Systems goat and sheep production in the coast sub region eastern of Lake Maracaibo

Abstract

To characterize systems goats and sheep production in the Eastern Coast of Lake Maracaibo, a methodology of participatory action research in agricultural communities in the municipality Simón Bolívar was applied. Zone leaders were consulted, the Zuliano Team of Breeders Goats and Sheep, an instrument was applied to 60 producers. The COLM subregion’s oil region, however, rooted in traditional agricultural activity persists. In the municipality Miranda exists a population of 16,137 goats and 7,526 sheep, in Quisiro 30 producers with 2,250 acres were analyzed, in addition to 1,300 goats and 675 sheep. In Los Cilantrillos and La Esperanza 30 producers with 320 hectares, 375 goats and 430 sheep were studied, occupying 1% of the regional total, which is important for the persistence and interest of producers despite the difficulties arising from oil exploitation . The family group shown participatory in herd management, 88.3% of farmers use extensive grazing, there are family tradition, knowledge management herds through each generation, 56.7% are enrolled in the Mission Agro-Venezuela, races are mainly nubian goat, Alpine, Creole, as to sheep, Persian, mestizo or Creole, producers work more than 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, 56.7% produce goat cheese in farm gate for local markets. It is recommended to continue studies and participatory analysis for the overall improvement of the productive system.