Importance of PPGCA in the regional and national context

PPGCA is a program that constantly meets the demands of the region in which it is located, training professionals with the profile demanded by the market and conducting research with important results for the economy and sustainable development. It has sought to value regional natural resources considering heterogeneous animal models in terms of animal health, the potential in genetic resources from a macro and microsystemic perspective (e.g., ruminants, birds, turkeys, pigs, dogs, cats, wild animals, laboratory animals, fungi, bacteria, viruses), the development of animal feed, and the quality of animal-origin foods.

The PPGCA's scope encompasses characteristics specific to biomes of global importance. The cerrado biome, which includes the state of Goiás and its adjacent borders, has relevant particularities that deserve attention on a national level. Aware of this, PPGCA constantly works on research, dissemination, and valorization of Brazilian local breeds, such as the Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro cattle, as well as endangered cerrado animals like the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), and the use of cerrado plants and fruits for medicinal purposes, such as barbatimão (Stryphnodendron sp) and pequi (Caryocar brasiliense). It is important to highlight that PPGCA is part of the Pró-Centro-Oeste Postgraduate, Research, and Innovation Network and various other research projects that require final actions with the community. These extension activities are linked to projects in the area of health and animal production involving family farming, rural settlements, and traditional communities, such as the Kalunga Historical and Cultural Site and the largest quilombola community in the country.

Additionally, the state of Goiás has favorable topography, climate, geographical location, and population density—both human and animal—for research and the qualification of professionals in agribusiness. The Central-West region has been continuously advancing its agro-industrial park and benefiting from the new economic orientation resulting from the shift of poles from the South and Southeast to the center and north of the country. PPGCA has trained human resources capable of developing solutions for regional and national demands. For these reasons, investments in the qualification of professionals who will work in this market, the generation of applicable knowledge to local conditions, and technological innovation are not neglected or considered less important than those in other fields of knowledge."