Factors influencing milk production on small farms in Alegre, Espírito Santo: a multivariate analysis

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify the factors influencing milk production in Alegre, a municipality in the Caparaó region of Espírito Santo, from May 2023 and May 2024. Data from 30 farms were collected through questionnaires addressing demographic characteristics, management practices, and milk production specifics. Descriptive statistics and principal component analysis (PCA) identified key determinants of productivity. The findings revealed that most farms were small-scale (86.66%) and primarily relied on family labor (76.67%), with only 43% receiving technical assistance. The average herd size was 49.6 ± 35.5 animals, 32% of which were lactating cows, producing an average 6.9 ± 6.1 liters of milk per day. Productivity showed significant variability, influenced by management practices such as feed utilization and rotational grazing systems. The study concluded that dairy farming in Alegre, ES, exhibits considerable productivity differences due to diverse management approaches and the predominance of family labor. Strategies such as improved forage management, the adoption of rotational grazing systems, and targeted feed supplementation hold potential to enhance productivity. Nonetheless, challenges like dependence on family labor and limited disease management continue to restrict productivity, highlighting the need for expanded technical assistance and modernization efforts.