Characterization of beef cattle farming and the perspective for implementation of traceability

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to characterize the beef cattle farming profile in the State of Piauí for inference about the zootechnical record of animals for insertion into a traceability system. Data were collected through a semi-structured multiple choice questionnaire applied to 400 cattle breeders in all microregions of the state, in May and November 2012. The questions contained the following indicators: profile of the property and the breeder, herd conditions and technical conditions on herd registration. The cattle-raising scenario is predominantly characterized by family activity, with the majority of producers over 50 years of age, who are without great prospects for technological innovation, inserted in an environment where human resource renewal faces difficulties. Data analysis verified the prevalence of herds with up to 50 cattle farmed on properties with up to 50 ha, without individual identification of the animals. These results, coupled with the fact that the cattle breeders are technically unaware of the importance of the zootechnical record and the traceability, indicate the low probability of the activity to be inserted in a computerized environment.

摘要：本研究旨在刻画巴西皮奥伊州（State of Piauí）的肉牛养殖概况，以推导可纳入溯源系统（traceability system）的牲畜畜牧技术记录（zootechnical record）。研究于2012年5月及11月，面向该州所有微区域内的400名肉牛养殖户开展半结构化多项选择问卷调查，以此采集数据。问卷涵盖以下指标：养殖户与养殖场地概况、畜群现状及畜群登记相关技术条件。当前肉牛养殖场景以家庭式经营为主导，多数养殖户年龄超过50岁，缺乏技术革新的可观前景，且所处环境面临人力资源更新困难的问题。数据分析结果证实，当地普遍存在养殖规模不超过50头肉牛、养殖场地面积不超过50公顷且未对牲畜进行个体标识的养殖模式。结合养殖户普遍缺乏畜牧技术记录与溯源系统重要性相关专业认知这一现状，上述结果表明该养殖活动接入计算机化管理环境的概率较低。