Characterization of bovine milk production systems in the Serrinha region, Bahia

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the dairy production systems in the region of Serrinha through the application of a semi-structured electronic questionnaire (via the Google Forms platform) to 29 milk producers in that region. The questionnaire addressed issues related to the profile of the producer, the dairy production system, sanitary practices adopted, and problems faced in the dairy activity, among other relevant issues to aid in the knowledge of the dairy activity. According to the results obtained, it was possible to observe that the producers are considered young, with an average age of 43 years, and that the number of producers with a higher level of education contrasted with some analyzed studies revealing that the producers in the region under study had a higher level of education. The employment of family labor was representative among the interviewees, revealing its importance for this segment. The manual milking system predominated among respondents due to the low volume of milk produced in the communities. A worrying situation is that the number of producers who do not perform diagnostic tests for mastitis can be considered high. Most of the producers interviewed carry out the sanitary control of the herd, applying the necessary vaccines, but they have little significant knowledge of the legislation that regulates milk production. Although the region under study presents a vast possibility of development, adjustments in the productive sector are necessary with a view to improving quality and increase in milk productivity. The information obtained during the study is of great relevance because it allows a greater knowledge of the local reality, regarding dairy production, contributing to the improvement of that activity in the study region.