Importância da avicultura na agricultura familiar, seu potencial produtivo e a necessidade de assistência técnica: um estudo realizado na cidade de Baldim – MG

Abstract

Poultry farming is a tradition in family farming and is present on many properties. This activity has acquired many technological advances, with birds of genetic potential, excellent zootechnical indexes and production efficiency, however, the development and transfer of technology has not been followed by many small poultry producers. Therefore, poultry farming in family farming, in most cases, is carried out without the adoption of any sanitary practices, management or balanced nutrition. It is worth mentioning that the poultry sector is significant in the meat market, with its production mainly in the intensive breeding system. However, society has demanded sustainable production, in which, in the production stages, the health and well-being of animals are taken into account, in addition to the quality and safety of the food and the reduction of environmental impact. Thus, a promising market was formed, in which family farming has great potential to serve consumers looking for differentiated products. Therefore, the objective of this work was to carry out a study to evaluate the social and economic impact of poultry farming on family farming and its productive potential. To this end, a survey was carried out in the city of Baldim-MG, using a questionnaire, which placed emphasis on determining the participants' level of knowledge about poultry farming in a freerange system, discovering whether the population interviewed yearns for this activity, knowing what are the preferences for country-made products, unveil the myths surrounding such activity, in addition to investigating the need to present technical knowledge to producers. After the interpretative analysis of the data obtained and describing the results, the conclusions of this work were that the raising of free-range birds is still a reality on most properties and the majority are for family subsistence, being raised in the extensive system, producing meat and eggs together. Most breeders have never received technical guidance on free-range birds. Among the research participants, even non-breeders, the majority showed interest in free-range poultry farming, are looking for healthier products and believe that free-range poultry farming can be a profitable business. Finally, for it to become a successful business it is necessary to seek specialized technical assistance, so that producers acquire knowledge on the subject and invest correctly in production.