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Technological characterization of sheep production systems in B razil
Author(s) -
Raineri Camila,
Nunes Bruno César Prosdocimi,
Gameiro Augusto Hauber
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
animal science journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.606
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1740-0929
pISSN - 1344-3941
DOI - 10.1111/asj.12313
Subject(s) - flock , production (economics) , productivity , business , agricultural science , quality (philosophy) , agriculture , order (exchange) , microbiology and biotechnology , emerging technologies , industrial organization , computer science , economics , biology , economic growth , finance , paleontology , philosophy , epistemology , artificial intelligence , macroeconomics , ecology
Abstract Sheep production has expanded in B razil focusing on lamb meat, mostly to meet demanding internal markets in the state of S ão P aulo. 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 S ão P aulo, B razil, 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.