Sustentabilidade na produção de leite: interferência dos processos produtivos no balanço energético e econômico em sistema intensivo

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze and the energy and economic flows from dairy cattle milk production on a farm located in Córrego Fundo, Midwest of Minas Gerais State, considering the processes commonly practiced by farmers in intensive production systems. By the way, data were collected related to consumption in hours machinery, electricity, milking time, water consumption, agricultural and veterinary products, human labor, diesel oil consumption, lubricants grease, bulky power, and all concentrated indirect energy from the machinery, equipment and infrastructure of rural buildings. Seeking to find a methodology that enables a better visualization of energy flow and their proper values, we proposed the Stream Energy Map Value (SEMV), in which all direct and indirect energy inputs used in the production of milk were shown in their respective processes. The conversion of inputs consumed in the production of milk in 2011, in energy and economic units, was performed using coefficients from the literature, and methods of machinery depreciation equipment, rural buildings and a more accurate calculation of rural labor. From the results, we can determine that the proposed SEMV can be used for best agricultural practices, considering energy and social points of view. The economic balance is key to defining the best routes to production system from the economical point of view. An economic analysis were made to verify the possible high complexity and risks for milk producers in Minas Gerais, but also proved favorable to the implementation of actions aimed at sustainability.