Suckler herd breeders adaptation, in Limousin area (center France). Changes during ten years (1989-1999)

Abstract

The study presents the evolutions of a sample of suckler herds with Limousin breed over 10 years. This time span correspond to difficult period including last 4 years precedind the first CAP reform to the first BSE cresis and its aftermath.

Five types of situations are presented : i) suckler farmers producing store cattle sold at 7 – 9 months, and in some cases breeding cattle – in two regions which differ in altitude and agronomical potentiel : Plateau de Millevaches (700m) and Moyenne-Corrèze (400 – 600m). ii) suckler farms fattening all their cattle, males, heifers and cows, in areas more adaptated for maize silage and crop (300 – 400m).

This reseach aims at establishing standards for futur projects. It underscores the excellent productivity of the breed, both because of its good calf-crop and its capacity to produce acceptable fattened meat of differents ages, even as yong as 12 to 15 months (not discounting 4 – 5 months old suckling veals). The study also shows the different ways to maximise land use, either occupy in unfavorised hills, or to mainting its high use through intensifying herds and soils at low cost while insuring self sufficiency and low nitrogen level.
The adaptation to the new context created by the second CAP reform and the new BSE crisis is discussed.