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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
In the region of Trás-os-Montes, in the Northeast of Portugal, the breeding of sheep is quite relevant, not only because of meat and
milk production, but also because breeders are dealing with mountainous areas or regions where agriculture is the main activity and
alternative economic activities are very scarce.
Sheep are raised in extensive systems according to traditional farming systems and flocks are small.
In this region, sheep farms don't use animal housing intensively. Generally, buildings for sheep are simple, supplying shelter and the
basic requirements to animals. Also, the utilization of equipment or machines to perform labor required by sheep production is
scarce. Frequently, the farm buildings used to handle the flock present some constraints that make the utilization of machines or
equipment difficult.
During last decade, some changes occurred in sheep farms, in the region, mainly related with handling techniques, feeding and
milking. This evolution increased the importance and utilization of buildings for animal housing. Besides, the constraints and
deficiencies in sheep housing interfere with labor and the working conditions in sheep farms.
We carried out a study, in this region, to identify the constraints and deficiencies in sheep buildings and the work and tasks
performed by sheep breeders inside these buildings. We chose four variables: building plan; inside arrangement; width of the
entrance; and the height of the walls, to analyze the functionality of these animal housing constructions.
Data collected allow us to conclude that, in this region, a large number of sheep farms continue to use very old constructions for
sheep housing; many buildings are not suitable for the mechanization of work; and inside layout in sheep housing is not adequate to
perform tasks in good conditions.
Many buildings lack facilities or equipment in order to perform work related to sheep handling activity; and the tasks for manure
removal and milking are very arduous, because these works are carried out manually.
In the region, a large number of sheep farm buildings have many constraints and deficiencies in facilities and equipment that can
affect working conditions inside these buildings.
Description
Keywords
Working conditions Animal housing Sheep housing
Citation
Barbosa, José Carlos; Fitas da Cruz, Vasco (2009) . Farm buildings and working conditions in sheep farms: actual situation in Trás-os-Montes, Portugal. In XXXIII CIOSTA CIGR V Conference 2009: Technology and management to ensure sustainable agriculture, agro systems, forestry and safety. Feo di Vito. Reggio Calabria. ISBN 978-88-7583-031-1
Publisher
Universitá degli Studi Mediterranea