Small Ruminant Production in Sertao of Ceara, Brazil: A Sociological Analysis

摘要

Twenty-nine producers in the State of Ceara were interviewed about the relative importance of small ruminant production. The land configuration of some farms acts as a constraint on livestock production. Sheep were produced in farms of all sizes and were more numerous than goats, which tended to be absent in the smaller farms. The major deterrant against goat production is the need to supervise or fence the animals. Livestock production tended to be strongly integrated with crop production. Producers relied more heavily on their small ruminants in the dry seasons and during drought years. Sheep are produced more for market sale while goats are used primarily for home consumption. Lack of water is regarded as the major constraint on small ruminant production.