Characterization of goats and sheep feeding management in the Western Cariri Microrregion of the State of Paraíba

Abstract

The haymaking and silage consists of the growth of fodder crops to feed the cattle in the dry season aiming reduce the food shortage. This work aimed to characterize the feeding management in goat and sheep production systems located in the semiarid region of State of Paraiba. The study was performed in 402 farms located in the counties of Serra Branca, Sumé, Amparo e São José dos Cordeiros. Were applied questionnaires, the information organized in an electronic archive and the data were analyzed using the SAS®, adopting the “MEANS E FREQ” procedure. The feed management employed by the farmers is based in the forage cactus (Opuntia spp. / Nopalea spp.) and the “algaroba” (Prosopis juliflora). The haymaking and silage must be implemented to ensure the strategic fodder storage. Public policies formulation and insertion of actors involved in this productive chain are essentials for your consolidation and the professionalization.