Resumen de SE 01. Critical analysis of grazing systems in antillean tropics
Gisèle Alexandre, H. Archimède, G. Aumont, Maryline Boval
The Caribbean are caracterised by limited rural zone, familial and mixed small farm units. Researchers and extension agents have promoted animal production improvement via forage intensification. It is based on technical choices frequently unadapted to the farming systems prevailing in the regions. Intensified grazing systems increase gastrointestinal parasitism impact, lead to herbage mass in excess and thus to bad management conditions and induce long term negative effects on the flimsy tropical ecosystem. A new research approach is proposed. It takes into account regional development objectives (needs for animal output improvement) as well as farmer’s circumstances (adapted technology tranfer). Two experimental models are described in the French Antilles case: grazing systems with small ruminants and comparison of native and exogenous pastures. They are focused on optimization of grazing systems, modelisation of animal utilisation and on gastro-intestinal parasitism. Ecological impact and technico-economical results will be considered in these grazing systems.
