Studies were conducted to determine basic aspects of intake and digestion of native pastures by young sheep in the Falkland Islands, and to evaluate practical methods to improve the productivity of these animals. The studies were conducted in support of Industry and Government initiatives to reinvigorate Falklands’ agriculture. The current industry is based on broad diameter wools harvested from sheep grazing poor quality native pastures, and sheep suffer low growth rates, poor productivity and high mortality, and farmers rely on small flocks to produce a single commodity for their total income. The dramatic collapse of wool markets in the 1980’s crippled the Falklands’ wool industry and farmers have relied heavily on subsidies for more than 12 years. The studies in this thesis were initiated to support the efforts to reinvigorate Falklands’ agriculture, and they examined basic aspects of the nutrition provided to sheep by native pastures and evaluated practical methods to improve the survival of sheep, their subsequent rate of growth and productive value to the economy. Five studies examined specific hypotheses posed at the outset of the research programme and they were broadly supported by the data presented in the thesis: · A wether trial was used to benchmark the productivity of wool sheep in the Islands, and the trial demonstrated that substantial genetic variation exists within the national flock that may be exploited in the future to improve the productivity of the wool industry, · Microhistological techniques were used in conjunction with n-alkane marker technology to investigate the diets consumed by sheep grazing native pastures. The diet studies concluded that the low quality of native pasture in the Falklands during autumn, winter and spring restricts growth and productivity of young sheep, · Studies with weaner sheep treated with controlled release anthelmintics established that infection with gastrointestinal nematodes exacerbates poor nutrition of young sheep consuming native pastures, · A short-term metabolism study demonstrated that native pasture hay fortified with molasses and urea, or winter forage crops may be used as supplements to enhance sheep productivity, and · Forage crops were grown and evaluated under Falklands’ conditions, and when lambs were fed the resulting highly productive and nutritious forages, the study demonstrated that lamb growth can be increased significantly, and lamb carcasses offer local farmers the potential to diversify farm income by using existing Falklands’-bred lambs to develop an export meat industry The data presented in this thesis demonstrate that the potential to improve the productive and financial position of Falklands’ farmers is substantial. If both the local Industry and Government maintain their joint commitment to industry-restructure, pastoral development and enterprise diversification, the Falklands’ agricultural economy stands to benefit considerably by adopting low risk solutions to address widespread problems.

Studies were conducted to determine basic aspects of intake and digestion of native pastures by young sheep in the Falkland Islands, and to evaluate practical methods to improve the productivity of these animals. The studies were conducted in support of Industry and Government initiatives to reinvigorate Falklands’ agriculture. The current industry is based on broad diameter wools harvested from sheep grazing poor quality native pastures, and sheep suffer low growth rates, poor productivity and high mortality, and farmers rely on small flocks to produce a single commodity for their total income. The dramatic collapse of wool markets in the 1980’s crippled the Falklands’ wool industry and farmers have relied heavily on subsidies for more than 12 years. The studies in this thesis were initiated to support the efforts to reinvigorate Falklands’ agriculture, and they examined basic aspects of the nutrition provided to sheep by native pastures and evaluated practical methods to improve the survival of sheep, their subsequent rate of growth and productive value to the economy. Five studies examined specific hypotheses posed at the outset of the research programme and they were broadly supported by the data presented in the thesis: · A wether trial was used to benchmark the productivity of wool sheep in the Islands, and the trial demonstrated that substantial genetic variation exists within the national flock that may be exploited in the future to improve the productivity of the wool industry, · Microhistological techniques were used in conjunction with n-alkane marker technology to investigate the diets consumed by sheep grazing native pastures. The diet studies concluded that the low quality of native pasture in the Falklands during autumn, winter and spring restricts growth and productivity of young sheep, · Studies with weaner sheep treated with controlled release anthelmintics established that infection with gastrointestinal nematodes exacerbates poor nutrition of young sheep consuming native pastures, · A short-term metabolism study demonstrated that native pasture hay fortified with molasses and urea, or winter forage crops may be used as supplements to enhance sheep productivity, and · Forage crops were grown and evaluated under Falklands’ conditions, and when lambs were fed the resulting highly productive and nutritious forages, the study demonstrated that lamb growth can be increased significantly, and lamb carcasses offer local farmers the potential to diversify farm income by using existing Falklands’-bred lambs to develop an export meat industry The data presented in this thesis demonstrate that the potential to improve the productive and financial position of Falklands’ farmers is substantial. If both the local Industry and Government maintain their joint commitment to industry-restructure, pastoral development and enterprise diversification, the Falklands’ agricultural economy stands to benefit considerably by adopting low risk solutions to address widespread problems.

Studies were conducted to determine basic aspects of intake and digestion of native pastures by young sheep in the Falkland Islands, and to evaluate practical methods to improve the productivity of these animals. The studies were conducted in support of Industry and Government initiatives to reinvigorate Falklands’ agriculture. The current industry is based on broad diameter wools harvested from sheep grazing poor quality native pastures, and sheep suffer low growth rates, poor productivity and high mortality, and farmers rely on small flocks to produce a single commodity for their total income. The dramatic collapse of wool markets in the 1980’s crippled the Falklands’ wool industry and farmers have relied heavily on subsidies for more than 12 years. The studies in this thesis were initiated to support the efforts to reinvigorate Falklands’ agriculture, and they examined basic aspects of the nutrition provided to sheep by native pastures and evaluated practical methods to improve the survival of sheep, their subsequent rate of growth and productive value to the economy. Five studies examined specific hypotheses posed at the outset of the research programme and they were broadly supported by the data presented in the thesis: · A wether trial was used to benchmark the productivity of wool sheep in the Islands, and the trial demonstrated that substantial genetic variation exists within the national flock that may be exploited in the future to improve the productivity of the wool industry, · Microhistological techniques were used in conjunction with n-alkane marker technology to investigate the diets consumed by sheep grazing native pastures. The diet studies concluded that the low quality of native pasture in the Falklands during autumn, winter and spring restricts growth and productivity of young sheep, · Studies with weaner sheep treated with controlled release anthelmintics established that infection with gastrointestinal nematodes exacerbates poor nutrition of young sheep consuming native pastures, · A short-term metabolism study demonstrated that native pasture hay fortified with molasses and urea, or winter forage crops may be used as supplements to enhance sheep productivity, and · Forage crops were grown and evaluated under Falklands’ conditions, and when lambs were fed the resulting highly productive and nutritious forages, the study demonstrated that lamb growth can be increased significantly, and lamb carcasses offer local farmers the potential to diversify farm income by using existing Falklands’-bred lambs to develop an export meat industry The data presented in this thesis demonstrate that the potential to improve the productive and financial position of Falklands’ farmers is substantial. If both the local Industry and Government maintain their joint commitment to industry-restructure, pastoral development and enterprise diversification, the Falklands’ agricultural economy stands to benefit considerably by adopting low risk solutions to address widespread problems.

Studies were conducted to determine basic aspects of intake and digestion of native pastures by young sheep in the Falkland Islands, and to evaluate practical methods to improve the productivity of these animals. The studies were conducted in support of Industry and Government initiatives to reinvigorate Falklands’ agriculture. The current industry is based on broad diameter wools harvested from sheep grazing poor quality native pastures, and sheep suffer low growth rates, poor productivity and high mortality, and farmers rely on small flocks to produce a single commodity for their total income. The dramatic collapse of wool markets in the 1980’s crippled the Falklands’ wool industry and farmers have relied heavily on subsidies for more than 12 years. The studies in this thesis were initiated to support the efforts to reinvigorate Falklands’ agriculture, and they examined basic aspects of the nutrition provided to sheep by native pastures and evaluated practical methods to improve the survival of sheep, their subsequent rate of growth and productive value to the economy. Five studies examined specific hypotheses posed at the outset of the research programme and they were broadly supported by the data presented in the thesis: · A wether trial was used to benchmark the productivity of wool sheep in the Islands, and the trial demonstrated that substantial genetic variation exists within the national flock that may be exploited in the future to improve the productivity of the wool industry, · Microhistological techniques were used in conjunction with n-alkane marker technology to investigate the diets consumed by sheep grazing native pastures. The diet studies concluded that the low quality of native pasture in the Falklands during autumn, winter and spring restricts growth and productivity of young sheep, · Studies with weaner sheep treated with controlled release anthelmintics established that infection with gastrointestinal nematodes exacerbates poor nutrition of young sheep consuming native pastures, · A short-term metabolism study demonstrated that native pasture hay fortified with molasses and urea, or winter forage crops may be used as supplements to enhance sheep productivity, and · Forage crops were grown and evaluated under Falklands’ conditions, and when lambs were fed the resulting highly productive and nutritious forages, the study demonstrated that lamb growth can be increased significantly, and lamb carcasses offer local farmers the potential to diversify farm income by using existing Falklands’-bred lambs to develop an export meat industry The data presented in this thesis demonstrate that the potential to improve the productive and financial position of Falklands’ farmers is substantial. If both the local Industry and Government maintain their joint commitment to industry-restructure, pastoral development and enterprise diversification, the Falklands’ agricultural economy stands to benefit considerably by adopting low risk solutions to address widespread problems.

Studies were conducted to determine basic aspects of intake and digestion of native pastures by young sheep in the Falkland Islands, and to evaluate practical methods to improve the productivity of these animals. The studies were conducted in support of Industry and Government initiatives to reinvigorate Falklands’ agriculture. The current industry is based on broad diameter wools harvested from sheep grazing poor quality native pastures, and sheep suffer low growth rates, poor productivity and high mortality, and farmers rely on small flocks to produce a single commodity for their total income. The dramatic collapse of wool markets in the 1980’s crippled the Falklands’ wool industry and farmers have relied heavily on subsidies for more than 12 years. The studies in this thesis were initiated to support the efforts to reinvigorate Falklands’ agriculture, and they examined basic aspects of the nutrition provided to sheep by native pastures and evaluated practical methods to improve the survival of sheep, their subsequent rate of growth and productive value to the economy. Five studies examined specific hypotheses posed at the outset of the research programme and they were broadly supported by the data presented in the thesis: · A wether trial was used to benchmark the productivity of wool sheep in the Islands, and the trial demonstrated that substantial genetic variation exists within the national flock that may be exploited in the future to improve the productivity of the wool industry, · Microhistological techniques were used in conjunction with n-alkane marker technology to investigate the diets consumed by sheep grazing native pastures. The diet studies concluded that the low quality of native pasture in the Falklands during autumn, winter and spring restricts growth and productivity of young sheep, · Studies with weaner sheep treated with controlled release anthelmintics established that infection with gastrointestinal nematodes exacerbates poor nutrition of young sheep consuming native pastures, · A short-term metabolism study demonstrated that native pasture hay fortified with molasses and urea, or winter forage crops may be used as supplements to enhance sheep productivity, and · Forage crops were grown and evaluated under Falklands’ conditions, and when lambs were fed the resulting highly productive and nutritious forages, the study demonstrated that lamb growth can be increased significantly, and lamb carcasses offer local farmers the potential to diversify farm income by using existing Falklands’-bred lambs to develop an export meat industry The data presented in this thesis demonstrate that the potential to improve the productive and financial position of Falklands’ farmers is substantial. If both the local Industry and Government maintain their joint commitment to industry-restructure, pastoral development and enterprise diversification, the Falklands’ agricultural economy stands to benefit considerably by adopting low risk solutions to address widespread problems.

Esta tese objetiva investigar a gestão local e as características significativas do desenvolvimento rural em comunidades de pecuaristas familiares nos municípios de São Jerônimo, Butiá e arredores, região Centro Sul do RS. Nesta tese, as dinâmicas do desenvolvimento rural na pecuária familiar são compreendidas como movimentos de transição ou contracorrente à marcha de consolidação e aprofundamento da agricultura convencional assentada em parâmetros do paradigma técnico-científico moderno. Na realidade estudada os pecuaristas familiares foram elevados da posição de marginalizados e periféricos à condição de segmento central na rede rural de desenvolvimento, reavaliados pela sua importância social, ambiental e econômica na relação que estabelecem com a sociedade local e regional, e com os ecossistemas campestres riograndenses, atualmente fortemente impactados por processos de degradação. Entendendo o DR como um movimento transicional e contracorrente esta tese utiliza componentes analítico-metodológicos fornecidos pela Perspectiva Multinível-PMN, em especial a ferramenta Gestão Estratégica de Nicho-GEN, e os elementos para pensar o desenvolvimento rural contemporâneo, tais como o seu caráter multinível, a noção de rede rural multidimensional, a multifuncionalidade da agricultura e o papel dos agricultores camponeses. Os procedimentos metodológicos são realizados através de revisão bibliográfica, coleta de dados secundários, entrevistas semi-estruturadas com informantes-chave e observação participante da paisagem rural, unidades produtivas, e das práticas e trajetórias, incluindo registro fotográfico. O referencial teórico utilizado fornece aportes para tratar a experiência local na perspectiva de uma dinâmica de DR que ocorre no nível micro, metodologicamente definida como um espaço protegido de desenvolvimento da pecuária familiar, posicionada sob condicionantes estruturais mais amplos e influentes compostos pelos regimes sociotécnicos prevalentes e paisagens sociotécnicas. Apesar da consolidação e maior estruturação dos níveis elevados, existe interdependência e mutua interação entre o que acontece nos níveis micro e macro. Quanto à gestão identificam-se três alinhamentos principais na rede rural: infraestrutura e qualidade de vida; melhoria genética dos animais e do manejo do campo e dos rebanhos; e agregação de valor e governabilidade dos mercados. Avalia-se que apesar dos alinhamentos notáveis existem dissensos e incongruências. Mesmo nos alinhamentos de estratégias e expectativas mais vigorosos que ocorrem em melhoramento genéticos dos ovinos e bovinos; criação de novos mercados; e na percepção do campo nativo como um recurso valioso, produtivo e barato, acontecem incongruências importantes. As transformações mais marcantes do DR são identificadas como: novidades; práticas e trajetórias em governabilidade dos mercados; aspectos atinentes à sustentabilidade e endogeneidade; e questões relativas à dimensão social da rede rural. Nesta tese, os agricultores familiares que se dedicam à pecuária são avaliados como capazes de conciliar de maneira proveitosa a conservação e o uso sustentável dos recursos forrageiros nativos, enfatizando o caráter multifuncional dos seus estilos de agricultura baseados, primordialmente, em recursos da natureza, em co-produção e co-evolução. Apesar desta destacada característica positiva, deficiências em capacitação, práticas de manejo e intensificação no emprego de alguns insumos exógenos industriais modernos impedem que estes impactos positivos sejam mais fortes sobre o ambiente e sociedade. No final, são tecidas considerações sobre possíveis estratégias e políticas públicas para o aprimoramento da experiência local, as quais se esperam possam servir também em outros casos e situações. / This thesis aims to investigate local management and significant features of rural development in family beef cattle breeders’ communities in the municipalities of São Jerônimo, Butiá and surroundings, Central South region of RS. In this thesis, the dynamics of rural development in the family livestock are understood as transitional or counter-current movements to the consolidation and deepening of conventional agriculture seated on parameters of the modern technical-scientific paradigm. In the studied reality, family beef cattle breeders were elevated from a marginalized and peripheral position to a central segment condition in the rural development web, reassessed for their social, environmental and economic importance in the relationship they establish with the local and regional society and native grassland ecosystems of the Rio Grande do Sul State, currently heavily impacted by degradation processes. Understanding RD as a transitional or counter-current movement this thesis uses analytical and methodological components provided by Multilevel Perspective, particularly the Strategic Management Niche, and the elements to think contemporary rural development, such as its multilevel character, the notion of multidimensional rural web, multifunctional agriculture and role of peasant farmers. Methodological procedures are performed through literature review, secondary data collection, semi-structured interviews to key informants and participant observation of countrysides, farms, and practices and trajectories. The theoretical framework utilized provides contributions to treat local experience in a dynamic perspective of RD occurring at the micro level, methodologically defined as a development niche of family farming, positioned under broader and more influential structural constraints, such as prevalent socio-technical regimes and socio-technical landscape. Despite the consolidation and greater structuring of the higher levels, there is interdependence and mutual interaction between what happens at micro and macro levels. Related to management there are three major alignments in the rural web: infrastructure and quality of life; genetic improvement of livestock and of natural grassland and domestic flocks management; the adding value and governability of markets. It’s considered that even though the notable alignments there are disagreements and inconsistencies as well. Even in the alignments most vigorous strategies and expectations, such as genetic improvement of sheep and cattle; creation of new markets, and in perception of natural pasture as valuable, productive and cheap resource, there are important inconsistencies. The most striking changes of RD are identified as: novelties; governability of markets; aspects referent to sustainability and endogeneity; and issues relating to social dimension of rural web. In this thesis, family farmers dedicated to livestock are assessed as able to reconcile profitably conservation and sustainable use of natural forage resource, emphasizing the multifunctionality of their farming styles based primarily on natural resources, on co-production and co-evolution. Despite this remarkable positive feature, deficiencies in training, management practices, and increased use of some modern industrial exogenous inputs prevent these positive impacts to be stronger on the environment and society. In the end, considerations are made about possible strategies and public policies for the improvement of local experience, which are expected to be also used in other cases and situations.

Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul / With the objective to evaluate the effect of local application of herbicides in grassland vegetation to control of alecrim do campo, was conducted a study in 2006/07 in a private property, located in district of Santa Flora municipality of Santa Maria, physiographic region of the Depressão Central of Rio Grande do Sul. The experimental design was a split plot arranged in blocks with three replications in a factorial arrangement of (5x3)+1, five herbicides with three doses and the control. The plots corresponded to the herbicides, been located the doses in zero; 360 +96; 720 +192 and 1080 +288 g ha-1 of acid equivalent (a. e.) of 2.4-D + picloran; zero; 1005, 2010 and 3015 g ha -1 of the a. e. of 2.4 D; zero; 720; 1440 and 2160 g ha-1 of a. e. of triclopyr; zero; 90 +90; 180 +180 and 270 +270 g ha-1 of a. e. of 2.4 D + picloran and zero; 120 +120; 240 +240 and 360 +360 g ha-1 of a. e. fluroxipir + picloran. The subplots were composed by 8 tables arranged on a flat line, where were made a survey prior to application, one 60 and another 353 days after application (DAA). For the herbicides application were used a "Chemical Applicator." The results showed that all herbicides had significant difference in reducing the number of stems of alecrim do campo in relation to the control, and there was no significant difference between the herbicides. All herbicides showed a significant difference in reducing the abundance of alecrim do campo from the field, in relation to the control in 60 and 353 DAA. In the first survey there was no significant difference between treatments in relation to the average heights of alecrim do campo stems. In the third survey, 353 DAA, the herbicide fluroxipir + picloran located in dose 360+360 g e.a ha-1 showed a greater reduction in height. / Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da aplicação localizada de herbicidas na vegetação campestre, para controle do alecrim do campo, foi realizado um estudo de 2006/07 em uma propriedade particular, no distrito de Santa Flora situado no município de Santa Maria, região fisiográfica da Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul. O delineamento experimental foi em parcelas subdivididas dispostas em blocos ao acaso com três repetições, em um arranjo fatorial de (5x3)+1, sendo cinco herbicidas em três doses mais testemunha. As parcelas corresponderam aos herbicidas, sendo locadas as doses 0; 360+96; 720+192 e 1080+288 g ha - 1 do equivalente ácido (e. a.) de 2,4-D+picloran; 0; 1005; 2010 e 3015 g e.a. ha -1 de 2,4-D; 0; 720; 1440 e 2160 g e.a. ha -1 de triclopyr; 0; 90+90; 180+180 e 270+270 g e.a. ha -1 de. 2,4- D+picloran e 0; 120+120; 240+240 e 360+360 g e.a. ha -1 de fluroxipir+picloran e a testemunha. As sub-parcelas foram compostas por 8 quadros dispostos sobre uma transecta fixa, onde se fez um levantamento anterior a aplicação, outro 60 dias após aplicação (DAA) e um 353 DAA. Para a aplicação dos herbicidas, foi usado um Aplicador Químico . Os resultados mostraram que todos herbicidas tiveram diferença significativa na redução no número de hastes de alecrim em relação à testemunha, e não houve diferença significativa entre os herbicidas. Todos herbicidas apresentaram diferença significativa na redução da abundância do alecrim do campo, em relação à testemunha aos 60 e 353 DAA. No primeiro levantamento não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos em relação à média das alturas de hastes de alecrim do campo. No terceiro levantamento, 353 DAA, o herbicida fluroxipir+picloran locado na dose 360+360 g e.a ha-1 apresentou maior redução na altura.

Esta tese objetiva investigar a gestão local e as características significativas do desenvolvimento rural em comunidades de pecuaristas familiares nos municípios de São Jerônimo, Butiá e arredores, região Centro Sul do RS. Nesta tese, as dinâmicas do desenvolvimento rural na pecuária familiar são compreendidas como movimentos de transição ou contracorrente à marcha de consolidação e aprofundamento da agricultura convencional assentada em parâmetros do paradigma técnico-científico moderno. Na realidade estudada os pecuaristas familiares foram elevados da posição de marginalizados e periféricos à condição de segmento central na rede rural de desenvolvimento, reavaliados pela sua importância social, ambiental e econômica na relação que estabelecem com a sociedade local e regional, e com os ecossistemas campestres riograndenses, atualmente fortemente impactados por processos de degradação. Entendendo o DR como um movimento transicional e contracorrente esta tese utiliza componentes analítico-metodológicos fornecidos pela Perspectiva Multinível-PMN, em especial a ferramenta Gestão Estratégica de Nicho-GEN, e os elementos para pensar o desenvolvimento rural contemporâneo, tais como o seu caráter multinível, a noção de rede rural multidimensional, a multifuncionalidade da agricultura e o papel dos agricultores camponeses. Os procedimentos metodológicos são realizados através de revisão bibliográfica, coleta de dados secundários, entrevistas semi-estruturadas com informantes-chave e observação participante da paisagem rural, unidades produtivas, e das práticas e trajetórias, incluindo registro fotográfico. O referencial teórico utilizado fornece aportes para tratar a experiência local na perspectiva de uma dinâmica de DR que ocorre no nível micro, metodologicamente definida como um espaço protegido de desenvolvimento da pecuária familiar, posicionada sob condicionantes estruturais mais amplos e influentes compostos pelos regimes sociotécnicos prevalentes e paisagens sociotécnicas. Apesar da consolidação e maior estruturação dos níveis elevados, existe interdependência e mutua interação entre o que acontece nos níveis micro e macro. Quanto à gestão identificam-se três alinhamentos principais na rede rural: infraestrutura e qualidade de vida; melhoria genética dos animais e do manejo do campo e dos rebanhos; e agregação de valor e governabilidade dos mercados. Avalia-se que apesar dos alinhamentos notáveis existem dissensos e incongruências. Mesmo nos alinhamentos de estratégias e expectativas mais vigorosos que ocorrem em melhoramento genéticos dos ovinos e bovinos; criação de novos mercados; e na percepção do campo nativo como um recurso valioso, produtivo e barato, acontecem incongruências importantes. As transformações mais marcantes do DR são identificadas como: novidades; práticas e trajetórias em governabilidade dos mercados; aspectos atinentes à sustentabilidade e endogeneidade; e questões relativas à dimensão social da rede rural. Nesta tese, os agricultores familiares que se dedicam à pecuária são avaliados como capazes de conciliar de maneira proveitosa a conservação e o uso sustentável dos recursos forrageiros nativos, enfatizando o caráter multifuncional dos seus estilos de agricultura baseados, primordialmente, em recursos da natureza, em co-produção e co-evolução. Apesar desta destacada característica positiva, deficiências em capacitação, práticas de manejo e intensificação no emprego de alguns insumos exógenos industriais modernos impedem que estes impactos positivos sejam mais fortes sobre o ambiente e sociedade. No final, são tecidas considerações sobre possíveis estratégias e políticas públicas para o aprimoramento da experiência local, as quais se esperam possam servir também em outros casos e situações. / This thesis aims to investigate local management and significant features of rural development in family beef cattle breeders’ communities in the municipalities of São Jerônimo, Butiá and surroundings, Central South region of RS. In this thesis, the dynamics of rural development in the family livestock are understood as transitional or counter-current movements to the consolidation and deepening of conventional agriculture seated on parameters of the modern technical-scientific paradigm. In the studied reality, family beef cattle breeders were elevated from a marginalized and peripheral position to a central segment condition in the rural development web, reassessed for their social, environmental and economic importance in the relationship they establish with the local and regional society and native grassland ecosystems of the Rio Grande do Sul State, currently heavily impacted by degradation processes. Understanding RD as a transitional or counter-current movement this thesis uses analytical and methodological components provided by Multilevel Perspective, particularly the Strategic Management Niche, and the elements to think contemporary rural development, such as its multilevel character, the notion of multidimensional rural web, multifunctional agriculture and role of peasant farmers. Methodological procedures are performed through literature review, secondary data collection, semi-structured interviews to key informants and participant observation of countrysides, farms, and practices and trajectories. The theoretical framework utilized provides contributions to treat local experience in a dynamic perspective of RD occurring at the micro level, methodologically defined as a development niche of family farming, positioned under broader and more influential structural constraints, such as prevalent socio-technical regimes and socio-technical landscape. Despite the consolidation and greater structuring of the higher levels, there is interdependence and mutual interaction between what happens at micro and macro levels. Related to management there are three major alignments in the rural web: infrastructure and quality of life; genetic improvement of livestock and of natural grassland and domestic flocks management; the adding value and governability of markets. It’s considered that even though the notable alignments there are disagreements and inconsistencies as well. Even in the alignments most vigorous strategies and expectations, such as genetic improvement of sheep and cattle; creation of new markets, and in perception of natural pasture as valuable, productive and cheap resource, there are important inconsistencies. The most striking changes of RD are identified as: novelties; governability of markets; aspects referent to sustainability and endogeneity; and issues relating to social dimension of rural web. In this thesis, family farmers dedicated to livestock are assessed as able to reconcile profitably conservation and sustainable use of natural forage resource, emphasizing the multifunctionality of their farming styles based primarily on natural resources, on co-production and co-evolution. Despite this remarkable positive feature, deficiencies in training, management practices, and increased use of some modern industrial exogenous inputs prevent these positive impacts to be stronger on the environment and society. In the end, considerations are made about possible strategies and public policies for the improvement of local experience, which are expected to be also used in other cases and situations.

Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2017-04-11T15:10:22Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Daniele Silva de Matos.pdf: 1589256 bytes, checksum: 8ef301156825c5a466cc0e713ddbae59 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-04-11T15:10:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Daniele Silva de Matos.pdf: 1589256 bytes, checksum: 8ef301156825c5a466cc0e713ddbae59 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-10-16 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / The objective of this work was to determine the number and genus of ciliate protozoa in the rumen, ruminal fermentation parameters and microbial protein synthesis in sheep raised in the caatinga. The chemical composition of the extrusa, dry matter (CMS), organic matter (CMO), crude protein (CPB), neutral detergent fiber (CFDN) and total digestible nutrients (CNDT), pH, acids Volatile fatty acids, ammonia, estimation of microbial production, renewal time, rate of disappearance of MS, OM and NDF, number and genus of ciliated protozoa of the rumen. The experiment was carried out from September 2004 to July 2005. Ninety castrated Santa Inês sheep were used, with permanent cannulae in the rumen, kept in the caatinga, receiving water and mineral mixture `ad libitum¿. The nutrient intake as a function of live weight and the unit of metabolic size was higher in May 2005, when there was greater forage availability. The mean pH ranged from 7.07 (before feeding) to 6.31 (10 hours post). The mean values ​​for renewal time and disappearance rate did not show a significant difference (P> 0.05) and were 22.56; 22.08 and 21.42 hours and 4.9; 5.0 and 5.1% / h for MS, MO and FDN, respectively. The concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) presented diurnal variation with linear behavior (P <0.05) and during the year of study, being lower in the months of May and July of 2005, however the molar proportion remained practically unchanged, and Was on average 75.0: 18.6: 6.4 for acetate, propionate and butyrate, respectively. The concentrations of ammonia presented linear increases (P <0.05) with the collection time, ranging from 10.53 to 18.24 mg of ammonia / 100 mL of ruminal liquid, before and 10 hours after feeding, respectively. The yield and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis were higher than May 2005, when the ammonia concentration in ruminal fluid was higher. Protozoa of the genera Diplodinium, Diploplastron, Elitroplastron, Entodinium, Enoploplastron, Eodinium, Epidinium, Isotricha, Metadinium, Ophryoscolex and Polyplastron, with predominance of the Entodinium genus (around 90%) were found. Of the subclass Holotricha was registered only the genus Isotricha that represented on average 1.94% of the population. The percentage of protozoa only varied (P <0.05) for the genus Eodinium, being higher in May 2005, which can be justified by the high crude protein content (17.82%) and hemicellulose (18.56% ) In this month. This indicates that, although the average and total number of protozoa vary, the population remained stable throughout the year. Regarding the time of collection, only pH, mean Entodinium concentration and total number of protozoa presented a significant difference (P <0.05), being higher at hour zero. The other genera also presented the same behavior, thus reflecting the stability of the ruminal environment for animals without access to nocturnal feeding. The protozoa of the Entodiniomorpha subclass present a high positive correlation (P <0.05) with the level of total digestible nutrients and crude protein of the diet. This reflects the need, by the microorganism, for energy and protein for synthesis (cell division) and storage. / O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o número e gênero de protozoários ciliados no rúmen, os parâmetros de fermentação ruminal e a síntese de proteína microbiana em ovinos criados na caatinga. Foram determinadas: composição química da extrusa, consumo de matéria seca (CMS), de matéria orgânica (CMO), de proteína bruta (CPB), de fibra em detergente neutro (CFDN) e de nutrientes digestíveis totais (CNDT), pH, ácidos graxos voláteis, amônia, estimativa da produção microbiana, tempo de renovação, taxa de desaparecimento da MS, MO e FDN, número e gênero de protozoários ciliados do rúmen. O experimento foi realizado de setembro de 2004 a julho de 2005. Foram utilizados 05 ovinos mestiços de Santa Inês, castrados, com cânulas permanentes no rúmen, mantidos na caatinga, recebendo água e mistura mineral `ad libitum¿. O consumo de nutrientes em função do peso vivo e da unidade de tamanho metabólico foi maior em maio de 2005, quando houve maior disponibilidade de forragem. O valor médio de pH variou de 7,07 (antes da alimentação) a 6,31 (10 horas após). Os valores médios para tempo de renovação e taxa de desaparecimento não apresentaram diferença significativa (P>0,05) e foram de 22,56; 22,08 e 21,42 horas e de 4,9; 5,0 e 5,1 %/h para MS, MO e FDN, respectivamente. A concentração dos ácidos graxos voláteis (AGV) apresentou variação diurna com comportamento linear (P<0,05) e durante o ano de estudo, sendo mais baixos nos meses de maio e julho de 2005, entretanto a proporção molar permaneceu praticamente inalterada, e foi em média de 75,0:18,6:6,4 para acetato, propionato e butirato, respectivamente. As concentrações de amônia apresentaram aumentos lineares (P<0,05) com o horário de coleta, variando de 10,53 a 18,24 mg de amônia/100 mL de líquido ruminal, antes e 10 horas após a alimentação, respectivamente. O rendimento e eficiência de síntese da proteína microbiana foram maiores de maio de 2005, quando a concentração de amônia no líquido ruminal foi maior. Foram encontrados protozoários dos gêneros Diplodinium, Diploplastron, Elitroplastron, Entodinium, Enoploplastron, Eodinium, Epidinium, Isotricha, Metadinium, Ophryoscolex e Polyplastron, com predominância do gênero Entodinium (em torno de 90%). Da subclasse Holotricha foi registrado somente o gênero Isotricha que representou em média 1,94% da população. A percentagem de protozoários só variou (P<0,05) para o gênero Eodinium, sendo maior em maio de 2005, o que pode ser justificado pelo alto teor de proteína bruta (17,82 %) e de hemicelulose (18,56%) neste mês. Isso indica que, apesar do número médio e total dos protozoários variarem, a população se manteve estável ao longo do ano. Com relação ao horário de coleta, somente o pH, a concentração média do gênero Entodinium e o número total de protozoários apresentaram diferença significativa (P<0,05), sendo maior na hora zero. Os demais gêneros também apresentaram o mesmo comportamento, refletindo assim a estabilidade do ambiente ruminal para animais sem acesso à alimentação noturna. Os protozoários da subclasse Entodiniomorpha apresentam alta correlação positiva (P<0,05) com o nível de nutrientes digestíveis totais e proteína bruta da dieta. Isso reflete a necessidade, pelo microrganismo, de energia e proteína para a síntese (divisão celular) e armazenamento.

Este estudo foi realizado na Fazenda Nhumirim, propriedade da EMBRAPA Pantanal, Nhecolândia, Pantanal do Mato Grosso do Sul. Diante da necessidade do reconhecimento dos elementos do meio ambiente natural, bem como de sua dinâmica, para a busca do equilíbrio ambiental na região, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo estudar a vegetação da Nhecolândia. A Nhecolândia é uma das mais expressivas regiões criatórias de gado de corte do Brasil. As pastagens nativas correspondem a grande variedade de unidades de vegetação, de campos a cerrados. O uso espacial e temporal dessas pastagens por bovinos, sua disponibilidade, qualidade e produtividade pecuária são influenciados pelas condições ambientais, principalmente inundações e precipitações. Para conservação e utilização sustentável dos recursos naturais e pastagens nativas no Pantanal, é de grande importância mapear as principais unidades ambientais, estabelecer unidades de vegetação/pastagens para conhecer as áreas de sobrevivência de espécies de animais, visto que o Pantanal corresponde à uma coleção de ambientes de equilibrio dinâmico frágil; a planície possui declividades baixissimas que provocam um deslocamento extremamente lento das águas, a dinâmica hídrica é particular: as chuvas e os rios abastecem os lençóis freáticos causando inundações; e a alimentação do rebanho baseia-se quase que integralmente em pastagens nativas. Tendo em vista a utilização da vegetação como pastagem, houve necessidade de estudar as relações entre os tipos de vegetação, especialmente as campestres, e seus ambientes de ocorrência. Se fez necessário propor uma classificação para vegetação e mapeamento local das unidades de vegetação, relacionando-a aos ambientes de ocorrência, com vistas à extrapolação para o pantanal da Nhecolândia. A vegetação foi classificada como: Unidade Habitualmente Seca, Unidade Habitualmente Sazonal e Unidade Habitualmente Úmida, as quais apresentam diferenças quanto à preferência pelos bovinos, às características florísticas, fisionômicas e, principalmente quanto a umidade habitual do solo, em função da topografia e das precipitações pluviométricas ao longo do ano. / This work was carried out on Fazenda Nhumirim, owned by EMBRAPA Pantanal, in Nhecolândia, Pantanal (lowlands) of Mato Grosso do Sul. This research aimed to study the vegetation of Nhecolândia to meet the needs of recognizing the elements of the natural environment as well as its dynamics to reach environmental balance in the region. Nhecolândia is one of the most significant beef-cattle raising regions in Brazil. The native pastures correspond to a great variety of vegetation units, from grassland to Brazilian savannahs. The spatial and temporal use of these pastures by cattle, its availability, quality and cattle-raising productivity have been influenced by environmental conditions - mainly floods and rainfall. For conservation and sustainable usage of natural resources in Pantanal, it is of utmost importance to map the main environmental areas, to establish vegetation/pasture units in order to know the animal species survival areas, because Pantanal corresponds to a set of environmental units of fragile dynamics balance - the plain has very low declivities which provoke an extremely slow move of the water, the hydric dynamics is unique: the rains and rivers supply the water tables causing floods; and the cattle feed almost exclusively on native pastures. Bearing in mind the use of the vegetation as pasture, there has been a necessity of studying the relations among the varieties of vegetation, especially the wild ones, and their environment of occurrence. It was necessary to propose a classification for the vegetation and a local mapping of the vegetation units, relating it to the environment of the occurrence, aiming to extend the use of the results to the whole lowlands in Nhecolândia. The vegetation was classified as: Usually Drought Unit, Usually Seasonal Unit and Usually Wet Unit, which presented differences as to preference by cattle, flowering characteristics, physiognomic and, mainly as to usual wetness of the soil, due to topography and rain falls throughout the year.