Traditional small ruminant rearing system in Senegal. I. Animal management and husbandry practices by livestock owners in the Kolda area

Abstract

The authors present some results of the programme on « small ruminant pathology and productivity raised in their traditional environment » (ISRA, IEMVT-CIRAD). On the basis of these results, an analysis of small ruminant rearing practices and strategies in the Kolda area was made. The methodology is based upon field surveys and statistical analyses of microeconomical data gathered in course of a weekly follow-up of 160 compound or concession herds over a 3-year period. The survey has oriented the data processing method which in turn has raised new questions and created new inquires among participants. The authors then describe small ruminant rearing conditions in their natural environment: Sudano-guinean zone, human background (small Fulani villages) and production systems where mixed-farming is highly developed. The authors expose the rearing and management practices for small ruminants. Animal ranch freely during the dry season and they are generally tied to the stakes to graze over the rainy period. The feed supplementations are low and there productive conditions poorly managed. The aim of the small ruminant rearing (traditional and feast slaughtering, summonable saving in case of necessity by means of exchange or barter, or by money bargain, and progressive capitalization through barting of sheep and goats in exchange of cattle) are illustrated by the results of this survey.