Resumen de FR 41. Intensive production of « Martinik » hair sheep at grazing in Martinique (F.W.I.)

G. Aumont, M. Mahieu, Gisèle Alexandre

• Local hair sheep are the main small ruminants in Martinique (F.W.I.) with more than 37 000 heads. This paper reports an overview of the performances of «Martinik» hair sheep recorded from 1978 to 1996 in an experimental and extension farm belonging to the local council, located in southern dry region of Martinique. The rainfall ranges between 1250 to 1500 mm/year with a marked dry season during 7 months. The reproduction was conducted in 3 mating per 2 years with 3 seasons of mating: dry season (April), mild season (August) and wet season (December). Lambs were weaned at 85 days of age. Two flocks of ewes were reared during 5 years on irrigated or not irrigated grazing systems based on Digitaria decumbens (Dd). The irrigation increased the fertility rate (P