Technological characterization of sheep production systems inBrazil

Abstract

Sheep production has expanded in Brazil focusing on lamb meat, mostly to meet demanding internal markets in the state of São Paulo. Such markets present a demand which internal production is insufficient to meet. However, sheep farmers face many technical difficulties to produce quality lambs at viable costs. This study aimed at investigating the main characteristics of sheep production systems of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, in order to provide resources for the development of technologies, policies and other initiatives focused on the activity. We designed in panel meetings the characteristics of representative sheep farms in five regions of the state, concerning: (i) property and manpower profile; (ii) flock; (iii) handling techniques; (iv) facilities and equipment; (v) food production; and (vi) technical indicators. Results demonstrate that the predominant sheep farming in the state employs low technology, presenting low productivity despite its evolution in recent years. We verified great technical deficiency regarding farmers, who are new in this business and usually do not have access to technologies. Producers' unawareness about basic handling procedures and techniques as well as their lack of flock records can contribute to the activity's unsustainability. There is need for improving rural extension and diffusion of technologies.

Characterization of the sheep industry in the medium northern region of Mato Grosso, Brazil

“…The predominance of small flocks is associated with the fact that in most farms production was destined for familiar consumption only. Moreover, sheep farming was often considered a secondary economic activity, which can be a determinant factor for low levels of investment, as identified by Raineri et al (2015) in São Paulo State. However, the economic potential of sheep husbandry has been previously demonstrated in the State of Minas Gerais, where it is the main business for 44.5% of the farmers (Almeida et al 2010).…”

Perfil agronômico das propriedades olerícolas de agricultores familiares de Lavras e microrregião, Minas Gerais

“…Quando questionados sobre as informações presentes nas bulas dos produtos fitossanitários como princípio ativo, grupos químicos, classe e período de carência, 85% dos produtores rurais responderam de forma clara o significado de cada termo, e 15% responderam de forma quase correta, trocando apenas algum termo técnico, alegando ter aprendido em cursos, nas bulas dos produtos, em informes técnicos ou com familiares. Research, Society andDevelopment, v. 9, n. 10, e269108312, 2020 (CC BY 4.0) | ISSN 2525-3409 | DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v9i10.8312 Segundo Raineri et al (2015), tem surgido um novo perfil de produtor rural, em função de os mesmos residirem próximos ou dentro de áreas urbanas, apresentando maior acesso a escolas, faculdades, cursos técnicos e internet, o que permite ampliar seus conhecimentos técnicos e a incorporação de tecnologias em suas propriedades, possibilitando aprimorar seu trabalho no campo.…”

Caracterización productiva y socioeconómica del sistema de producción ovina, en un área natural protegida de México

“…El cuestionario tuvo tres apartados, i) ganadería que rescató el número de animales, alimentación y pastoreo, reproducción, sanidad y prácticas técnicas, ii) actividad agrícola, identificó el número de cultivos, superficie cultivada y maquinaria, iii) características socioeconómicas, se preguntó por edad y nivel de estudios del jefe de familia, fuentes de ingreso, participación de la familia, experiencia y capacitación. Los productores no tuvieron registros de información técnica y económica, lo que es una situación común en los sistemas de producción familiar (7,14,15) . Por esto, la información recabada se complementó con observaciones directas a través de visitas a las unidades de producción y además se realizaron 40 entrevistas a profundidad a los pastores, durante sus recorridos de pastoreo.…”

“…Este hallazgo sugiere que la dimensión de los rebaños se autorregula y la carga animal se mantiene estable, lo que puede conducir a mejorar la productividad del rebaño, sin aumentar su dimensión (15) , mediante la aplicación de prácticas técnicas de manejo reproductivo y tratamientos sanitarios. Respecto a la comercialización de lana, alrededor del 20 % de los productores trasquilan sus borregos, pero desechan el producto debido "a su precio bajo" ($1.00/Kg), por lo que el mercado limita el desarrollo de este sistema (14) .…”