Panorama da produção de leite de búfala (bubalus bubalis) no municípiode Vitória do Mearim-MA

Abstract

Bubalinoculture is a livestock activity that has been growing in recent decades throughout Brazil. All products generated in the activity are used, however, milk is the one that generates the most interest from producers due to its growing demand and in natura valorization along

with its by-products. In Maranhão the largest herd of buffaloes is concentrated in the micro- region of Baixada Maranhense and, for the most part, raised in swampy fields. This research

aimed to conduct a survey of data on dairy bubalinoculture in the municipality of Vitória do Mearim, state of Maranhão. Primary and secondary data were used, and to obtain the primary data, semi-structured questionnaires were applied in eight productive establishments dedicated to the breeding of buffaloes. The secondary data were obtained through the bibliographic review on the subject, data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), State Agency for Agricultural Defense of Maranhão (AGED) and Secretary of Agriculture of the Municipality. The use for dairy bubaline activity from 35 to 80% of the total. 38% of producers use extensive breeding system and only 62% define as semi-intensive. The predominant breeding system in the region is extensive. A total of 100% of the properties do not administer such feeding practice to their herd. 100% of the producers are men. Their schooling varies between incomplete elementary and complete higher education. 100% of producers are men. Having their schooling ranging from incomplete elementary school to complete higher education. The main breed destined for dairy production in the municipality of Vitória do Mearim is the Murrah, with crossbreeding and 35% of the herd crossbreeds. Considering that property A makes use of mechanized milking, covered stables, corrals with water at will for lactating matrices, unlike the other properties that use open-air corrals. All producers carry out production through natural mating. the monthly expenses with the total production of the property with the activity vary from 800 to 1 thousand reais. Of the eight producers, only four make milk processing in the making of cheeses, curds and milk sweets.