Abstract This work aimed to characterize the production system of artisan cheese makers in Currais Novos, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), thereby assessing the existence of a production standard and helping to create a region with a recognized geographical indication. Eleven artisanal cheese makers were visited, and a structured interview was conducted. The results showed that all the cheese makers work with raw milk; they all have a health record, and 64% need to be aware of the specific legislation. They are considered family cheese makers, as the owner or spouse comprises 82% of the production. They have been in business for less than 11 years (54%), and all of them use industrial rennet and add boiling water and salt to make the Coalho cheese. All the establishments use a wood-fired oven to cook the butter cheese in stainless steel pots (75%), and stir it with wooden spatulas (50%). With the right policies and investment, there is room for improvement in the cheese-making system, possible growth, and recognition of the activity as traditional and peculiar. Novos RN, RN , (RN) indication visited conducted milk record 64 legislation 82 1 54%, 54 54% (54%) woodfired wood fired 75%, 75 75% (75%) 50%. 50 50% . (50%) investment cheesemaking making growth peculiar (RN 6 8 5 (54% 7 (75% (50% (54 (75 (50 (5 (7 (

RESUMO: Conhecido como um animal de múltiplas funções, o Equus asinus sempre foi utilizado para diversos fins, tais como entretenimento, cavalgadas, meios de transporte, tração agrícola e produção de leite. Embora os asininos estejam associados a um vasto patrimônio social, cultural, econômico e ecológico, eles perderam importância nas atividades das propriedades rurais, tanto nas economias desenvolvidas dos países europeus como na região Nordeste do Brasil. Não existem estudos específicos de sistemas de produção visando a exploração racional das espécies de asininos no Brasil. Novas perspectivas para o uso do asno na região semiárida brasileira através da indústria leiteira despertou o interesse científico e o interesse dos investidores. O asinino, aliado ao baixo custo de produção e à rusticidade da espécie, tem a capacidade de contribuir para a economia com produtos de alto valor biológico e características terapêuticas. Assim, esta revisão forneceu uma visão ampla do asinino criado no Nordeste do Brasil, observando suas características e relevância para a região. Os benefícios do leite asinino e a necessidade de promover a produção e comercialização deste leite na cadeia produtiva do leite também serão discutidos.

ABSTRACT: Known as an animal of multiple functions, the Equus asinus has always been used for various purposes, such as entertainment, horseback riding, means of transport, agricultural traction and dairy farming. Although, donkeys are associated with a vast heritage of social, cultural, economic and ecological importance, they have lost their importance in the activities of rural properties, both in the developed economies of European countries and in the Northeast region of Brazil. Specific studies of production systems aimed rational exploitation of the donkey species in Brazil do not exist. New perspectives for the use of donkey in the Brazilian semiarid region through the dairy industry has aroused scientific interest and the interest of investors. The donkey, allied to the low production costs and rusticity of the species, has the capacity to contribute to the economy with products of high biological value and therapeutic characteristics. Thus, this review provided a broad view of the donkey bred in the Northeast of Brazil, observing its characteristics and relevance for the region. The benefits of donkey milk and the need to promote the production and marketing of this milk in the dairy production chain will also be discussed.