Sustainable feeding system

Objectives:  Development of a sustainable feed systems, based mainly on local feed resources and halophytes                     

We aim to characterize local feed resources at the three locations to reduce external inputs in the HaloSheep agroecosystem and to develop a sustainable feed system.  Four tasks are proposed, four partners are involved: ISA, AUA, MAKU and ELGO-VRI                

T2.1. Characterization of local feed resources (TRL 3-4) |[M2-M12] (ISA, MAKU, AUA)

T2.1.1. Inventory of local resources: An inventory during the different seasons will be made for local feed resources (legumes, cereals, by-products, crop wastes..) at the three locations (K, CA and BY). Data concerning the availability and the use of feed resources will be collected from surveys realized in WP3, with farmers and from surveys with agro-food units. Breeder associations, development organizations (OEP, in the case of Tunisia, …..) will collaborate to recuperate maximum data.

T2.2.2 Chemical composition and nutritive value: In the three locations, collected feed resources will be characterized for their chemical composition and feed value. Chemical composition (DM, Ash, CP, NDF, ADF…), mineral composition and secondary compounds (polyphenols, condensed tannins, flavonoids..) will be determined using reference methods. Digestibility will be evaluated using the in vitro gaz production method described by Menke and Steingass (1988).

T2.2. Characterization of nutritive value of pastoral resources (TRL 3-4) [M2-M21]

T2.2.1. Grazing behavior: A grazing behavior study will be done at each location, in the sites used for flora diversity study and valorized by pilot farms. The grazing behavior study was performed, using accelerometer and GPS tracker collars. Eight animals will be used. Flora composition of which is really taken by animals during grazing will be determined, based on data of WP1 and, using the method of Guerin et al (1987) to evaluate the most palatable species.

T2.2.2. Pasture chemical composition and nutritive value. In vivo digestibility trials will be done in the pilot farms, while the grazing behavior. Digestibility will be measured using internal markers (AIA). Samples will be taken for chemical composition analysis. Samples of the more frequent (WP1) and palatable species will be analyzed to evaluate chemical composition (DM, Ash, CP, NDF, ADF…), mineral composition and secondary compounds (polyphenols, condensed tannins, flavonoids..). Secondary compounds will be analyzed by the UNILEON (T 5.3). Digestibility of these species will be assessed in vitro using the in vitro gas production method described by Menke and Steingass (1988).

T 2.3. Data basis conception (TRL 5-6) [M22-M28] (ISA) A complete data basis characterizing feeds and pastoral resources of the south Mediterranean saline area (chemical composition, secondary compounds, nutritive value ..) will be designed and will be available for farmers and for development organizations.

T2.4 Best practices for a more sustainable feeding system based on the valorization of halophytes and local resources (TRL 5-6) [M15-M30] (ISA, MAKU, AUA) Based on data obtained in WP 1 and WP2, different scenarï of feed calendars will be proposed. The purpose is to better valorize halophytes and local feed resources. The availability of pastoral resources and the risk of overgrazing as well as the availability of local feed resources during the different seasons will be considered. Considering animal needs, feed values, antinutritional factors, pastoral resources availability, rations will be proposed. Depending on results of WP1, scenari for better grazing management will be proposed (grazing period, number of animals/ha, rotation, improving with local halophytes...). Technical sheets will be available for farmers, organizations development, breeders associations.