Animal housing in hot climates : a multidisciplinary view

Since energy balance, thermoregulation and environmental aspects of "high producingdairy cows" were thoroughly studied (Brody, 1945; Flatt et al., 1969; Berman et al., 1985),the high producing dairy cow more than doubled production with a body weight increase of about 10-20% which imposed a three fold increase of heat increment (Kadzer et al., 2002).There is an apparent world wide lack of realization that changes in the physical and geneticconstitution of cows may have affected their thermoregulatory capability in hot climate forexample, blood plasma fluctuation in volume and constituents (Maltz et al, 1994); as wellas how they cope with heat stress (Kadzer et al., 2002). As a result, research inthermoregulation in relation to housing facilities and cooling management falls behind(except for few exceptions seen below) the aggressive selection for increased productionthat livestock undergoes as well as changes in technology and housing materials. Therefore,most of the improvements in this area are farmers and designers initiatives based oncommon sense and experience.peer-reviewe

Le savoir traditionnel en élevage : un obstacle ou une source d’innovation ?

National audienceLa table ronde qui clôture ce séminaire est organisée pour discuter si le savoir traditionnel en élevage est un obstacle ou une source d’innovation. Je vous suggère de commencer cette discussion par une présentation du «savoir traditionnel», puis chacun des présidents des différentes sessions mobilisera les principaux acquis des sessions pour nourrir cette discussion: M. le professeur ZERVAS est interpellé sur les relations entre tradition et innovation en termes d’efficacité technique des systèmes de productions et des filières, le Dr BRUNORI sur la gestion des connaissances et des processus d’innovation et enfin le Dr FAYE sur les relations entre demande sociale et secteur de l’élevage. Pour finir, Jean-Pierre BOUTONNET nous apportera sa vision de l’articulation innovation-tradition et conclura cette table ronde

Local breeds into technical and cultural stakes : the case of Oulmès cattle breed from Morocco

International audienc

Local breeds into technical and cultural stakes : the case of Oulmès cattle breed from Morocco

International audienc

L’arganeraie et l’élevage caprin, quelles interactions entre la chèvre et l’arbre et quel impact sur l’éco-système ?

International audienc

L’arganeraie et l’élevage caprin, quelles interactions entre la chèvre et l’arbre et quel impact sur l’éco-système ?

International audienc

Qualification par l’origine de la viande bovine locale au Maroc : Obstacles et perspectives de valorisation

International audienc

Qualification par l’origine de la viande bovine locale au Maroc : Obstacles et perspectives de valorisation

International audienc

Resilience of the pastoral component of Moroccan small ruminant systems in mountain areas

International audienceSmall ruminant farming is the main rural occupation in mountain areas of Morocco. This activity is subject to numerous pressures, including repeated climatic hazards that modify pastoral resource availability and trigger changes in production systems. This study aimed to identify and analyse changes in availability and utilisation of pastoral resources acknowledged by farmers over the past 40 years for the small ruminant farming systems of the Central High Atlas region of Morocco. We hypothesised, on the basis of previous research, that resilience of the pastoral component of such systems increases with elevation. We interviewed 50 farmers in three municipalities of Azilal province, at moderate (800-1400 m), medium (1400-1800 m) and high (1800-3000 m) elevations. In the 1970-1980s, pastoral resources were abundant and mobile flocks grazed collective rangelands. Subsequently, repeated droughts and the increased stock numbers promoted by agricultural policies led to the deterioration of resource abundance and quality, especially palatable plants. At moderate elevations, wooded areas and phytomass declined; erosion occurred at high elevations. Traditional systems diversified by including agricultural activities. At moderate elevations, livestock farming intensified, with the adoption of a productive breed, concentrate distribution and the grazing of fallow land. Currently, flock mobility is limited and rangelands provide less than 60% of sheep requirements. At high elevations, the pastoral component persisted at the cost of a diversification of pastoral areas and greater flock mobility. Rangelands are still collectively managed and provide almost 90% of sheep requirements. Since rangelands remain a major feed source, changes in pastoral resources can be considered as a major driver of change in livestock systems. The sustainability of small ruminant farming systems at these elevations thus depends on the conservation of rangeland