Histórico & Atuação

History and Activities

The Group of Study on Ruminants and Forragiculture of the Amazon - GERFAM was created in December 2012 by Professor Aníbal Coutinho do Rêgo. With the help of other faculty members from the Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), the group aimed to strengthen, stimulate, and integrate both students and faculty members from UFRA working in the fields of forragiculture and ruminant production. Especially for students, the creation of study groups enhances their self-esteem, and the faculty continually seeks to involve participants in activities related to teaching, research, and/or extension, according to their affinities.

The GERFAM was also conceived with the goal of contributing to the training of higher education professionals at this institution, creating an environment for reflecting on existing theories in the field or on theories derived from research and activities developed within the institution.

Furthermore, the group aims to contribute to the sustainable development of the Amazon in the areas of ruminant nutrition and forragiculture, always working in an integrated manner with these fields. Through monitoring the training of higher education professionals, developing, and sharing technical and scientific knowledge produced at the university, GERFAM has been providing services to society through university extension activities.

Research

GERFAM prioritizes the development of integrated research in the areas of ruminant nutrition/production and forragiculture, focusing its efforts on the sustainable development of the Amazon region, particularly in the state of Pará. Research in the field of forragiculture is aimed at the management, production, and conservation of forage plants used in the Amazon region. Additionally, research on the recovery of degraded pastures is encouraged to intensify the use of existing areas for animal production.

Research in ruminant nutrition/production is primarily conducted in the productive chains of sheep farming, goat farming, cattle farming, and buffalo farming, both for meat and milk. Further research is also carried out on the use of by-products from agroindustries in the Amazon region.

These research efforts are funded and supported by public-private partnerships and project approvals from funding agencies.

Extension

GERFAM promotes Field Days with the purpose of disseminating knowledge and enabling the integration of rural producers, settlers, and communities with the institution, spreading technologies developed at the academy.

The group develops extension projects aimed at local producers to boost sustainable development in the region in areas related to forragiculture and ruminant breeding.

Internal and External Events

Internally, GERFAM is responsible for the restructuring of areas and sectors of the UFRA campus in Belém. The group oversees the management of the campus areas, aiming to simulate the conditions experienced in rural property management.

The group organizes technical trips for its members to farms or agroindustries. The goal of these trips is to strengthen the connection between the university and the productive sector, as well as to acquire knowledge and hands-on experience.

GERFAM regularly hosts technical lectures with speakers from both the institution and external institutions, thus providing opportunities for students to acquire new knowledge. Lecture cycles are organized to spread knowledge among members of the academic community, in addition to encouraging the integration of different campuses of UFRA, with participation from both faculty and students.

Group members are frequently encouraged to participate in external events such as lecture cycles, field days, symposiums, congresses, and scientific exhibitions. Participation in congresses allows the group to present the results of research and other activities carried out annually.

In all events organized by GERFAM, the participation and integration of the group with other existing groups in the institution are encouraged.

And it doesn't stop there...

The creation of this website is a realization of the group that was planned from the moment of its conception and, therefore, a milestone achieved to contribute to the evolution of the work we do. This website allows you, the reader, to follow the development of our completed activities, ongoing projects, and to learn about our goals. With the portal, you will be able to interact with us, participate in our events, and access papers, summaries, and research conducted by us. Be sure to follow our social media and stay informed about the work developed by the group.

Text: Ascom - GERFAM