The Baobab database : a tool for modeling small ruminants production and health in traditional farming systems in Senegal

Abstract

A relational database called Baobab was set up in order to facilitate data summarizing and modeling on small ruminants production and health in smallholding farms. It compiles data collected in four sites during a farm monitoring period of 15 years using Panurge information system. The sites were representative of the main agroecological areas in sheep and goat  husbandry. Specific animal data were related to demography, weight increase and health. Other data were recorded at the herd level and concerned farming practices and disease control collective measures. The conceptual data model (cdm) was designed according to the Merise entity-relationship method. The database structure derived from the cdm.  Panurge data were imported into Baobab using checking computer programs. Baobab covers 79,000 surveyed animals, includes 28 tables and takes 50 megabytes. A new application was set up from cdm. It will facilitate entering and use of data issued from individual animal monitoring in settled or transhumant herds. Baobab many applications can be presented along two main lines: 1) reference and summed-up data production that are useful to farmers’ organizations, development projects and help compare countries or agroecological areas among themselves; 2) animal production modeling at the individual level (genetics, epidemiology) or the herd level (population dynamics, decision-making tool).