Produção e comercialização de carne bovina em abatedouro frigorífico sob regime de inspeção municipal, São Luís-MA

Abstract

Beef cattle production plays a fundamental role in the Brazilian economy, standing out for its expressive production and commercialization of beef. In the state of Maranhão, this activity has regional relevance, with strong dependence on extensive production systems and the operation of slaughterhouses supervised by the Municipal Inspection Service (SIM), which are responsible for supplying the local market. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the beef production process and the commercialization structure in a slaughterhouse under municipal inspection in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. The research was characterized as descriptive, observational, and quantitative, carried out through on-site monitoring of the slaughter routine from October 22 to November 14, 2025. The slaughtering stages, the profile and origin of slaughtered animals, hot carcass weights, and commercialization models adopted by the agents involved in the production chain were evaluated. During the study period, 717 cattle were slaughtered, with a predominance of females, mainly heifers and cull cows, originating from different municipalities in Maranhão, especially from the Médio Mearim region. Hot carcass weights ranged from 170 to 300 kg, with an average of approximately 235 kg, resulting in an estimated production of 168.5 tons of beef. Commercialization mainly occurred as whole carcasses, forequarters, and hindquarters, with price differences associated with anatomical and functional characteristics of the carcass. It is concluded that the studied slaughterhouse plays a strategic role in local food supply and food safety; however, logistical, structural, and productive challenges remain, highlighting the need for improvements to increase efficiency and sustainability in the beef production chain.