Characterization of dairy farms in a family-farm system in the municipality of Senador Guiomard, Acre State, Western Amazon

• Published in: Brazilian journal of veterinary research and animal science Vol. 60; p. e202942
• Main Authors: Linhares, Luane Pereira, Reis, Eduardo Mitke Brandão, Lopes, Marcos Aurélio, Nobile, Camilla Birenbaum, Oliveira, Antonia Valcemira Domingos de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universidade de São Paulo 06.09.2023
• Subjects: Gross income from the activity; Lactating cows; Production system; Productivity
• ISSN: 1413-9596; 1678-4456
• DOI: 10.11606/issn.1678-4456.bjvras.2023.202942

National dairy production is characterized by significant heterogeneity in production techniques and herd and farmer profiles. Our objective was to characterize 18 dairy farms under family farming in Senador Guiomard, Acre State, from January to December 2019. Data were gathered through 255 question semi-structured forms applied to farmers in monthly visits. The data were then stored in Excel® spreadsheets and subjected to descriptive statistics. A joint analysis showed the following characteristics: farmers with low schooling level (89%); farmers of advanced age (61%); nonadoption of good dairy practices (100%); inadequate milk transport (72%); adequate brucellosis vaccination (100%); non specialized herds (40%); pasture production system (100%); low productivity per area (873 L/ha/year) and per cow (4.0 liters/cow/day); low number of lactating cows (53%); and gross milk income (29,466.65 R$/year) representing 69% of the total gross income. The region studied has positive factors such as market guarantees, proximity to large market centers, reasonable land prices, suitable climate, ease of credit, rural education, and technical assistance. Overall, the farms are managed under a traditional production system, with low use of technology and unsatisfactory zootechnical indexes. However, the region has favorable conditions for dairy farming development.