Multiple services provided by agroforestry fatty liver production systems : the example of the geese/walnut association in Périgord

Abstract

Livestock provides many services in the territories in which it is established and it is interesting to be able to perceive them in their entirety. The objective of this study was to qualify the multiple contributions of agroforestry fatty liver production systems, taking as an example the association of geese/walnuts in Périgord. The conceptual framework used was that proposed by Ryschawy et al (2015). The data came from 1) biological measurements (tree growth or fruit production, animal behavior, biodiversity) or soil data (soil fertility) carried out on adult geese raised on outdoor areas of walnut trees aged between 7 and 11 years and 2) data from the literature, for the other dimensions. Our analysis shows that the breeding of geese for foie gras production on outdoor walnut areas is of mutual benefit since the shade provided by walnut trees is very appreciated by animals, while the droppings of the geese fertilize the trees, which increases their growth and their fruit production without altering their sanitary quality. This association provides services by i) of suppling the production of relative moderate amounts of foie gras, goose meat, walnut wood, walnuts and co-products (goose down and fat, walnut stain and shell); ii) preserving environmental quality by upgrading co-products in animal feed (77 t/year) and preserving soil fertility; iii) improving heritage and life quality through high added value products (AOC Noix du Périgord, goose of Périgord brand) and preserving gastronomic and cultural heritage iv) favoring territorial vitality through employment and a contribution to agro-tourism. It also has negative aspects (environmental impacts, social acceptability of gavage and health risks). This work shows that the benefits of the goose/walnut association are much broader than the technical and economic interests that justified them.