Ação de extensão universitária na disciplina de Forragicultura – diagnóstico local e intervenção sobre a utilização de plantas forrageiras na pecuária urbana

The objective of this report was to describe and reflect on a university extension experience in the discipline of Forage Culture and Native Plants carried out in an urban livestock farm in the municipality of Cabedelo-PB. The extension action was developed in two stages: the first was a local diagnosis and the second was an intervention. The local diagnosis was carried out through a visit, in which it was verified that the breeder lives and works with his wife, and that their main activity is dairy cattle farming. The breeding system developed on the property was intensive, mainly due to the limitation of space on the property and the lack of place for the animals to graze. The property has plantations of four cultivars of elephant grass, namely: Roxo, BRS Capiaçu, Mineirão and Gramafonte, and the breeder also uses some organic waste to feed his animals. It was verified that zootechnical records were carried out based on notes in a notebook, on milk production, controlled matings and birth of all animals. The breeder reported that he does not have access to technical assistance or monitoring by the agricultural defense. The intervention was carried out through the production of a video of an interview with a professional zootechnician, in which the main aspects of the local diagnosis were addressed. The interview emphasized the use of the BRS capiaçu cultivar, as it is a plant with greater production and is suitable for urban contexts with limited space. The implementation of legumes, gliricidia and moringa, was also suggested. It was concluded that urban livestock farming is impacted by urbanization and that food management is impaired. The dialogue and information constructed through the visit and presentation of the video to the breeder were important for improvements in livestock farming.