Perfil da evolução do rebanho efetivo da ovinocaprinocultura no sertão de Alagoas

Abstract

Sheep and goats arrived in Brazil with Portuguese sailors in the colonial period as a source of food for navigation crews. Over the years, they were created and genetically improved to have the animals we have today. Sheep and goat farming has its majority concentrated in the Northeast, with Bahia having the largest herd in Brazil. Alagoas has favorable climatic and geographical characteristics for raising sheep and goats. The main breeds of sheep and goats raised in the state include the Santa Inês, Dorper, Boer and Anglo Nubiana. Sheep and goat farming is a versatile activity that offers diverse business opportunities. In the forest zone of Alagoas, sheep and goat farming is less common compared to the hinterland areas, where pasture and climate conditions are more suitable for this activity. However, it is still possible to find sheep and goat breeders in this region, but on a smaller scale. Alagoas has the majority of its herds located in the semi-arid region of the state, known as backwoods. Where there is stability in the number of animals, for 10 (ten) years the herd in the hinterland of Alagoas remained firm in growth, having two moments of declines caused by environmental situations, but there were two moments of recovery and a significant increase in the number of animals. Animal heads, thanks to research, government programs, prices and the market.