A pecuária no sertão de Alagoas: reconfigurações nas dinâmicas produtivas da bovinocultura

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the configuration of livestock in the Território da Bacia Leiteirain Alagoas, establishing a relationship between the process of expansion of this activity in the territory and the recent dynamics of cattle farming carried out by family farming. The methodology was based on bibliographic research, statistical data analysis and field research. The results show that there is a trend of transformations in the breeding practices that translate into a predilection for dairyfarming, to the detriment of beef cattle, which was predominant until the first half of the 20th century. It is also noted that although this activity has been historically grounded in the constitution of large estates, the raising of cattle was graduallyincorporated by small production units. The challenges facing the maintenance of these practices assume the adoption of strategies that optimize livestock activities in family farming establishments and reduce the impacts of climatic excesses on the economic depreciation of agriculture.