Social profiles at familiar goat breeding of Brazilian Northeast State of Piauí revealed by the survey of local goat breeders

Abstract

The small animal production is usually a food security measure for the Brazilian semi-arid zone. In this sense, this study aims  to access the socioeconomic homogeneity dimension, using the presence of local origin goats as an associative indicator, in the state of Piauí, Brazil. We conducted an active search for Nambi goats (a popular local type) assigning those goats with flexible cartilage smaller than 8.0 cm and collected samples through five regions. A structured interview, focused on the Nambi breeders, totalizing 56 interviews. Cross-tabulation of data with independent occurrence between variables was tested by Person chi-square analysis. The presence of Nambi goats enabled a social diagnosis of family goat farming in two structured groups: (1)  agricultural sector as the only economic activity to support the family, making up 55% of establishments; (2) agricultural sector and other main activity not related to the rural, corresponding to 45% of establishments. Profile (1) had less school education, less use of temporary workers, and more difficulties with infrastructure (electricity/water) compared to profile (2). Technical, profile, (1) showed greater dependence on native pasture, pointing out the field tradition as the main advantage of goat farming. There was no difference between the profiles regarding the area of land dedicated to the activity and the size of the herd. In the technical part, there was no difference regarding the main animal production practices. However, the use of supplementation (grains) feed and cultivated pastures was superior in the profile (2). The main advantage of the activity for profile (2) was economic security. In conclusion, we found evidence of two social profiles in family goat farming in the semi-arid region of Piauí.