Assessment of the dairy chain sustainability through best management practices Brazil’s programs
Abstract
This study aimed to assess six primary Best Management Practices programs
implemented in Brazil concerning the sustainability of the dairy chain. This assessment was
based on the measures outlined in the FAO & IDF Guide to Good Dairy Farming Practices. The
six programs analyzed included the Safe Food Program, the Good Practices for Sustainability,
the Good Practices on the Farm, the Quality Milk Production, the Educampo, and the Full Bucket
programs. The characteristics of each program were categorized into six areas: animal health,
milking hygiene, nutrition (food and water), animal welfare, environment, and socioeconomic
management. Each category was further divided into subcategories. Qualitative data from the
programs were converted into quantitative responses and subjected to statistical analysis.
The results revealed that the Safe Food Program was the only one that demonstrated a strong
alignment with the Guide across all categories. The Good Practices for Sustainability Program
and the Good Practices on the Farm Program exhibited medium to high correspondence with the
Guide. However, they both require significant improvements in animal welfare. Additionally, the
Good Practices on the Farm Program needs enhancements in the environmental management
category. The Quality Milk Production Program showed low alignment with the Guide, indicating
a need for extensive improvements in nutrition (food and water), animal welfare, environmental
practices, and socioeconomic management. The Educampo and Full Bucket programs exhibited
very low correspondence with the Guide, requiring substantial enhancements in all categories
except for socioeconomic management. Consequently, these two programs are best utilized as
supplementary initiatives alongside more established programs, such as the Safe Food Program,
the Good Practices for Sustainability Program, or the Good Practices on the Farm Program,
effectively addressing important socioeconomic management gaps.
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