CARACTERIZAÇÃO DA SUINOCULTURA EM CERES-GO: PRODUÇÃO, MANEJO, ALIMENTAÇÃO E SANIDADE

Abstract

The characterization of the local pig farming may provide subsidies for the development of the activity and strategies for coping with the possible limiting factors that depend on it. Therefore, the objective was to characterize the pig farming in Ceres-GO in terms of production, management, nutrition and health. The research was developed through the electronic application of a semi-structured questionnaire among pig farmers. The participants contributed anonymously to the study, answering questions of a socioeconomic nature and related to pig farming. Data were submitted to descriptive analysis with emphasis on frequency distribution. 35 pig farmers effectively 3 participated in the research. There was predominantly male pig farmers (77.1%) aged between 49 and 64 years (60.0%), with only completed elementary school (42.9%). For 80.0% of the participants, pig farming was not listed as the main activity developed. The properties had an area of up to 10 hectares (ha) (54.3%), with a herd of up to 20 pigs (54.3%). The workforce was predominantly family (86.0%), and the pigs' diet consisted of feed associated with other types of food (60.0%). The water supplied to the pigs came mainly from artesian wells (43.0%). The walls of the facilities were built in masonry (51.0%) with a concrete floor (94.0%). Technical assistance in the creations was scarce (3.0%) and the use of drugs/vaccines was frequently verified. The presence of other cohabiting species was found in 26.0% of the properties and the animal carcasses were traditionally destined for own consumption with sale of the surplus, which when it occurred was mainly in the establishment itself. Pig farming in Ceres-GO presented a subsistence profile, being an activity that contributes to food security and diversification of family income. The absence of professional monitoring is limiting and entails health risks to public health and to pigs.