Etnozootecnia da raça ovina morada nova em seu centro de origem : história, critérios de seleção e sistema de produção

Abstract

The objective was to carry out an ethnozootechnical study of the Morada Nova sheep breed and its crossbreed in the center of origin of the breed, Morada Nova municipality, Ceará state, Brazil regarding the historical process of breed formation, analyze the local selection criteria adopted by the servants as well as characterize the production system in which these animals are inserted. The data used to define the criteria for selection and characterization of the production system were obtained from interviews with breeders of Morada Nova sheep (n = 13) and breeders of the crossbreed Morada Nova (n = 48) (MMN). The investigation of the Morada Nova breed formation process was carried out based on the revision of bibliographies and historical documents and, through oral history based on the testimonies of the "local experts" (n = 5) and by important people in this process. The interviews were recorded and later transcribed. A the transcripts data were submitted to content analysis, the most significant and relevant aspects of the interviews were highlighted. In addition, some of the data were submitted to descriptive, univariate and multivariate statistics. Through this study, one can notice the historical trajectory of the Morada Nova breed over the years, from Octavio Domingues' first reports to the latest events and how important it is in his center of origin. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining this genetic treasure over the next generations. Regarding the selection criteria adopted, it was observed that breeders of the NMR group used selection criteria related to the breed pattern, such as coat color. In contrast, the breeders of the MMN group use criteria related to productivity in the selection of animals, such as body shape and milk production. The extensive system was characterized as the most usual among the groups of evaluated breeders. The basis of animal feeding is the Caatinga resources and supplementation (maize and sorghum silage) in times of low food availability. The diversified management system (animals + cultivation) is the most used by breeders. In general, both the pure-breed breeders and breeders of Morada Nova breed crossbred animals adopt many similar management measures. This information may be useful in defining sustainable development programs for the Morada Nova breed in the region. In order to minimize errors in conservation breeding programs it is important to involve breeders considering the existing breeding practices, preferences and multiple roles of animals evaluated.