Understanding the dairy production systems in rural settlements in the Brazilian semi-arid region: characterization, typology, and holistic perception

The objective of this study was to characterize and typify dairy farms and to evaluate society ’s perception of dairy production in rural settlements in the Brazilian semi-arid region. A questionnaire containing questions related to socioeconomic, livestock, physical, herd management, and production indicators was applied to 17 milk farmers for typological analysis. A second questionnaire w as subsequently applied to the same 17 farmers for the holistic perception of dairy farming in rural settlements, in addition to 47 technicians in the area of animal science and 140 laypeople. Milk samples were collected in the settlement’s community cooling tank, while the water used for milking management was collected in the milking parlor at the 17 farms. Multivariate analysis techniques and thematic analysis were performed. Three dairy production systems were identified: low production group (0–25 L), medium production group (25–50 L), and high production group (50–100 L). The phy sicochemical properties (composition, density, and cryoscopy) of milk attended the Brazilian regulation values. The microbiological parameters of milk and water used for milking are at odds with regulations. Regarding the typology, the indicators, livestock, and productivity showed discriminatory po wer (P <  0.05) between the productive systems. The responses from the segments of society showed different views on dairy production in rural settlements. It is concluded that the dairy farmers ...
Source: Tropical Animal Health and Production - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research