Analysis of Cattle Husbandry and Farming Systems Changes in an Algerian Sylvopastoral Area

Abstract

This study analyzed the cattle husbandry role in livestock systems and farms in a forested area of Northeastern Algeria. The study area was a representative sample of Algeria 500,000 ha of cork oak (Quercus suber) forests. It is the wettest region of the country and it hosts the largest portion of Algeria suckling cattle herd. The authors first presented the framework of their study, information sources and animal husbandry types. Then, they developed a method to assess breeding and growth performances. The methodological approach to analyze livestock systems focused on interactions between female breeding profiles, animal genetic types and dynamics of animal body condition, which appeared as a reliable indicator that could be used as a diagnosis tool to control breeding. Comparison of animal husbandry practices with changes in animal body requirements and pastoral resources showed there were periods during the year (socalled saison-pratique) that were essential to analyze the adjustments implemented and their incidence on animal performances. Therefore, this study on the practices and evolution of livestock systems enabled the authors to identify new more relevant and operating categories of livestock systems that better reflected current trajectories. These categories helped produce reference frames that were adapted to the context and which could be used without the need to apply merely intensification paradigms.