poudriere 'make.conf' file

[Jerry]

I am not quite clear on how the poudriere 'make.conf' file is utilized.
Is it used instead of the system '/etc/make.conf' file or is it used in
conjunction with it? If in conjunction, I assume it over rides
conflicting statements.

I am only asking because I am wondering if it is even required that I
use the system 'make.conf' file if I am utilizing poudriere.