Análise de viabilidade na implementação de confinamento no sistema free-stall – estudo de caso

Abstract

This work consisted of a study conducted on a family-owned rural property located in Nova Erechim, Santa Catarina, Brazil, which engages in dairy production. The objective was to analyze the feasibility of transitioning from a semi-intensive to an intensive free-stall system, considering the productive and financial impacts resulting from this transition. The methodology was qualitative, employing exploratory, descriptive, and comparative procedures. It involved identifying and describing the property's current data and presenting the productive and financial evolution resulting from the projected implementation of the free-stall system, thus allowing for a comparative analysis of the alternative's viability. The study consisted of presenting data from 2024 (the last year in the semi-intensive system) and outlining projections for farm management over the following three years, the period of full implementation of the intended system, with a total investment of R$5,594,669.00. The results demonstrated positive evolution in financial and productivity indicators, as well as the maintenance of the other productive indicators analyzed. The projections of results and cash flow, considering the financing of the investment, indicated a positive Net Present Value (NPV), an attractive Internal Rate of Return (IRR), a relatively low payback period, and increasing profitability compared to current parameters, rising from 4.41% in 2024 to 23,69% in 2027 an accumulated 62,32% on the initial investment of the project. This is also verified when analyzing the return per animal and per liter, demonstrating productive gains not only due to scale but also due to productivity improvements. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a trend towards greater zootechnical stability, better sanitary control indices, and improved nutritional outcomes. It was concluded, therefore, that the adoption of the free-stall system proved to be viable and advantageous, representing a promising strategy for the sustainability and competitiveness in the case analyzed, provided it is accompanied by technical planning and efficient management.