Análise da pluviometria e do rebanho bovino leiteiro em São Rafael-RN (2011–2020)

Abstract

This study analyzes the impacts of rainfall variability on dairy farming in the municipality of São Rafael, RN, Brazil, between 2011 and 2020. Daily precipitation data from local meteorological stations and official information on the number of milked cows and annual milk production were used. The annual average rainfall was 706.8 mm, with higher concentration in the first half of the year. Only 2012 was classified as very dry, while most years recorded normal or rainy conditions. There was an increase of 90.8% in the number of milked cows and 49.6% in total milk production, but a 21.6% decrease in average productivity per animal. It is concluded that, although there is variability in rainfall distribution, the decade was considered normal for São Rafael, favoring the expansion of the herd and total production, although without proportional gains in individual productivity.