Original outputs on the “male effect”, an agro-ecological technique to control sheep and goat reproduction, as a consequence of long-term

Abstract

Hormonal control of estrus in sheep and goats has encountered a tremendous success in farms of industrial countries. Their costs are supported by the added value of milk production and increase the genetic merit provided by artificial insemination associated with hormonal synchronization. On the contrary, small ruminant breeders from the developing world cannot benefit from these technologies; a part of the scientific programs within these countries are based on more sustainable techniques, such as the “male effect” which does not require anything except animal management. In France, the interest of professionals for the male effect has been limited to those engaged in organic farming. For 30 years, scientific programs of cooperation between Tunisia, Mexico and France have provided a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying the females’ response to the male effect and the adapted conditions of its utilization. They produced numerous publications and allowed the development of sustainable techniques now adopted by Tunisian and Mexican farmers. The recent emergence of environmental concerns has changed the point of view of French professionals, nowadays more concerned by sustainability. The information coming from these international programs can now be used in France and Europe to develop alternative techniques to hormonal treatments.