dietary Additive for Pigs in their Growing and Finishing Phases

“…14 These considerations allow the use of homeopathic combinations as non-prescription therapy or as a feed additive to improve the growth performance of production animals. 15…”

“…14 These considerations allow the use of homeopathic combinations as non-prescription therapy or as a feed additive to improve the growth performance of production animals. 15 Homeopathic products have been used in pig production for the prevention of reproductive diseases, presenting positive results, such as an increase in folliculogenesis in sows, 16 with greater number of births and decreased time for a return to estrus 17 and, in males, improvement in sperm motility and vigor 48 to 72 hours after semen collec-tion. 18 HP can be used as homeoprophylaxis in the prevention of infectious disease symptoms, being reported as efficient in the prevention of intestinal diseases and in reduction of post-weaning stress in piglets from 7 to 28 days of age.…”

Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in pigs in the State of Pará, Brazil

“…In contrast, in the northern region, pig farming did not show the same technological improvement and was characterized by subsistence production (self-consumption) or as a complementary source of income through regular or sporadic marketing in local consumer markets. In the State of Pará, the expansion of cattle farming has coincided with a sharp decline in the number of pig farms, which has practically not evolved over the years, being restricted to small properties (Silva et al, 2017).…”