The aim of this study was to characterize the production systems and milk quality of eight milk production units (MPU) in the semiarid region of the state of Ceará, Brazil. Individual interviews were conducted through a questionnaire on the characteristics of the properties and production systems. Samples of milk and water were collected for a period of 12 months. Four MPUs were classified as semi-specialized and four as non-specialized. No differences were observed in milk composition between the two production systems, and both showed protein, fat, and solids-not-fat levels. Differences were observed for somatic cell count. The semi-specialized systems showed an average somatic cell and total bacterial count which is above the limit established by the 62nd Normative Instruction. All water samples showed presence of Escherichia coli. Somatic cell count was positively correlated (fat) and negatively (lactose). For total bacterial count, correlations were negative for fat, total solids, and somatic cell count. The microbiological quality of milk is not in accordance with the 62st and 7th Normative Instructions. The specialization of the production systems did not result in improved microbiological aspects of milk.

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Resumo: Objetivou-se determinar as perdas econômicas decorrentes da Artrite-Encefalite Caprina, em parâmetros físico-químicos e de CCS do leite de cabras mestiças, criadas sob as condições ambientais do semiárido Cearense. A avaliação foi conduzida na Fazenda Experimental-Santa Rita, pertencente à Embrapa Caprinos e Ovinos, em Sobral, CE. Foram utilizadas 40 cabras ½ Anglo-Nubiana x ½ Saanen. A produção leiteira foi verificada através de pesagens diárias durante 210 dias, e neste período, os parâmetros físicoquímicos e de CCS foram mensurados a cada 28 dias. Foram calculadas as receitas com a venda de leite dos diferentes grupos, considerando-se a diferenciação de preço por qualidade. Observou-se que a CAE acarreta perdas econômicas significativas na receita da produção leiteira de cabras mestiças criadas nas condições ambientais do semiárido Cearense. Em virtude da pequena margem de lucro na produção de leite de cabra, estas perdas podem comprometer a rentabilidade da atividade.

This study compares both versions of the nutritional requirement system determined by the National Research Council (NRC) version 1985 (NRC85) and NRC version 2007 (NRC07), for finishing lambs in feedlots. Nineteen crossbred lambs were divided in four groups representing four experimental treatments: one diet according to NRC85 and three diets according to NRC07. The diets recommended by NRC07 considers crude protein intake relative to ruminal undegradable protein at 20, 40, and 60 % levels (NRC07/20, NRC07/40, and NRC07/60). Diets were composed of Brazilian semi-arid native grass silage, soybean meal, corn, annatto byproduct, and limestone. Purchases and sales of lambs were done according to average market prices in Brazil. The economic indicators considered pointed that all treatments were viable but NRC07/20 and NRC07/60 were more profitable with similar net present values (NPVs) and internal return rates (IRRs). NRC07/20 was the best option showing an IRR of 17.20 % and a payback period (PP) of 5.07 considering a fixed annual interest rate of 6 %. Sensitivity analysis considering a 10 % raise in variable costs showed negative NPVs, IRRs inferior to the opportunity cost rates adopted and PPs that exceeded the planning horizon of 7 years for both NRC85 and NRC07/40.

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