Caracterização da suinocultura da Grande Ilha do Amor

Abstract

Pig farming has socioeconomic relevance for family agriculture; however, in the Grande Ilha do Maranhão, the activity is still characterized by a low level of technification and limited technical assistance. This study aimed to characterize pig farming in the Grande Ilha do Maranhão, covering the municipalities of São Luís, São José de Ribamar, Paço do Lumiar, and Raposa, analyzing socioeconomic, structural, productive, sanitary, and marketing aspects. This is a descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative and quantitative approach, conducted between March and December 2025, involving 38 pig farmers through the application of structured questionnaires and on-site observations. The results showed a predominance of male producers (76.3%), aged between 36 and 55 years (71%), with a low level of schooling and predominant use of family labor (84.2%). The intensive production system was adopted by 100% of the producers, with predominance of the complete production cycle (86.8%). Reproduction occurs exclusively through natural mating, with absence of zootechnical control in 85.3% of the properties. Regarding feeding management, 73.7% use only feed, and 81.6% produce their own feed, with low adoption of phase-feeding diets. Biosecurity practices are limited, and 89.5% of the producers do not receive technical assistance. Marketing occurs mostly in an informal manner, with the sale of live animals to middlemen. It is concluded that pig farming in the Grande Ilha do Maranhão has productive potential; however, it requires technical assistance, modernization of management practices, and structuring of formal marketing channels