<b>Characterization of the bovine milk production systems in the Cariri region of the Paraíba State</b> - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v32i3.7123

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the production systems of bovine milk in the Cariri region of Paraíba State using cluster and main component analyses. Information on milk producers (n=100) from the towns of Caturité and Barra de Santana were collected by means of a questionnaire comprised by five groups of quantitative variables, totlaing 16 questions. The first four main components explained 75.56% of the total variation. The existence of three groups with regard to studied variables was verified. Groups I, II and III were comprised by 9, 28 and 63 producers, respectively. Most of the farms in Group I are located in Caturité. The type of soil and water supply conditions make milk production more feasible in that town. Such factors, together with the proximity with the Cooperative’s headquarters, have provided better conditions for milk production in that area when compared to Barra de Santana, in which farms were clustered in Group III. Information raised in this study indicated the existence of three systems of milk production the Cariri of Paraíba, which will facilitate the implementation of specific actions in accordance with the demands presented by each of the systems.